Foo - I can't find a Suit, I blame cycling.

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.
brianappleby
02-04-07, 09:19 PM
I'm getting married in April and need to buy my first suit. Thanks to cycling, my jacket size is 36-37 long. I was informed by the guy at nordstrom and the guy at Men's Warehouse that most people don't make suits in that size.
Any of you out there with the same problem? Any ideas?
Thanks,
B.
I hate you for having that problem. But, since this is BF, I have to say "go custom." :D
rockrates
02-04-07, 09:30 PM
dang that's small. I have trouble enough at 40L
waterrockets
02-04-07, 09:40 PM
My problem has always been narrow waist, big glutes. It's actually gotten pretty painful to wear framed backpacks because of the glute interference. As the muscles flex from walking, the entire pack is lifted on one side by about 1". That's a lot of extra work being done every step, and starts to hurt. My toolbelt for DIY stuff exhibits the same issues.
fogrider
02-04-07, 09:42 PM
i don't think you can blame cycling for size.
aballas
02-04-07, 09:43 PM
wow...very small...42L here..
+ 1 on the "go custom" i vote for CF cuff links...
thatguy
02-04-07, 09:43 PM
I really hope you mean a tux and not a regular suit....
I don't understand how this is cycling's fault. I also find it kind of odd that this will be your first suit, ever. In this day and age, most people have at least one suit that they've used for graduation, or job interviews etc.
First of all, suits only come in even sizes. If you need something between sizes, you're going to need to take it to a tailor (which you should do anyway). A less expensive suit that's well-tailored looks better than an expensive suit that's been bought off the rack with no alterations. I wear a 36 short jacket (actually, my chest is more like 33 or 34) and while it's sometimes a little tougher finding a well-fitting suit, it's by no means impossible. It all depends on the cut of the jacket, but if you're buying something to wear to your wedding, do yourself a favour and set some money aside for a GOOD tailor.
Your solution depends on the problem: are you having trouble finding a jacket that fits you across the chest, or one that drapes long enough to cover your backside? Or is it a problem with the pants that are paired with the suits not fitting? If you need a 37 long jacket, you should probably get a 38 long and have a tailor take it in at the side seams (and nip the shoulders if neccessary). Pants can be taken in an inch without a problem.
Custom: a well-made and well-fitted suit will last you a long time. Made-to-measure suits aren't THAT much more expensive than off the rack, and like a custom-built bike, you'll know that it was made to fit YOU and all of your body's quirks. Consider it a good investment if you're going to be wearing it again.
Tux: any particular reason you're going for suit over tux? There IS a difference between them and most men opt for a tux (even if it's a rental) for formal occasions like weddings.
CrimsonKarter21
02-04-07, 10:20 PM
Flip it.
Fate is trying to tell you something
haimtoeg
02-04-07, 10:31 PM
Go custom--CF suit, titanium buttons, and don't forget to polish your Sidis before the ceremony.
terrymorse
02-04-07, 10:34 PM
37 regular here. They are very hard to find. A 38 looks like a clown suit on me.
Pants are worse: 29 waist, 34 inseam. When I find pants that fit, I buy several. It may be years before I find another.
samsation7
02-04-07, 10:38 PM
I hate you for having that problem. But, since this is BF, I have to say "go custom." :D
I've heard rumours that the Italian greats in men suits like Veneta, Armani, and Valentino are going carbon on the buttons.:p
BrianG79
02-04-07, 10:45 PM
I also find it kind of odd that this will be your first suit, ever. In this day and age, most people have at least one suit that they've used for graduation, or job interviews etc.
28 and never owned a suit...yet.
Ih8lucky13
02-04-07, 11:04 PM
28 and never owned a suit...yet.
Someone made a serious vocational error somewhere.:)
Stallionforce
02-04-07, 11:04 PM
I don't understand how this is cycling's fault. I also find it kind of odd that this will be your first suit, ever. In this day and age, most people have at least one suit that they've used for graduation, or job interviews etc.
First of all, suits only come in even sizes. If you need something between sizes, you're going to need to take it to a tailor (which you should do anyway). A less expensive suit that's well-tailored looks better than an expensive suit that's been bought off the rack with no alterations. I wear a 36 short jacket (actually, my chest is more like 33 or 34) and while it's sometimes a little tougher finding a well-fitting suit, it's by no means impossible. It all depends on the cut of the jacket, but if you're buying something to wear to your wedding, do yourself a favour and set some money aside for a GOOD tailor.
