mens suits

So in hopes that my hubby gets an interview for residencies we went suit shopping. The man at the suit stores (we went to 2 of them) both suggested wearing gray or navy blue to an interview and that black suits are more for a formal event. I am still hung up on the idea of a black one looking the most professional, what are your opinions? Also do you have a favorite place to buy suits? We were looking at mens warehouse and another one I can't remember and they started at $500.00. But they also have a deal for buy one get one free. (so 2 for $500.00) is that a good price? Thanks so much!

[DCJenn]

They're right- black is for tuxedos and funerals. For functions like that (my husband is military so if it were that exact function he'd be in uniform) he wears a pair of medium-dark gray wool pants, a collared shirt and a navy single breasted sport coat. Likely with a tie. If he needs to change it up he wears a pair of dark-tan-not-brown wool pants. His pants are summer-weight wool because let's face it, we live right next to the burning coals of hell so... He has a couple of colors of shoes and belts- black, brown, cordovan (maroon) and that's pretty much it. The problem w/ buying ONE suit is that there isn't as many opportunities to mix and match the parts. and also for that reason, unless he's in the mob, stay away from pinstripes.

We buy all of the nice menswear (and boyswear for that matter- they have matching grey pants) at a local shop that's been open since 1912. The customer service is amazing and they'll alter the clothes for life. (Penner's downtown for those in San Antonio)

J.

[alison]

I think it's a good deal.

You could try Nordstrom Rack. They'll alter the suit for free.

[OrionGrad]

I think $500 for two sounds like a good deal, too. If I remember correctly, I think DH got a blue suit and a gray suit for interviews.

[oceanchild]

What specialty is he applying in? I think it makes a difference. DH sees a lot of sport coats in peds interviews. And they tell applicants NOT to wear jackets (which most of the applicants seem to ignore).

[scarlett09]

What specialty is he applying in? I think it makes a difference. DH sees a lot of sport coats in peds interviews. And they tell applicants NOT to wear jackets (which most of the applicants seem to ignore).

J - really? DH hasn't seen this at all. Maybe it's a regional difference? Or maybe it's a difference between residency interviews and fellowship interviews? We won't be doing any of the latter.

TGND - Jos. A. Banks. Love that place. Get all of DH's suits, dress shirts and ties from there. We actually just discovered a small hole in one of DH's suits from there (on the same night that the banquet staff at the residency prom spilled coffee creamer all over the jacket) and I will be dragging him to the nearest store to get him a new suit the next time they run one of their awesome promos (and when we aren't living on one income). He bought his tux for our wedding there, all of the pieces needed, for under $400.

[GreyhoundsRUs]

There's actually a whole section in Iserson's Getting Into Residency that talks about dressing for your interview. DH had two grey suits - one lighter and one darker (probably about 50% and 90%). We got our suits from Burlington Coat Factory and Filene's Basement and took them to a tailor in Pittsburgh (where DH was doing an away and where his GMA lives). I think it's most important that the suits are flattering and that he's well put-together. He really wants to blend in with everyone else as far as clothing, so that his accomplishments can be what the residents and attendings talk about.

[corn poffi]

I hate black suits. I think they are boring and stuffy. Jos A Banks is also my store of choice for suits. Although sometimes you can get a decent deal at macys. Nordstrom rack and fineness sometimes have some great stuff too.

[v-girl]

DH's suits and tux came from K&G. I don't think that store is all over though. Slacks come from Men's Warehouse. Dockers and Izod polos come from Macy's (I pick the colors). He doesn't like to venture from this. But he's the same guy who can't eat Potstickers without white rice. LOL

[diggitydot]

We use Jos. A. Banks, too. Their sales are ridiculously good.

[alison]

At one of the interview dinners I went to there was a guy whose suit was stolen out of his car just before dinner (the night before the interview). He had to buy a suit off the rack at Nordstrom in order to have one at the dinner. I felt so badly for him.

[ides]

We got Dh a charcoal grey suite from a brooks brothers outlet store. I think it was around $500. Grey or navy is what most wear. Imo black would be too formal & weird. His suite has lasted 5 years & should last many more. He's only worn it for interviews & rare dress up events.

I think my DH got his at Nordstrom's. It is black with a light pin stripe and it doesn't make him look like he's in the mob or going to a funeral. He just wore it out to a formal department dinner this week and looked great. He is a little more formal than most so maybe he can just pull it off. If it was in any way a hinderance in the match process we did not notice. At the one interview dinner I attended I was struck by how the
applicants all dressed the same, boring khaki's and blue blazers. That was only the dinner but I thought it made them all look rather unmemorable. I think as long as they look good, put together and aren't wearing a zoot suit your probably fine.

[SuzySunshine]

DH has a navy sport coat, a black sport coat, a dark grey suit with a pin stripe and a navy suit. He got the sport coats at Mens Wearhouse and the suits at a shop in KC but he likes the Jos A Banks suits we just haven't bought one.

[corn poffi]

At one of the interview dinners I went to there was a guy whose suit was stolen out of his car just before dinner (the night before the interview). He had to buy a suit off the rack at Nordstrom in order to have one at the dinner. I felt so badly for him.

My BF had a suit bag stolen while on the interview trail! Luckily, he was wearing the suit at the time, but the thief did get one of his ties that was inside. Seriously, who steals/tries to steal a suit?