I have the opportunity to buy a really high-end Hugo Boss suit from Nordstrom’s for $500. Should I get it?
Probably not. I know I sound crazy, but hear me out:
First, don’t let brand distract you from what matters with a suit: quality and fit. Off-the-rack suits are obviously not made to fit you and, in many cases, are not constructed terribly well. My understanding of Hugo Boss’s cheaper off-the-rack suits is that the canvas is glued together – not exactly what you’d expect from such a “high-end” suit – and the stitching can be hit-or-miss. From my personal experience with those suits, they also tend to have very strange, off-feeling fabric – an intentional choice I’m sure, but maybe not the best choice if you don’t have many other suits.
Second, don’t let the brand fool you. Many brands – Hugo Boss, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, etc. – have cheaper lines designed at targeting people who want veblen goods at a discount. Don’t fall for that trap. No-one sees the label but you.
If you want a good suit for under $500, you could easily find a great option from a made-to-measure tailor online. Popular options, as always, include Indochino, Blank Label, and Black Lapel.
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