As the old saying goes: If you don’t own a suit, the suits end up owning you. Love them or hate them, the suit is an integral part of any man’s wardrobe. Whether you’re a corporate buck who wears one to the office on the daily, or just have a couple in reserve for those really special occasions, this guide is here to ensure your suit makes you look and feel your very best.
I’ve been wearing suits most of my adult life and since starting DMARGE, my collection has swelled to almost 20 suits at any one time. From Zegna to Topman, I’ve purchased and tried over 30 brands. We’ve also been given a few shockers in our time.
Why trust us?
We know suits. Most suits these days are made in China, so don’t be too worried about that. Once you start spending more, you’ll find they are made in Italy.
- Over 10 years covering the latest in men’s fashion trends across the world.
- Over 20 plus years wearing, testing and buying men’s suits
- Extensive knowledge of buying both made-to-measure and off-the-peg suits.
If you have absolutely no idea about fabrics, then our suit fabric guide should be a good help.
Breaking the suit brands down
- Established Brands – Your Brooks Brothers, Ralph Laurens and J Crew of the world.
- High-End Brands – Think Zegna, Burberry and Richard James.
- Made-to-measure – P.Johnson, Huntsman.
- Affordable suits – ASOS, Burton and Charles Tyrwhitt.
- Lastly, Emerging Brands – Suitsupply and Todd Snyder.
M.J. Bale
Pros
- The suits are expertly tailored
- Suits that come in seasonal colours
- The seams are reinforced
- The stitching is heavy for extra durability
Cons
- Exchanges can be a bit confusing
M.J. Bale is Australia’s premier tailor. The menswear brand has just released a brand new collection steeped in fresh fabrics and designs, all available in a range of seasonal hues.
Standout pieces include:
- the Gatsby suit – produced in a summer essential seersucker fabric and available as a complete three-piece suit
- the Bottego – a pebble-coloured three-piece with matching blouson, making the transition from race day suiting to evening wind down an absolute breeze
As ever, all of M.J. Bale’s collections are expertly tailored and made to a quality that belies their price.
Whether your suit collection is in need of a refresh or you’re yet to own your very first suit, M.J. Bale is the first place you should be shopping.
Bonobos
Pros
- Wide range of men’s suits
- They are made from premium Italian wool
- They have coloured suits as well
- You get 20% off your first order when signing up for the newsletter
Cons
- International exchanges are not available
Not only did Bonobos pretty much perfect the tailored pant with its genius waistband design, but the American clothing brand has pretty much perfected the whole damn suit.
Bonobos has a huge range of men’s suits, most of which are made from wool and, on select styles, premium Italian wool.
Some styles, such as the Jetsetter, have a slight bit of stretch for added movement and – aside from the usual navy and grey – Bonobos also offers a great selection of seasonal coloured suits.
Hugo Boss
Pros
- They offer timeless designs
- Luxurious suits that make any man look confident
- Spacious pockets to store your possessions
Cons
- They’re very expensive
German luxury fashion house, Hugo Boss is renowned for their opulent range of clothing, accessories, footwear, and fragrances.
Founded in 1924, and with a very controversial history (they produced Nazi Party uniforms during World War II), after founder Hugo Boss’ death in 1948, the company turned to men’s suits.
The brand’s reputation proceeds itself, so we’ll keep this short: their suits may be at a more premium price point than some of the other options on this list, but if you’re after a luxurious suit, this is the brand for you.
Suitsupply
Pros
- The brand has been around for over two decades
- They have decent prices that more people can afford
- You can create your own suit
- They cover all return shipping costs
Cons
- It’s quite costly to make alterations to the suits
Suitsupply has seen huge growth since being founded in 2000.
A Dutch company, Suitsupply takes an alternative perspective on the production of men’s clothing and accessories. Their vertical integration means you can have high-quality Italian fabrics at a reasonable off-the-rack price point.
Suitsupply have a huge range of impeccably made suits that can easily rival the more prestigious and expensive brands on the market. You even have the option to create your own suit; you can choose everything from the fabric right down to the lapel width. A custom made suit at an affordable price? Yes, please!
Ted Baker
Pros
- Incredible attention to detail and quality
- You can choose from different colours, fabrics, and cuts
- The suits make any man look sharp
Cons
- International delivery costs at least $35
Ted Baker – The British-born tailor with a twist. Founded in 1988, Ted Baker has had a very clear, unswerving focus on quality and attention to detail since its inception.
Taking a modern approach to tailoring, Ted Baker suits are incredibly suave. His elegant selection is rather large – you can have your pick of many different cuts, fabrics, and colours.
Any Ted Baker suit will have you looking dapper and distinguished in a flash.
REISS
Pros
- Their tailoring is trend-driven
- They use traditional techniques
- The fabrics are high-quality ones that will last for a very long time
Cons
- Not all suits come in many colour options
Since its creation by David Reiss in 1971, Reiss has established a design philosophy centred on creating design-led menswear, womenswear and accessories.
