I've always got around wearing a suit to formal occasions by replacing it with a cardigan. This is perfectly fine as a temporary measure but there is a time in every males life when he has to suck it up and purchase a suit. This date varies widely between young men, with young offenders and spys being the first ones to pull on the linen (the former to avoid doing bird, the latter to assist getting birds). Being neither a spy or a young offender, I delayed getting my first suit until 10 days after my 21st birthday. Here is my story (and a handy 'tie in' (ha) to the challenge set by Phillipa).
I took my housemate Richard along to act as a second opinion, which is always advisable when purchasing something important like a suit. Unfortunately,, he used most of his opinion air-time talking about food, something I will get to later. I had no idea what size I was suit wise, so I tested the waters in Topman, throwing on a cheeky grey number. It would probably have been wise to get myself measured but the last time that happened was in the Chesterfield branch of Burton for my Year 11 prom. I don't want to go into too much detail but let's just say the bloke who measured me up was a bit too enthusiastic with his tape measure. The whole event certainly left a sour taste in my mouth.
The Topman debacle was left undecided and we headed for various other shops. M&S had the biggest suit department but I was sure my Grandpa already owned half of them and I didn't want to step on his toes (or brogues) so we hurriedly left. Various other shops were visited including Ben Sherman (out of my price range), Zara (too linen-y), H&M (not enough conviction) and BHS (err no). It didn't help that in a lot of department stores, the men's formal wear section seems to be next to the cafe. You can imagine the havoc this was playing with Richard's senses. He stayed strong though, fair play.
It was just starting to do my head in when we arrived at Next. I didn't have high hopes for Next, I've always thought of it as a 'easing into my comfort zone but still in touch with my youth' type of shop from a menswear perspective. The suit section was spot on though, loads of choice and most importantly a 'slim fit' section. This fit avoids the 'borrowing my Dad's suit' look that so many first time buyers unwittingly fall into. I selected one to try on and instantly knew it was the one. Love at first suit. I was glad that I knew this one was the one for me on two levels, firstly the parking time was running low and secondly, I was starting to smell. My feet and armpits were having a scent battle that was only going to end one way: death of a salesman.
Unfortunately, the trousers that went with the suit were a bit too wide for my slim but powerful legs, so we had to go back to Topman and match the jacket up with a pair of their finest skinny fitting slacks. The shade was slightly different but only noticeable to microscopes and midgets so the job was done.
I forgot to say that the reason I bought the suit in the first place was for a wedding, which was great, so congrats to Dave and Lauren. And to Willy and Kate. I didn't watch it but apparently her ring was too tight. Last thing you want on your wedding day.
PBM
JM
