Formerly considered an investment piece, changing times—and ultimately, changing dress codes—mean the suit doesn’t have quite the same dominance over our daily wardrobes as it once did. Consequently, many guys aren’t keen to shell out a few grand for a once-in-a-while suit. Fortunately, there’s now a plethora of affordable suiting options available, with budget-friendly no longer translating to ill-fitting and itchy. With a continually growing market of brands producing suiting options that don’t break the bank, those looking to shop within a budget needn’t do so at the cost of comfort and style. Whether you’re someone who only needs a suit for a one-off occasion or looking to pad out your wardrobe with an array of reasonably priced suits without sacrificing your sartorial cred, it’s essential to know how to make a cheap suit look expensive.
From what to look for when shopping for a cheap suit to crucial alterations and styling tips, here’s how to make a cheap suit look expensive.
What to look for when buying a cheap suit
Focus on fabrics: choose natural over synthetic fibres
Aside from the cut itself, the fabric used is one of the key elements that differentiates a good suit from a poor one. Natural materials are key, with fabrics like wool, cotton, linen, and cashmere being a cut above synthetic materials like viscose, polyester, elastane, spandex, and lycra. While you’ll be hard-pressed to find a cashmere suit on a budget, these days you should be able to find inexpensive suits with natural-synthetic fibre blends like cotton and viscose or a polyester and wool blend.
While it’s not impossible—or necessary, for that matter—to avoid man-made materials entirely, it’s best to steer clear of completely synthetic materials, as these can be irritating on the skin and often have a shiny sheen to them which is a telltale sign of a cheap suit.
Consider colours: stick to neutral tones
While vibrant colours may be a hit on the red carpet, it’s best to leave bold hues and loud patterns to those who can splash out on Saville Row prices. Lighter colours make it easier to discern flaws in the fabric of a cheaper suit, so when shopping for a budget suit, stick to classic colours in deeper shades; think charcoal, dark grey, black, navy, and chocolate brown.
If you’re set on shopping for a lighter coloured suit, look for something with a subtle pattern like plaid, herringbone, or a Prince of Wales check. In the same vein, an understated pattern like pinstripes or fine checks can also prevent charcoal or black suits from looking too staid.
Basic fit: ensure the shoulders sit right
When buying an inexpensive suit, ensure the shoulders sit at the correct point, the fabric fits around your waist without being restrictive, and the material falls flat against your body. Everything else can be fixed in alterations. If in doubt or in-between sizes, it’s always best to go for one size up, as it’s far easier to take a suit in than it is to make it bigger.
How to make a cheap suit look expensive
Now that you’ve made a solid purchase, here are five ways to take your budget suit to the next level.
1. Take it to a tailor
Though bespoke may be out of reach, it’s crucial to at least get your ready-to-wear suit altered to fit you. Also, get your tailor to take in the sleeves so they’re narrow and tapered without being restrictive. Same with the trousers.
2. Add an ankle cuff
In addition to giving your trousers a tapered fit, get your tailor to add an ankle cuff. This is a touch often reserved for expensive suits, thus making your cheap suit look more tasteful.
3. Switch out the buttons
Budget suits tend to come with inexpensive plastic buttons that give off a cheap sheen. Swap these with matte shell, horn, corozo, metal, or even interesting statement buttons.
4. Add some accessories
The right accessories can make all the difference. If you’re saving cash by buying an inexpensive suit, add a silk tie or pocket square to liven things up. As you’ve likely gone more subdued in regards to the pattern of your suit, a silk pocket square with an interesting pattern can imbue your outfit with a touch of personality.
5. Try tonal dressing
Juxtaposing lighter and darker colours against each other can draw attention to fabric imperfections. While you don’t have to go completely monochrome, dressing within the same tone can make your suit fabric appear more high-quality. Subtly switch up the textures and patterns of your pieces to add depth, and add a statement accessory to keep it interesting. For example, a russet brown suit with a tan merino knit turtleneck, a patterned silk pocket tie, and chocolate brown brogues makes for a striking effect.
The best brands to buy a cheap suit from
Need a suit on a budget? With all options clocking in at less than $400AUD, these are the best brands to shop for suits without breaking the bank.
1. Mango
From linen and seersucker to wool-blend varieties, Spanish high-street fashion label Mango has an array of slick suiting options in contemporary cuts and classic colours. Best of all, they’re reasonably priced with a wool-blend suit setting you back a mere $400 AUD.
2. Everlane
An Italian wool suit on a budget may seem like an oxymoron, but American retailer Everlane has made it a reality. Known for their transparent pricing, Everlane offers a single suit style, in both navy and charcoal. The Everlane suit is unique in that it isn’t a polyester-wool blend, instead, it makes use of 98% Italian wool and adds 2% elastane for stretch and motion. Aptly termed ‘The $300 Suit’, the suit is cut in a form-flattering, slim silhouette with a breathable lining made from recycled materials and runs for $300 USD ($415 AUD).
3. Moss Bros
British formal menswear shop Moss Bros plays host to an array of suiting brands with highlights including the brand’s own Moss London and Moss 1851 lines, as well as Ermenegildo Zegna Cloth which makes use of the eponymous Italian luxury fashion house’s fine Australian merino wool fabric. Though not a dedicated budget option, Moss Bros has affordable options in the form of its own lines and regularly has significant sales, making it possible to snag a suit from the likes of DKNY, Ted Baker, or Ermenegildo Zegna Cloth for a bargain. Currently, there are several options under $250AUD for a two-piece suit.
4. Zara
Renowned Spanish high-street store Zara has a pretty impressive lineup of casual and formal suits alike. With several options under the $300 AUD mark (and even $150 AUD on sale), Zara has something for even the scantest of budgets. In line with current trends, the affordable suits at Zara take on contemporary cuts with slim-fitting trousers and intentionally oversized jackets. This makes it easier to find a good suit on a budget, as relaxed fit blazers don’t come with the same tailoring requirements as their nipped-in counterparts. Just ensure they sit correctly at the shoulders, as mentioned above.
FAQ
Yes, even the priciest of suits need to fit well to look good. Tailoring an affordable suit can make even the most budget suits look expensive. When buying a suit, ensure the shoulders fit well. Then, get the sleeves and trousers tailored so they’re slim fitting with a flattering tapered effect.
Expensive suits are crafted from quality fabrics like pure wool or a cashmere blend. However, the devil is also in the details. Expensive suits often have touches like ankle cuffs, tapered sleeves and trouser legs, smaller stitching, high-quality lining, buttoned cuffs, buttons made from natural materials like corozo or shell, and no puckering of the material when worn.
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Words by John Deckard
Feature image courtesy of Mango