With an uncompromising commitment to delivering innovative and original products, Reiss fuses exceptional design, quality and value.
Tailoring that’s trend-driven but crafted using traditional techniques too? Reiss’ men’s suit collection featuring considered cuts, premium fabrics and clever designs is just that. They have everything from double-breasted blazers to the classic three-piece tailored suit.
Charles Tyrwhitt
Pros
- They offer a 3-month promise
- They care about eco-friendliness
- The suits are on the affordable side
- The pieces are ideal for niche events or more special occasions
Cons
- The suits are not that easy to take care of
Charles Tyrwhitt endeavours to produce the finest menswear, with timeless style and no compromise on quality. Topped off with excellent prices and “a pinch of British charm thrown in for good measure” this is a seriously suave brand.
Coming in at the more affordable end of the spectrum, Charles Tyrwhitt is a go-to supplier for all your business suit needs. The company also produces an extensive selection of occasion suits and tuxedos for more niche events, with a commitment to quality paid to each and every one.
Drake's
Pros
- They have a lot of handmade pieces
- They are ideal both for everyday wear and more special events
- You can choose from many colours and designs
Cons
- You can only have free deliveries to Australia if you spend more than $500
Founded in east London in 1977, Drake’s has become renowned for their ‘relaxed elegance’.
The company prides itself in their dedication to craftsmanship and exacting quality. This, paired with Drake’s idiosyncratic design sensibility, is a bedrock for creating enduring garments and accessories of real worth.
All of Drake’s suits are made in Italy using the most meticulous construction methods, to create an elegantly soft silhouette. Drake’s also have a number of linen and linen-blend suits that are perfect for warmer weather.
Todd Snyder
Pros
- Impeccably tailored suits
- They can make any man look professional and confident
- You can choose from both casual and formal suits
Cons
- They are pretty expensive
Iowa native Todd Snyder makes effortless everyday luxuries for the modern gentleman. Blending Savile Row’s craftsmanship with a downtown New York aesthetic, his clothing is relaxed, refined and always impeccably tailored.
Todd Snyder has a great range of formal and casual suits, in both timeless colours and prints, but also in daring colours and prints if you’re feeling bold. Most suits are cut in a slim tailored fit, but there are some more modern cuts too; if you’re feeling adventurous and want to stand out, Todd Snyder’s the suit brand for you.
Ralph Lauren
Pros
- They have free standard delivery on all orders
- Made from premium wool and cotton
- The suits are ideal for multiple occasions
Cons
- Some pieces only come in one size
In 1967, Ralph Lauren was launched with a tie. Bucking trends at the times, Ralph Lauren released a collection of wide ties that became an instant hit. Since then, the company has grown to an iconic globally known fashion empire.
Ralph Lauren has a range of excellently cut suits, expertly tailored for a slim tapered look. These suits are on the more expensive side of the suit world, but you truly are paying for the quality. A Ralph Lauren suit will fit you like a glove, and will last for many many years to come.
J. Crew
Pros
- They use fabrics of the highest quality
- Their suits are more accessible
- The suits are available in multiple fits
- A brand that is always on trend
Cons
- Some of their pieces can only be spot-cleaned
J. Crew believes in ‘looking a million bucks, not spending it’ which is why they source the best high-quality fabrics at the most accessible prices. All of their products are classic with a modern twist, meaning you’ll always look effortlessly polished when sporting J. Crew.
Preppy outfitter J. Crew has just one suit in its repertoire: The Ludlow. Available in slim and classic fits, the Ludlow has been kicking about since 2008, remaining popular ever since.
It’s a great low-cost option for an off-the-rack suit that is updated every few years to remain on-trend. You can have the Ludlow in almost any colour, and in either structured or unstructured variants, with the latter, naturally being a more casual option.
Brooks Brothers
Pros
- Perfect brand for corporate workers
- They use quality Italian-woven fabrics
- You can get them in many patterns and styles
- Subscribing to the newsletter gives you 10% off your first order
Cons
- Finding the right fit is challenging
The oldest clothing retailer in the US is also still one of its best. Founded over 200 years ago, Brooks Brothers has been an outfitter of choice for virtually all the US Presidents, as well as a number of America’s elite regiments.
Today, much of Brooks Brothers’ suiting offering will appeal to many a corporate worker, with the essential colours of grey, black and navy all ticked off and available in various styles such as plain and pinstripes. Collections such as the 1818 line are made in either the US or Italy from Italian-woven fabrics, with many features being formed by hand.
Paul Smith
Pros
- They have quirky and eccentric styles available
- Made in Italy from high-quality wool
- They use tonal buttons
Cons
- They’re on the pricier side
Renowned for his creative aesthetic, which combines tradition and modernity, Paul Smith is one of Britain’s foremost designers. Each Paul Smith design is underpinned by a dry British sense of humour: quirky but not frivolous, eccentric but not silly.
