Are off-the-rack suits really worth the cost?

When you are in a time crunch you might be tempted to buy a suit off the rack. Websites and videos tell you a different story each time, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of buying a suit off the rack versus the true customization of buying a suit made specifically for you.

If you’re on the hunt for a new suit, you’ve landed on the right page. Here I will simplify whether off-the-rack suits are really worth the cost so that you can weigh the pros/cons between that and custom to make the right choice without the stress.

The not-so-simple Math of OTR suits:

Are off-the-rack suits really as time and cost-effective as you think? Let’s do some quick math so you get an idea of what could be the better choice. An off-the-rack suit costs anywhere from $350-$500 and up. While most of the custom and made-to-measure options start at $800 (on average), with alterations which are usually included in the pricing.  

From here off the rack suits might look like the best choice, right? But here is the catch. Once you have purchased the OTR suit you’re expected to spend another  $75-$200 on alterations. With tax that ranges from $500 to $700! Meanwhile, a custom-made suit only costs a few hundred more than you were going to spend on an altered OTR suit, and alterations are typically included in the pricing for custom options.

 So if you have the time, and don’t mind spending a little extra a custom-made suit may be the better choice for you. You can get it made either by me or anyone else whom you believe can create an amazing product for you. 

 However, if you must go for something off the rack, there are a few areas you have to ensure fit, otherwise they can’t be altered after purchase. We will discuss these areas in the next section of this blog.  

The ‘non-fixable’ areas of a suit:

Shoulders: 

Shoulders are one of the most important areas to look for while getting a suit. If the shoulders don’t fit you properly, your suit will immediately look less flattering on you. Poorly fit shoulders also instantly cheapen a suit jacket. So when you are looking for a suit make sure the shoulders feel snug but not tight or overly padded because alterations aren’t always possible in this area…and if they are then they come at a steep cost.

The length:

A man’s jacket should always be long enough to cover his seat; anything longer or shorter means either you had sent someone else to shop for you, or you have borrowed someone else’s jacket. Coming to the million-dollar question, can jacket lengths be fixed? The answer is yes and no. The jacket cannot be made longer due to the curve featured in the front panels. A little length can be added to the sides and the back, but the length proportions of the vent should be kept in mind. It’s risky business, so make sure to hire someone experienced that you trust for this job. 

Jackets can be shortened though. But it’s important the vent length in the back must also be kept in mind. If you end up making it too short, then the overly short vents will ruin the back visual of the coat.

Fit should be a non-negotiable:

The fit of your jacket matters more than you think. A well-fitted suit gives you a seamless and classic look, without much hassle and effort. While you are short on time, it is easy to ignore the fit, but let me tell you, the fit is as important as the quality of the fabric. While the fabric ensures comfort and elegance, the fit ensures a smooth finish and a flattering look.  

TL;DR:

You may feel that off-the-rack suits are time and cost-effective, but before making a choice, it is important to also look at the alteration costs, the time it may take, and the results it delivers. While custom-made suits are the safe choice that delivers superior quality add fit, understand they take time to create and are a bit more expensive. When you are in a time crunch, you may have no choice but to get yourself an off-the-rack suit. However, always make sure that jackets fit you well, especially in the areas that are difficult to alter.  

Conclusion:

Alright, that’s it for now. Keep these notes in mind when shopping for your next suit! and feel free to explore our Suit Collection