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I have a wedding coming up in Istanbul end of August and am in need of a suit. My old one is too big for me so I need to start afresh (matching shoes would be great too). I'm in North Wales so decent clothes shops are few, but will be passing through London on route so could stop off if there is a go-to store. Chester is closest for regular stores. Budget around the £200/£250 mark
Any tips on suitable suits? Ideally it will also be appropriate for funerals, job interviews (in academia) and court appearances 😉
TM Lewin inevitably has suits for your budget that will look good. Get something dark but not black (I tend to stick to navy) and if you can stretch to it, get two pairs of trousers. There's apparently a Lewins in Ellesmere Port
Go early, buy one over there. You can get the same stock radically cheaper on the other side of the Bosphoros if you research where to shop.
A suit for a wedding in istanbul, funerals and job interviews??? That's a pretty varied set of requirements!
Go for navy. Get something simple/classic.
Take care with Lewin, I bought one and it seemed very 'clunky' in its construction so I sent it back. Austin Reed online I think currently have a sale on.
2 button unlined linen in navy with brown oxfords/brogues , I wouldn't wear that to a interview/funeral though.
Hire a kilt outfit? Ideal for hot weather, pick up a more practical day to day suit later.
Go for navy in colour, well fitted and not too heavy fabric. Team with a good white shirt (Charles Thyritt or TM Lewin). You can then alter your footwear and tie choice for the occasion.
Turkish wedding? Brown shoes (a low, not to heavy brogue is good), no tie or a slightly bright tie (I'm not sure of the etiquette for such things over there), pocket square.
Interview? Black shoes, blue tie.
Funeral? Black shoes, dark (maybe black) tie.
In terms of shops, Charles Thyritt or TM Lewin are good starting points, get your shirts and ties from here even if your suit is from elsewhere.
Debenhams is the best of the department stores in my option, the Jeff Banks suits, whilst never going to win you any prizes in the fashion stakes, are well wearing and cut quite well. If you can find a Jaegar outlet this is worth looking at as they have some good suits at half price though sizes are limited. Slaters are worth a glance as well, their selection seems to vary but they do offer free alterations which is useful if you're an unusual shape.
Hope that helps.
Buying in Istanbul is a possibility as I will have a few days there beforehand (saves creasing too), although it would be good to be sorted beforehand. Navy it is. Brogues well priced, esp. compared to 5.10s! Two pairs of trousers a good tip.
Crisp white shirt? Tie? (I didn't realise how far out of the loop I am!)
Kilt - like it. My last name is Scottish so might get away with it!
@lunge - will check out stores. John Lewis too?
Hire a kilt outfit? Ideal for hot weather,
Says a man who has clearly never worn highland dress in a hot climate 🙂
[url= http://www.jaeger.co.uk/mens/suits ]Jaeger wool/linen blend in navy[/url]. Also mohair is available online. Usually reduced in their shops. Classic cut, well made, reasonable price.
Wore mine to funeral this week, with brown Oxford Brogues 😐
Could be a late afternoon trip to Chester this weekend as there's a Jaeger there.
I was going to suggest linen for the wedding (with pale pink shirt and tan/brown brogues) until I saw the other requirements.
Go with a lightweight navy suit and team with a white shirt and your choice of tie. That should sort you for most things. Personally, I would wear black Oxfords, but you could get away with something less formal I think. As people have said, you're likely to be able to get a tailored suit over there for far less than you would pay here. Maybe consider that.
If Chester is nearby I'd suggest looking at jigsaw in Cheshire Oakes, I bought a very nice unlined suit in your budget which was very well made, the hems are very neat. The staff were superb too especially the manageress who I wanted to take home. There is also often unlined suits in Hugo Boss in your budget too in the outlet shop. I would steer clear of places like Moss and Suits Direct and pick an end of line unlined suit, you can also have it altered to fit. Look at the shop assistant and if thier suit fits well, if it doesn't they won't have good advice for you. On a budget pick a shirt with a well constructed collar especially in the heat, if you open the top button later in the day you won't look too scruffy. For your shoes pick either a brogue (not full wing tip) or a Gibson style dress shoe, if your savvy you can find a bargain if you know were to look, I bought recently some Grenson dress shoes for £30. I have paid over £200 for grensons before and know the quality. Wear some organic/bamboo socks and your feet won't get too hot and you can avoid that dreadful loafer/schuuues look first generation Londoners are so keen on.
There is a Jaeger outlet at Cheshire Oaks. Picked up a really nice suit there last year. Tyrwhitt or Lewin for shirts.
Clarks in Cheshire Oaks sometimes sell Loake shoes, which seem to fit me well and last a decent length of time.