Your solution depends on the problem: are you having trouble finding a jacket that fits you across the chest, or one that drapes long enough to cover your backside? Or is it a problem with the pants that are paired with the suits not fitting? If you need a 37 long jacket, you should probably get a 38 long and have a tailor take it in at the side seams (and nip the shoulders if neccessary). Pants can be taken in an inch without a problem.
Custom: a well-made and well-fitted suit will last you a long time. Made-to-measure suits aren't THAT much more expensive than off the rack, and like a custom-built bike, you'll know that it was made to fit YOU and all of your body's quirks. Consider it a good investment if you're going to be wearing it again.
Tux: any particular reason you're going for suit over tux? There IS a difference between them and most men opt for a tux (even if it's a rental) for formal occasions like weddings.
Let me guess... computer programmer, or engineer?
urodacus
02-04-07, 11:06 PM
isn't everything bigger and better in america?
Most of the large manufacturers should be able to help you out. Zegna has their "su misura" program with a mtm suit, definitely not cheap but you might not have any other local market options.
If you have time, I suggest working with WW Chan, they travel to the USA on a scheduled basis and will run around 800-1000 for a suit that is easily cost compared with 3000+ dollar suits.
check out www.styleforum.net for more info on suits, brands and how/where to get custom suits.
(I am basically a perfect 40r (top at least) so I never get custom, just know how to get them.)
Well, my problem is similar - a year ago I had two suits made to measure, one of our local men shops had a very good offer. They fit me perfectly - as they should really...
After another year of cycling, they're too big... :(
mxyzptlk
02-05-07, 06:07 AM
Yes, I am in the exact same position... I think if it existed, I would be a 37L. Fortunately for me, I am in a position now where I can get made-to-measure suits, and truth be told, you can get M-to-M suits for the same price as off-the-rack suits if you look around. Even Ralph Lauren M-to-M as the same price as their off-the-rack.
Your only other option is to buy a suit off-the-rack and have a trusted tailor take it apart and put it back together.
Grasschopper
02-05-07, 06:14 AM
Here we go. CF cufflinks, tuxedo studs, rings and mixed gold/CF rings
http://www.blinkgalleryusa.com/images/jewelry/cuff_links.jpg
http://www.blinkgalleryusa.com/images/jewelry/tux.jpg
http://www.blinkgalleryusa.com/images/jewelry/carbon_ring_med.jpg
http://www.blinkgalleryusa.com/images/jewelry/silver_carbon_inlay_med.jpg
http://www.blinkgalleryusa.com/jewelry.html
jamiewilson3
02-05-07, 06:17 AM
I have never bought from them, but this is probably the cheapest route, as you will most likely have to go custom.
http://www.mycustomtailor.com/
They have been around for a good long while (Several years). I did email them once and got a fast and courteous response. If I did it, I would go to a tailor and pay to have him take the measurements, then order the fabric swatch book and select the fabric. Assuming that this is your first suit, you may want to pony up and order from the LBS, I mean LCT (Local Custom Tailor). A hand made suit at a LCT will run at least 800 in my area, but if it is for your wedding, then it is probably worth it. Mycustomtailor is the BikesDirect of suits. You miss the one on one service and support, but get stuff at a fraction of the price of LBS, I mean LCT. Are we still talking about suits or bikes?
blacksquid
02-05-07, 06:19 AM
wow...very small...42L here..
+ 1 on the "go custom" i vote for CF cuff links...
44R here and I blame rock climbing! :D
another +1 on "go custom" or rent a tux.
jccaclimber
02-05-07, 06:27 AM
44R here and I blame rock climbing! :D
another +1 on "go custom" or rent a tux.
But are your forearms bigger than your biceps from too much climbing? I have this problem that long sleeved t-shirts never fit. I do have a tall/skinny problem but can't blame it on cycling as I've always had the issue.
do a push up or two. you'll be fine
blacksquid
02-05-07, 06:35 AM
But are your forearms bigger than your biceps from too much climbing? I have this problem that long sleeved t-shirts never fit. I do have a tall/skinny problem but can't blame it on cycling as I've always had the issue.
