Finding a suit this week in NYC

May 21, 2023 7:32 PM

I need to get a (men's) suit or separates to wear to a wedding by Friday, in NYC. Before I fall back on the standard mid-range department stores, I'm interested in taking a day on anything more specific to New York.

I figure if I get to Wednesday and haven't found anything, I'll make a trip to Macy's or something and get myself sorted out. But I'd like to take a shot at either vintage/used stores or other stores unique to NYC first -- I'm visiting from out of town for a couple of weeks and I'm sure the range of options here is of course way beyond my home city. So, I ask: where should I go? I'm happy with both recommendations for specific stores, or streets where I can walk and find a number of stores to browse. I'm staying on the Upper West Side near Columbia University.

Some details: I'm a cis man, 30s, short (5'6" on a good day) and fairly stocky with broad/muscular shoulders and chest, which can make sizing a touch tricky. I'm not unusually fashionable but I am interested in colors/fabrics beyond the standard gray or blue wool (and have gotten the ok from the couple on that). I'd love something in linen if I could find the right piece at an ok price. Would be great to keep the total cost inside $500ish, but can stretch that.

posted by egregious theorem to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (12 answers total)

Best answer: I don't know how fast they can turn-around and deliver but I have gotten some great tailored shirts from Proper Cloth after being measured in the NYC showrooms. I see on their site they also have linen/summer-weight suits.

https://propercloth.com/showrooms
posted by alchemist at 8:24 PM on May 21, 2023

Best answer: I think your next issue will be where can you find a quick turnaround alterations tailor. Those of us with big chest and shoulders will generally need some work on the jacket to get to that sweet spot of not billowing but not looking like a gorilla either.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 10:33 PM on May 21, 2023

Best answer: I've always heard of LS Men's Clothing as a classic New York institution where you can get great suits. They may be best for custom tailored suits, though
posted by little onion at 10:34 PM on May 21, 2023

Best answer: They have stores all over the place these days, so this may not be the unique New York experience you're hoping for, and it's going to push you over budget, but check out Suit Supply. The flagship is on Broome St in Soho. They carry a large stock (including linen), so they should have your size in, and have a tailor in the store who can handle basic adjustments (finishing trousers, etc.) in a day or so.
posted by caek at 10:54 PM on May 21, 2023 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Definitely try any thrift stores in your neighborhood first. Got three awesome blazers for my partner, who's just a little taller than you, here in Astoria recently for like $70. It's worth a shot before trying to find something new. It looks like The Suit Spot also has some deals, if you're up for a quick jaunt on the NW train.
posted by limeonaire at 10:56 PM on May 21, 2023

Best answer: By Friday? I'd ASAP call a nice department store, perhaps Nordstrom, and find out what the turnaround on alterations are for something off their rack. Get that going again, ASAP.

Then I'd hit some vintage and resale shops. You might end up with two outfits, but at least you know you'll have one you can wear by Friday. I hope it all works out for you, and have fun!

(I'd go with lightweight wool... personally I dislike linen as it's always rumpled looking, and I find wool to be cooler temperature-wise anyway. Linen can get damp from sweat and just not dry out. Wool is breathable. My 2-cents.)
posted by SoberHighland at 4:32 AM on May 22, 2023

Best answer: Century 21 just opened again. It’s a crapshoot, but they do have men’s suits and if they happen to have something good that fits you the prices can’t be beat.
posted by LizardBreath at 12:21 PM on May 22, 2023 [3 favorites]

Best answer: Seconding Suit Supply! I agree that it’s not going to give you local charm, but my husband got a suit there last year that looks SO nice, and the experience was easy and not horribly expensive.
posted by bijoubijou at 3:13 PM on May 22, 2023

Best answer: Nordstrom has personal shopping and free alterations, and they've been able to turn around a suit for me in under a day. I'd go there now. I understand the urge to thrift or look for something less generic, but you're short on time, a size that may be hard to find, and have some other parameters you're hoping to fill.
posted by decathecting at 8:41 AM on May 23, 2023

Best answer: I have several suits from Frank Stella on 81st and Columbus on the UWS. They have more interesting suits that hit your price point. Otherwise, Ted Baker at 48th and 5th has a British take on suits, which tends to be a bit more out there on color (I have a purple suit from there) but I think they're a bit more expensive.
posted by overhauser at 11:11 AM on May 23, 2023

Best answer: All three of the Ina consignment stores are in the same area downtown, you could take the A train down and check them all pretty quickly.

Housing Works has thrift shops in the same area, and one on W 96th St nearer you.
posted by nicwolff at 1:01 PM on May 23, 2023

Response by poster: Thanks, everyone! I ended up getting reasonably lucky and found a plain but good quality lightweight wool suit within alteration distance of the right fit at the first thrift store I stopped by (Unique Boutique by 83rd and Columbus, if you're curious) for a whole $35. Even after paying rush-tailor-on-the-UWS prices, this left me room in the budget to grab matching shoes at Century 21 and a shirt that paired better with the suit than what I had brought.

Marking everything as best answers as I'm definitely interested in coming back to these recommendations the next time I'm in the city.
posted by egregious theorem at 8:45 PM on May 28, 2023 [2 favorites]