Is anyone NOT down on 'fashion suits'?

[BoDiddly]

The Fedora Lounge definitely has a classic-only feel, and certainly members have been outspoken in their dislike of any sort of synthetic fibers - but I am intrigued if there are lurkers who secretly as excited by the high fashion suits, non-symmetrical cuts, synthetic fibers, bold use of colours and patterns?

(I'm referring only to mens suits - womans suits are far to complex and varied for me to begin to fathom what makes them tick.)

I understand the abhorrence of synthetic fibers, and the LOVE of classic style, but plainly put - it is really sweet to see someone dressed up on the street and NOT wearing a tee shirt or flannel, even if it is a bold colour or zoot suit. (i.e. wearing something with clean cuts, someone who takes care in their appearance, but not necessarily a wool/tweed/classic style vs. a grubby American).

And I will grant, the quality of the garments advertised as 'fashion suits' are weak and will not withstand numerous wearings (this coming from a guy who has worn out multiple heavyweight tweed jackets in his lifetime -- I'm both sadden and pleased when this happens. Saddened to see a loved garment go, pleased that I wore the crap out of it [and kinda excited that I have room for a new one to replace it]).

But there is something to be said for a real head turner suit or jacket.

Thoughts?

 

[TimeIsAPerception]

Personally, the only 'fashion suit' I own is an almost emerald green with white pinstripes through it. It's not too extreme, and surprisingly conservative if you wear it at the right time of year with the right stuff. I'm seeing a lot of the modern stuff taking cues from vintage styling; atleast the more suits. I could never see myself walking around in anything too extreme or obnoxious (the closest I have is a yellow sports coat that I wear when Im on the coast). As for synthetic fibers, I'm not a huge fan of them. They're just too uncomfortable on me.

 

[Mr Vim]

I'm uncertain Bo of what sort of fashion suits you speak of, but as far as wear, I have a mixed collection of vintage and modern clothing, mostly classic style. However, I don't hold me nose up at some of the more unique styles that are out there. Having said that I mostly recognize they are not for me.

As for material, high quality fabrics are all well and good, but i for one cannot always afford that, sythetic fibers are more affordable and I have a few items of mixed or purely synthetic make in my closet, any man that doesn't is probably very rich, very patient or a good liar.

 

[The Good]

I'm OK with fashion suits. They are after all, an attempt to get more individuals wearing suits of some sort. I have a more casual outlook at fashion right now, but there are things that I tend to detest. Suits that are too skinny or too baggy are not aesthetically pleasing in my eyes, for example, whether they were intended to be fashion pieces or not. I'm not really a trend participant by any means, but I kind of like the current trend towards 1960s-inspired suits; narrower lapels and neckties, even though these modern slim suits and ties are not exactly the same. Simultaneously, I happen to like wide lapels and wider ties as well. There is something to appreciate about each, if pulled off convincingly. As far as materials are concerned, the only suit that I own happens to be a black polyester/rayon one. I never really wear it though. I have for Christmas, been gifted a corduroy sports coat however, which I much appreciate.

 

[AtomicEraTom]

Personally, I'm glad to see just about anybody in just about any kind of suit. At least they're making an effort. Heck, even a leisure suit is an improvement on what most people on the streets are wearing!

 

[BoDiddly]

It occurs to me the term 'fashion suit' has only just entered into my lexicon, and others may be just as confused as I am. While hunting online for suits there are a number of sellers that stock what they term 'fashion suits'. These appears to usually be in poly or poly/rayon (occasionally wool), but use bold colors and unusual cuts (if you start hunting for zoot suits you'll stumble across them inevitably).

This at least puts the discussion in the same visual ball park. Though these are fairly conservative cuts for the genre.

Examples

 

[Suppoko]

I guess I don't understand why you can't enjoy both fashion and vintage? They are both an improvement to the clothes the masses wear. I really like that first one where is it from!?

 

[BoDiddly]

I'm in agreement - I love vintage style, but I also love modern, and even odd styling. And as for for cloth NOTHING beats wool, but there is a place for synthetics in my closet.

The first one is a 'Stacy Adams' suit (google it), I found it at www.contemposuits.com, but there are plenty of other vendors.

(Note I'm not affiliated with the site just a customer.)

 

[CopperNY]

my current stop gap (until i get measured for a new suit) is a generic Billy London slim fit from Kohls:

 

[Atinkerer]

Hi,

I like to wear clothes that both exhibit a timeless style and are appropriate for the occasion. And I'm not just talking about suits.

To me, wearing something that is a fashion trend or exhibits an extreme fashion trend of an earlier time, is like making the statement "Hey, look at me. I'm part of a small, special group of people, who are wearing this stuff at the moment"! And doing that can be fun sometimes.

But by wearing classic clothing tastefully, I say "Hey, if you look at me, you'll see that I'm a regular guy, comfortable in my own skin, and I'm comfortable being here for the duration".

Tony

 

[scottyrocks]

I didnt realize these had a name. I see them primarily in the neighborhood in which I work, and then only for special days such as graduations. That doesnt mean that they arent worn more often. Just that in my line of work, thats when I see them.

Some things I have noticed about these types of suits is that they do look noticeably cheap. Most of the ones I have seen are very boxy because of very little tailoring (that costs $$), and the material is generally shinier than I what I would consider ideal. Seams dont always lay right. Thet also dont develop normal creases and bends where a better suit does. Everything about them always wants to hang straight down, even when a limb is bent.

 

[BoDiddly]

I do find it interesting, or perhaps saddening, that the general public have no discernment for classic clothing - let alone worn tastefully. As an example note how many comments from public (documented in other threads at this site) state things like 'looking like Capone', or 'where are you dressed up for?', or 'you look like my grandfather'.

I believe its fair to state that if you are wearing anything other then jeans you will be looked upon strangely and people have very little of popular culture to base their assessment of your appearance - hence they will be confused, and try to make any connection with something they have seen somewhere before - however bizarre or weakly linked it may be to your current appearance.

 

[Yeps]

I rather like this one.

 

[scottyrocks]

I do find it interesting, or perhaps saddening, that the general public have no discernment for classic clothing - let alone worn tastefully. As an example note how many comments from public (documented in other threads at this site) state things like 'looking like Capone', or 'where are you dressed up for?', or 'you look like my grandfather'.

I believe its fair to state that if you are wearing anything other then jeans you will be looked upon strangely and people have very little of popular culture to base their assessment of your appearance - hence they will be confused, and try to make any connection with something they have seen somewhere before - however bizarre or weakly linked it may be to your current appearance.

Yes, I would rather see folks in any traditionally styled suit than the current T-shirt/wife-beater of the day.

 

[avedwards]

I like some modern suits. The second suit I bought was modern (the only suit I ever got "first hand") but has a late 50s/early 60s style. However, despite having a nice cut, the fabric is simply not as good as my other suits, although it is 100% wool. After a year of wearing it the trousers and elbows have become shiny.

Other good examples of nice modern suits was the film Inception which was out last summer. Some of the suits had a very classic look, which lots of three piece suits and one character even wearing a 3pc DB in one scene.