Close but not quite! I do have problems with some dress shirts being a bit snug on my forearms (bouldering). I also have a 33" waist so pants can be fun with larger thighs!
GuitarWizard
02-05-07, 06:35 AM
My problem has always been narrow waist, big glutes. It's actually gotten pretty painful to wear framed backpacks because of the glute interference. As the muscles flex from walking, the entire pack is lifted on one side by about 1". That's a lot of extra work being done every step, and starts to hurt. My toolbelt for DIY stuff exhibits the same issues.
Your pack fits wrong then....or you have the tallest glutes ever :D
I dunno, I like these.
http://www.retrobicycles.co.uk/cufflinks/graduate.jpg
Get a tailor to make you a suit. I did that for my wedding and it was oly a little more expensive than a tux - and I looked SO much better.
billallbritten
02-05-07, 07:28 AM
Rent it - they should make some tailoring adjustments.
I've dropped to a 40R or 38-39L depending on the cut and feel your pain. The last suit I bought required substanial alteration (Nordstrom should do this). Try to get a fit across your shoulders and see if they can tailor the length and cuffs.
Good luck. As a former size 48, I'm not feeling too bad about this as an issue, though.
Sincerely,
Bill
I'm getting married in April and need to buy my first suit. Thanks to cycling, my jacket size is 36-37 long. I was informed by the guy at nordstrom and the guy at Men's Warehouse that most people don't make suits in that size.
Any of you out there with the same problem? Any ideas?
Thanks,
B.
crtreedude
02-05-07, 07:33 AM
44 L here - and I blame it on Rock climbing too. I had to buy a suit for my daughters wedding. My glasses are photogrey types and so in the pictures I looked like Secret Service. I was wondering why we didn't have any problems...
eandmwilson
02-05-07, 07:40 AM
You got a couple months to roid up and and get a chest!
Let me guess... computer programmer, or engineer?
Not even close: my BA was in law. My Master's will be in higher education administration. I'd like to hear how you jumped to your conclusion though.
waterrockets
02-05-07, 07:55 AM
Your pack fits wrong then....or you have the tallest glutes ever :D
:) My packs rest on my hip bones -- any higher and it starts to affect my breathing and my stomach. I've moved the pack all over the place trying to fiind a better position, but my glutes get irritated from pushing on the belt. They don't really get tired -- just sore from the contact.
I've got bad knees, so I'm a butt pedaler. I wouldn't imagine my glutes are any taller, but I'll bet that they have more mass up high than the average cyclist. Certainly more than the average backpacker, or someone would have solved this ;)
I'm getting married in April and need to buy my first suit. Thanks to cycling, my jacket size is 36-37 long. I was informed by the guy at nordstrom and the guy at Men's Warehouse that most people don't make suits in that size.
Any of you out there with the same problem? Any ideas?
Thanks,
B.
Sadly, it's a function of living in the U.S. I'm not quite as slim as you but I have a much easier time finding suits and clothes in Europe or from European stores. Given the size you need, hit the tailor. You can have it made to fit in any style you want.
44R here and I blame Ice Hockey.
And oreos.
:D
Anyway, I found someone who might help.
http://www.boyssuits.com/
eandmwilson
02-05-07, 08:15 AM
Let me guess... computer programmer, or engineer?
Most computer weenies I've seen are either the Kate Moss thin goatie wearing weenies or the fat slob surrounded by empty pizza boxes.
As for engineers, I are an engineer, and take exception to you assertion (besides, most engineers I see are pretty chunky)!
Try being 6’6” and 250 pounds. My suits start at 48 – 50 long. Try that and then tell me you can’t find anything off the rack.
Second Mouse
02-05-07, 09:04 AM
A quick internet search revealed these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/MENS-COMPLETE-DESIGNER-TUXEDO-SUIT-38-L-Long-38L-NEW_W0QQitemZ330082301718QQihZ014QQcategoryZ105515QQcmdZViewItem :eek:
and
http://cgi.ebay.com/MENS-DB-WHITE-DRESS-SUIT-Mens-38L-38-L-LONG-NEW-SUITS_W0QQitemZ330082112567QQihZ014QQcategoryZ3001QQcmdZViewItem :eek: :eek:
I don't know if Google was really your friend here, but at least when your friends throw you in the pond, it's not like you've ruined a real spendy suit.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.12 Copyright © 2012 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.