- Wedding Guest Attire
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Ashley Jimenez
Ashley Jimenez
Ashley joined the team in April 2023, with over six years of experience in multicultural beauty and wellness editorial.
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Updated on 01/03/24 03:55PM
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The time has finally come to buy a new suit. Whether it's for a job interview, a big event or—the biggest event—your own wedding, buying a new suit is a highly personal and sometimes intimidating experience. But fear not; with a little preparation, shopping with a recommended online retailer can take out the guesswork and ease the stress. Before you start browsing, you need to make sure your measurements are correct, first and foremost. Even the smallest discrepancy can affect how a suit looks on you, which can then distort your true size range on the retail site or result in an ill-fitting made-to-measure suit. Second, determine what dress code your suit needs to comply with. Are you shopping for a suit to wear to a beach wedding, or are you dressing up for a fancy dinner? These considerations and more can determine the entire makeup of your suit, from material and color to fit and style. Once these details are nailed down, you can start your search online. Sale Alert We researched the best places to buy a suit online, consulting with menswear stylist and fashion expert, Peter Nguyen. We considered price range, size, range, return, and shipping policy as well as each retailer's reputation. After narrowing down our selections, we landed on the following best in show suit retailers. In This Article Our Picks Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Brides We crowned Nordstrom as our best online suit retailer overall because it scores high marks in multiple areas and features lots of elevated styles. Not only does the retailer carry a wide array of suit styles and colors, it also offers a range of price points, from more budget-friendly options like Topman, River Island, and Asos to high-end suiting ateliers such as Canali, BOSS, and Emporio Armani. The site is fast and easy to navigate, and you can filter your search by size, color, brand, fit, price, and even material. The retailer is also known for its generous return policy and even offers free tailoring. So if you order a suit online and it ends up needing a bit of tweaking, you can take it to your local Nordstrom free of charge. Price Range: $-$$$ | Size Range: 34R-56R, 35S-46S, 38L-54L, 44XL-52XL | Shipping: Free shipping within the United States and Puerto Rico | Return Policy: “We handle returns on a case-by-case basis with the ultimate goal of making our customers happy.” While shopping for clothes on Amazon may feel overwhelming at times, there are a lot of reasons why the site is a great place to find suits. Not only does Amazon sell more than 2,000 two- and three-piece suit options, the site also has a comprehensive set of filters to make it easy to narrow down your choices based on your size, preferred brands, colors, style features and even reviews. The most valuable perks, however, are for Prime members. Prime customers get free shipping, easy returns and Amazon’s free Try Before You Buy feature, which allows you to select up to six different items for a seven-day try-on period and only pay for what you keep. If you've ever shopped for a suit before, you know how critical it is to see the fit in person, and how much variation there can be from suit-to-suit, so this is an invaluable feature for those who the perfect fit below bespoke price points. Price Range: $-$$ | Size Range: 26-44 (standard), 42-66 (big and tall) | Shipping: Free two-day shipping on eligible items for Prime members; non-Prime items vary in shipping times and prices | Return Policy: Free returns on most items within 30 days SuitSupply is usually the first place Nguyen looks when finding a suit for a client. “They have a huge variety of styles, from classic suits to more contemporary, casual suit styles,” he says. “They also offer a ton of different sizes so you can find a suit for your body type, whether you're tall and lanky or short and stocky.” Their sizing range extends from XXS to 4XL in short, long, and regular pant lengths. Not sure what inseam to order? SuitSupply has you covered. The company has a highly detailed size chart specific to each style, so you can easily find the right inseam length for the suit you want based on your height. Another major perk: delivery can be as quick as one business day if you order an off-the-rack suit (depending on where you live). On the other hand, if you want to design your own custom suit from scratch, or modify one of SuitSupply's styles to match your fashion sense, the company offers customization on nearly every suit style. Price Range: $$$ | Size Range: XXS-4XL (short, regular, tall); custom sizes available | Shipping: Free shipping | Return Policy: Free returns within 30 days of delivery (including custom-made items) Also recommended by Nguyen, Proper Cloth is a made-to-order suit brand that offers virtual consultations, which means a specialist on their team can walk you through how to measure yourself for a suit. “From there, they build a fit profile for you, allowing you to order a suit in your exact size,” he explains. “If anything needs tweaking, they'll alter the measurements and reorder it for you free of charge.” However, it’s worth noting that made-to-measure orders can take longer than pre-made suits. “The only con is that it does take four to six weeks for the custom items to come in, so only use this option if you're not in a rush,” Nguyen says. Price Range: $$-$$$ | Size Range: Custom | Shipping: Free shipping on all orders over $200; items take an average of one to four weeks for delivery | Return Policy: Must be returned within 90 days of the purchase date for a full refund to original payment method and within 120 days for store credit; each customer is entitled to two remakes per item, free of charge iTailor is the best option if you’re looking for a custom suit on a budget. Nowhere else can you order a hand-made custom suit online for $199—an insanely great value for something that’s made specifically for your body. The choices are yours, from fabric and cut to colors and any accents that suit your style, like elbow patches or contrasting lapels and pockets. The catch here is that the brand does not accept returns—unless there is a production error, the sale is final. Price Range: $-$$ | Size Range: Custom | Shipping: Dependent on order | Return Policy: No returns or refunds unless a production error has been made Black Lapel offers really sharp-looking suits, which are custom-made to the measurements you provide. The site makes suit shopping less intimidating, laying out details about each style so you don’t have to question things like a specific suit’s seasonality or breathability. Once you choose your style, the site seamlessly takes you through customizable design details to make your creation exactly