[WBuffettJr]

Hi all,

I've been lurking for two weeks and I'm excited to make my first post. This thread falls under the "stealing the right clothes" rubric similar to a Burberry thread which appeared here (by someone else) the other day. I suppose I should lay the predicate that I'm not selling anything here.

My situation is that a friend of mine is related to someone quite wealthy, and that wealthy individual has decided he's bored with is one and two year old suits (I know I sound like I'm setting you up for a Nigerian-email scam) and is essentially just dumping them. His wife asked my friend if he wanted one before she throws them out. We're talking $3,000+ suits; many made while this guy was in Italy. My friend of course said "send every one of them!" As a result, he's probably going to be getting a few packages. We're talking possibly 20 designer suits.

I think my friend is basically going to invite me over to pick whatever I'd like (after he gets first dibs). I only just started building my wardrobe 10 days ago, so this is unbelievable luck/timing. However, the original owner was quite a bit larger than me. He is 6'2" and around 250 pounds whereas I am 6' and only around 190 pounds (it is a rather svelte 190 as I am 27 years old and don't carry much belly fat).

So I guess my question is, do I have an opportunity here? Do you think these suits could be re-cut to fit me, and if so, is it worth the effort? I'm guessing it would be a fairly intensive process (especially if the pants are somewhere around 40+ waist and I wear a 34). What sort of cost do you think I can expect if I go through with it?

It sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a younger guy like me to start out with a fantastic wardrobe...is this the case? I don't know anything else about the suits (brand, fabric, etc) other than that they were all extremely expensive. I'd be willing to pay a few hundred dollars per suit to have them fitted if necessary.

Finally, I'd love to hear what others would do if they were in this position (and you think the suits could be fitted). How many would you take? I'm essentially starting from scratch with no suits. What should I look for? What colors?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Orkhis]

Depends on how well they fit straight away I guess...At the very least you could sell them on Ebay and go buy a properly fitted suit or 2...A few things seem odd, how does one become bored with a MTM or bespoke suit? Even if, throwing them out seems rather obnoxious when they could be donated or sold for charity...IMO.

 

[WBuffettJr]

Well I'm not going to take them from my friend and sell them for money for me. If anyone is going to sell them, it seems like it would be him.

 

[ChicagoMediaMan-27]

Keep the ones that fit or will fit you after alterations. If your friend doesn't want to sell them on ebay himself, then do it for him and split the profits.

 

[WBuffettJr]

Thanks for the responses so far guys, but I guess what I'm asking is can these suits be made to fit me? The guy was 2" taller and 60 pounds heavier. Can they be recut?

 

[trims]

It would depend on the cut of the original suits, and his build compared to yours, but I wouldn't expect very good results.

Good luck though. Try them all on and maybe a couple will work.

 

[ChicagoMediaMan-27]

Thanks for the responses so far guys, but I guess what I'm asking is can these suits be made to fit me? The guy was 2" taller and 60 pounds heavier. Can they be recut?

That question can't really be answered here by just listing heights and weights. Possibly, if you posted pictures of you wearing each suit it could be answered. I would take them to your alterations tailor and let him tell you.

 

[PinkPlaidSocks]

You could just hold onto them until you "grow" into them in 20 years.

 

[Spence]

Your best bet is to hope he was much thinner a few years back and kept all his old suits!

For reference, at the start of this year I was 6'2" and close to 260 pounds. I was pushing the limits of a generously cut 46L. I'm now under 220 pounds (still 6'2" mind you) and am easily wearing a typical 44L even though my chest is still 46".

I've tried to have a few coats taken in and the results have been dissapointing.

Additionally, being young and thin I'd think you would want tailored clothing that fit close and fit well. Enjoy it now while you have it!

-spence

 

[eagle2250]

When your friend calls, go and pick the suits you like, take them to a good alterations tailor and follow the professionals advice. It seems to me that the suits in question would require too much alteration to be feasible but, you never know. Listen to what the tailor advises and if the advice is that it can not be done, give them back to your friend so that he might make a bit off ebay with them!

 

[WBuffettJr]

Alright, thanks for all the help. It sounds like it probably won't work very well, but I'll take a few in and see what a tailor says as I try them on. Here's hoping...

 

[pbc]

Money and time may be better spent auctioning them off and buying something new or second hand that requires less drastic tailoring. But it is possible he was thinner when they were purchased, as Spence said. You'll probably know when you try them on if you even need to get the tailor's opinion.

pbc

 

[MarkfromMD]

Hit the gym and build up your chest and back to make them fit!