If you’re really feeling bold, you can’t go wrong with one of Paul Smith’s suits. Not afraid to add pleats to pants and crop the leg, you have the option of two-piece, three-piece, and separate options crafted in soft wool or mohair-blends. Paul Smith’s suits are extra special in that every man looks chic in one, thanks to the label’s Parisian edge.
Savile Row Company
Pros
- Their suits are more affordable
- Timeless designs that you can wear for years to come
- The suits are ideal for men who like a more classic style
Cons
- They don’t accept order changes and cancellations
Savile Row Company is dedicated to creating luxury clothing and accessories with affordable price tags. Crafting finely tailored clothes since 1938, this brand has become globally known for their elegant products.
Savile Row Company’s range of suits are expertly tailored to a timeless shape, and you can choose from classic styles set against grey, navy and black. If you’re after a suit that’ll make you just ooze elegance and sophistication, this is the brand for you.
Burberry
Pros
- Perfect for modern men who like old-style suits
- They create suits of the finest quality
- You can machine wash some of their suits
- They source their materials responsibly
Cons
- They’re not the cheapest suits
Burberry, British luxury fashion house founded in 1856, is most famous for their signature trench coat. However, the brand produces a wide variety of fine clothing and accessories.
When it comes to their suit range: anglophiles, rejoice. Burberry offers British heritage tailoring to the modern gent with an old-soul taste. It takes inspiration from classic fabrics, trims (sometimes plaid), and techniques, while presenting suits in newer shapes and updated materials.
Marks and Spencer
Pros
- Great suits for formal events and weddings
- They create a luxurious feel with the wool-blend fabrics
- They’re quite affordable for the quality they offer
Cons
- They don’t always package their products properly
Marks and Spencer, founded in 1884, is a major British multinational retailer, commonly referred to as M&S. Known for producing clothing, homewares, and food, there’s nothing M&S can’t do well, including their range of men’s suits.
Pairing impeccable craftsmanship with timeless designs, M&S’s range of suits are ideal for weddings and formal events, but will also bring a dash of professional flair to your workwear. They have classic 3-piece suit styles and contemporary slim-fit cuts, all created in wool-blend fabrics for a luxurious feel. Plus, they are super affordable!
Burton
Pros
- Affordable suits of the highest quality
- They come in many colours and prints
- It’s easy to find the right size
Cons
- You can only return the items within 28 days
British high fashion retailer Burton has been producing high-quality fashion pieces for over a century. They’ve especially had a long love affair with men’s suits and tailoring, ever since the company’s inception in 1903.
The designers work hard to ensure that all Burton suits are of the highest quality and affordable. They have a huge range, from men’s skinny suits and men’s slim fit suits, to tailored suits and men’s three piece suits. Available in a great selection of colours and prints, you’ll ooze elegance in a Burton suit.
ASOS Design
Pros
- Colourful options for men who like bolder designs
- Suits for men of all ages
- The prices are more accessible
Cons
- The return window for orders is 14 days
ASOS, the British online retailer was founded in 2000, and since then they have primarily aimed their clothing at young adults. So, if you’re a younger man needing a suit, or perhaps you’re a little older just wanting to rock the latest trends when it comes to suits, ASOS’s own line, ASOS Design is perfect for you.
ASOS Design’s range of men’s suits feature modern skinny and slim fits, and while they have suits in traditional colours black, navy, and grey… you can also find suits with a little more flair. They have playful colours such as wine red, mustard yellow, emerald green, and even a suit completely decked out in sequins.
If you want to emulate Harry Styles’ bold and unique style, ASOS Design is the suit brand for you.
Jos. A. Bank
Pros
- They let you look and feel confident
- They come in classic colours
- You can easily find the perfect fit
Cons
- They don’t always have the best quality
Suits for men are American men’s retailer, Jos. A. Bank’s passion. Founded in 1905, the company prides itself on its heritage of quality workmanship, their extensive selection of beautifully made, classically tailored and casual clothing, and prices that are typically 20 to 30 percent below their competitors’.
Jos. A. Bank knows the fit of your tailored suit is everything and believes ‘a great fit ensures your style and confidence’. They have three distinctive tailored fits: traditional, tailored, and slim, so all shapes and sizes will find their perfect fitting suit. All of Jos. A. Bank’s suits are available in classic colours, and will make you look sophisticated no matter where you go.
Indochino
Pros
- Premium-made suits available
- You can customize your own suits
- They’re versatile and easy to wear
Cons
- Free measurement appointments are only available if you spend over $329
Still apprehensive about purchasing a suit online? Look no further than Indochino. Founded on the belief that you don’t need to spend a fortune on a custom wardrobe, Indochino takes the premium made-to-measure experience directly to the consumer and has created a superior alternative to off-the-rack clothing, at ready-to-wear prices. This approach has enabled Indochino to become the largest exclusive made-to-measure apparel company in the world.
They have a fantastic range of suits that you can either buy as-is, or customize them with your choice of fabric, lapels, pockets, buttons, linings, and even monograms. And of course, you can get all of Indochino’s suits custom-made to your precise measurements for the perfect fit.