what you want. One caveat is that you need to have an account with the brand (which is free to set up) before seeing the customization options and associated prices (the base price for each suit is visible to those without an account). Price Range: $$$-$$$$ | Size Range: Custom | Shipping: Free shipping; delivery within 4-6 weeks of purchase | Return Policy: No returns as custom garment sales are final; however, the brand offers alteration reimbursements for your local tailor or free alterations at its NYC store European suits are typically more tailored and slim-fitting than American suits. If this is the style you’re looking for, we recommend Charles Tyrwhitt, a London-based brand that’s been on the scene for more than three decades. The brand aims to bring timeless suiting to the masses with approachable price points, great customer service, and “a pinch of British charm," according to Charles Tyrwhitt's site. You can first select suits based on utility (for example, occasion, tuxedos, or business suits), and from there browse the available options. While the brand doesn’t offer custom suits, it does allow you to select a custom inside leg for the pants (also known as an "inseam"), although that adds an extra four business days to the delivery timeline and means you won’t be able to return the custom item (unless there was a manufacturing defect). Price Range: $$-$$$ | Size Range: 30-44 inches (waist), 36-50 inches (chest) | Shipping: $14.95 for basic shipping (8-10 business days) | Return Policy: Free exchanges; $8.95 return shipping charge for returns within six months of purchase date If you're part of a group looking for matching suits (a wedding party, perhaps?), consider Bonobos for a generous group discount. If you are able to book an appointment at one of the Guideshop locations, your group can get a 20 percent discount on the entire order, which can save you some serious cash. During the appointment, you’ll get fitted by an expert, as well. If you’d rather go the online route, Bonobos offers 15 percent off of your first order. Price Range: $$-$$$ | Jacket Size Range: 34R-60R, 38L-60L, 36S-60S (slim, standard, athletic) | Waist Size Range: 28-48 inches | Shipping: Free shipping | Return Policy: Free domestic returns within 45 days of purchase; free exchanges within 90 days Whether you’re looking for casual beach wedding attire or a pinstripe formal fit, Banana Republic has stylish options, affordable price points, and a wide range of sizes. They frequently combine contemporary and classic elements to create a modern and versatile look. Think: bold plaids in neutral colors, rich tweeds and sleek linen or wool blends. The retailer also carries slim fits and tall sizes, boosting the chances you'll be able to find a great fit without going through the expense and hassle of buying a made-to-measure suit. Pro tip: if you love Banana Republic's styles but would rather save a buck than wear the latest trends, check out the steals on select styles at its factory outlet. Price Range: $-$$ | Size Range: 34 -50 (jackets), 28-42 (pants) | Shipping: Free shipping on $50 plus for rewards members | Return Policy: Free returns on items within 30 days If you're ready to invest in looking your absolute best, look no further than Saks Fifth Avenue for a designer suit. You can find a wide selection of popular designers like Prada, Giorgio Armani, and Ralph Lauren here. This bastion of chic also offers in-house alterations, so you can have your suit tailored to your exact measurements and specifications, guaranteeing you'll look and feel your best on your wedding day by ensuring a custom fit. Better still, if you want guidance, Saks offers free online consultations with stylists, so you can walk the aisle or tear up the dance floor with the utmost confidence. Price Range: $$-$$$ | Size Range: 26–44 (varies depending on brand) | Shipping: Use code FREESHIP for free standard shipping when you spend $100 or more. SaksFirst Members get free Standard shipping on every order, no minimum spend or code required | Return Policy: Free returns on most items within 30 days Macy's has in the business of suiting for more than 100 years, and it remains a popular destination for those in a rush to find a dapper fit for a wedding. Macy's has everything you need to look your best on your wedding day, including ties, cufflinks, shoes, and other accessories, all at prices that won't break the bank. You’ll find timeless brands such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Kenneth Cole, to name a few. We love that Macy's wide selection of suits has something for everyone, whether you're looking for an ultra-modern slim cut, a classic tweed, or a modern take on a retro style, like a boxier plaid double breasted silhouette. Lost? Look for the "Talk to a Style Expert" button for some free guidance. You won't find as many designer or customization options at Macy's, but its selections come from brands with utility in mind, so you'll likely find an affordable and sharp suit that you can wear well beyond one special event. Price Range: $-$$ | Size Range: 26-44 (Varies depending on brand) | Shipping: All orders $25+ from Macys.com ship free | Return Policy: Free returns on most items within 30 days FAQ What's the best way to measure yourself for a suit at home? If you need to measure yourself for a suit at home, Nguyen recommends watching a tutorial on YouTube and having someone help you measure yourself. “It'll be very challenging to try to measure areas like your shoulders or arm length properly, which are important for suits,” he explains. “If you can, I would even go to a local tailor and have them measure you to get accurate.” How can you tell whether a suit fits you well or not? “The first place I look is the shoulders,” says Nguyen. “You want the shoulder seams to line up as close as possible with the peak of your shoulder bone. If it's falling off, it's a sign that the jacket is too big. If your suit is too small and tight, you'll start seeing stress/pull lines along areas like the buttons, arms, and thighs.” Nguyen also mentions that it should be tailored enough “to allow for you to have comfortable movement without you swimming in fabric.” How much should you spend on a suit? According to Nguyen, you can get a solid suit for a few hundred dollars online. “I probably wouldn't go lower than $400,” he advises. “As you go lower, you lose a lot in terms of fabric and fit, which are especially important when it comes to suiting. It's better to have one great $500 suit than two mediocre $250 suits.” Erika Reals is the associate fashion commerce editor for Brides. For this article, she spent hours researching the various suit retailers and judged them based on five criteria: variety of styles, quality of products, range of size offerings, shipping and return policies, and ease of purchase. Peter Nguyen is a men's fashion expert and personal stylist based in New York City. The 17 Best Places to Buy Tuxedos What to Look for When Buying Suits
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