[wallflower]

Hi there. Long time lurker, first time poster.

I'm 26, white male. Looking to buy a quality suit for an important interview coming up. Is this suit from Brooks Brothers appropriate? I don't have a solid suit, but this one is on sale which is why I'm attracted to it.

Would you recommend getting a lesser quality solid suit or this higher quality striped suit on sale? My concern is that it's got pinstripes, and I've heard those can be distracting. However, these stripes are quite subtle. Curious others' perspectives and advice.



Any thoughts on gray vs. navy?

 

[SG_67]

First off, welcome!

I believe the consensus vote would be for a solid and even though on sale, I think your budget does open up options for either a navy or charcoal solid.

However, given the rather subdued nature of the stripes, and that you’ll be interviewing for B school, either of the pinstripe options will be fine.

 

[wallflower]

Thanks! Are there solid options at BB that you recommend? The full price Golden Fleece seems a bit out of my budget ($2K). However, I have a gift card of $1K for BB, so I want to shop there.

 

[89826]

Either style is fine. Better to buy the higher quality suit. Your linked GF suit is half off and right round $1,000.

For some reason, navy suits never really have appealed to me. But surely I am in the minority there.

I also don't like pin stripes. Chalk stripes are a different matter.

 

[wallflower]

Either style is fine. Better to buy the higher quality suit. Your linked GF suit is half off and right round $1,000.

For some reason, navy suits never really have appealed to me. But surely I am in the minority there.

I also don't like pin stripes. Chalk stripes are a different matter.

Thanks! Is this considered a chalk stripe? Is it appropriate to wear beyond interviews (e.g. weddings, funerals)?

 

[89826]

I call that a chalk stripe. Pin stripes are narrower and closer together. I think you could wear a suit like that to almost any event.

 

[Matt S]

Thanks! Is this considered a chalk stripe? Is it appropriate to wear beyond interviews (e.g. weddings, funerals)?

That is a chalkstripe because it is thicker than a pinstripe and has a soft look.

A striped suit is not ideal for interviews, weddings or funerals. But many people wear striped suits for the same reason you are considering one. Striped suits are likely more common than they would be otherwise because they are more often on sale than solids and when on sale are often discounted more.

 

[89826]

That is a chalkstripe because it is thicker than a pinstripe and has a soft look.

A striped suit is not ideal for interviews, weddings or funerals. But many people wear striped suits for the same reason you are considering one. Striped suits are likely more common than they would be otherwise because they are more often on sale than solids and when on sale are often discounted more.

?
Opinions vary.

 

[wallflower]

The other contenders are this solid 1818 suit: https://www.brooksbrothers.com/Fitz...?dwvar_212K_Color=BLCK&contentpos=1&cgid=0216

And this Golden Fleece in Navy: https://www.brooksbrothers.com/Gold...var_MK00851_Color=GREY&contentpos=1&cgid=0216

Both are full price, but I'm willing to invest in this. Between these options, what would be my best choice?

 

[Winhes2]

As a first suit, I'd suggest solid for versatility. It can go with:

a. solid shirt, solid tie

b. solid shirt, fancy tie

The striped one can too, but matching the striped one gets trickier unless you have a good eye when you move to:

c. fancy shirt, solid tie (easy to do with the solid suit)

d. fancy shirt, fancy tie (requires an eye regardless of suit)

Also, the striped one may be nicer than the suits worn by the interviewers which may or may not be helpful.

 

[SG_67]

Perhaps I had a complete misunderstanding of chalk stripe.

I was under the impression that chalk stripe was characterized by the edges of the stripe being not as sharp, sort of like making a line with chalk, hence the term.

 

[wallflower]

OK. I think I'm convinced I should just get a solid suit. I'm leaning towards this one: https://www.brooksbrothers.com/Golden-Fleece®-Regent-Fit-Suit/MK00851,default,pd.html

 

[CLTesquire]

Chalk and pin are really only about the stripe itself. Chalk is thicker and a pin stripe is just a thin, defined stripe. The spacing between the stripes is another matter.

OP, I would not buy anything full price at Brooks because you would be getting ripped off. Golden Fleece will be made to a better standard and theoretically with better fabric, but it appears both the 1818 and GF are being made at the Southwick factory in MA. GF is full canvas with fully handsewn armholes. 1818 is half canvas. After that, it's whatever BB "fit" fits you the best.

A solid suit is better for an interview. Those stripes will be great once you're out of school and into the world.

 

[wallflower]

Chalk and pin are really only about the stripe itself. Chalk is thicker and a pin stripe is just a thin, defined stripe. The spacing between the stripes is another matter.

OP, I would not buy anything full price at Brooks because you would be getting ripped off. Golden Fleece will be made to a better standard and theoretically with better fabric, but it appears both the 1818 and GF are being made at the Southwick factory in MA. GF is full canvas with fully handsewn armholes. 1818 is half canvas. After that, it's whatever BB "fit" fits you the best.

A solid suit is better for an interview. Those stripes will be great once you're out of school and into the world.

Thanks. I'm able to snag that $1700 suit for about $1250 after discount. I think that's a good deal.

 

[fishertw]

I worked in academia for 35 years. Believe me, you'll be just fine in that suit and will be better dressed than most of the other applicants and likely all of the faculty doing the interviewing.

 

[SG_67]

Thanks. I'm able to snag that $1700 suit for about $1250 after discount. I think that's a good deal.

Why not get 2 $600 suits so you can have options while in school.

Once out, then splurge. Just a thought.

 

[wallflower]

Why not get 2 $600 suits so you can have options while in school.

Once out, then splurge. Just a thought.

Thanks. The truth is I wear a suit very infrequently. I have 3 BB sports jackets and 5 wool pants that I change out for different looks. I don't feel like I need 2 suits at this point.

 

[Matt S]

Chalk and pin are really only about the stripe itself. Chalk is thicker and a pin stripe is just a thin, defined stripe. The spacing between the stripes is another matter.

This is correct, it has nothing to do with the spacing. We just often see chalk stripes with a wider spacing than pinstripes. Chalk stripes are also woven within the fabric (so that a grey fabric will have the stripe replacing gray yarns in the warp), while pinstripes are woven on top of it (woven like a thread on top of the fabric). This gives pinstripes a more defined look while it gives charlk stripes a softer look.

 

[16412]

There are a number of stripes, therefore, a number of names.

Sounds like you intend to have more suits. Go for the best fit and buy and don't sweat it.

 

[FLMike]

Perhaps I had a complete misunderstanding of chalk stripe.

I was under the impression that chalk stripe was characterized by the edges of the stripe being not as sharp, sort of like making a line with chalk, hence the term.

My impression too.