How Much Should You Spend on a Fitted Suit? Real Costs for Real Men

Buying a fitted suit isn’t about looking fancy-it’s about looking put together. Whether you’re heading to a job interview, a wedding, or just want to stop feeling like you’re wearing pajamas to the office, a good suit changes how people see you. But how much should you actually spend? The answer isn’t a number on a website. It’s about what you need, how often you’ll wear it, and what kind of fit matters to you.

What a $300 suit really buys you

You can walk into any high street store and walk out with a suit for $300. That’s the entry point. But here’s the catch: most of those suits are made with synthetic fabrics, glued lining, and buttons stitched on with a machine that doesn’t care if they fall off after two dry cleanings. I’ve seen guys buy suits like this for interviews-only to have the jacket unravel at the shoulder seam by the third meeting. These suits don’t breathe. They wrinkle the second you sit down. And they never fit right, no matter how many alterations you try.

At this price, you’re paying for branding, not craftsmanship. The suit might look okay in the mirror, but it’s built to last one season. If you’re wearing it once a year, maybe it’s fine. But if you need it to hold up through multiple events, seasons, or job changes? You’ll regret it.

The sweet spot: $600-$900

This is where most men who know what they’re doing land. A suit in this range comes from brands that actually use wool-real, woven wool, not blends that feel like plastic. The lining is stitched, not glued. The lapels have structure. The shoulders are shaped to fit a human body, not a mannequin. You’ll notice the difference the first time you walk into a room.

At $700, you’re getting a suit that can handle 3-5 wears a month without looking worn. I’ve talked to tailors in York who say 80% of their repeat clients started here. These suits are made in Italy, Portugal, or Turkey by factories that have been doing this for generations. They’re not handmade from scratch, but they’re not mass-produced junk either. The fabric weight is right-around 280g/m²-which means it’s warm enough for winter and light enough for spring.

At this level, you can get a suit that fits you better than off-the-rack. Most brands in this range offer free alterations or have in-house tailors. That’s huge. A suit that’s $100 off the rack but costs $150 to alter? You’re not saving money-you’re wasting it.

Why $1,200+ suits are worth it (if you need them)

Now, if you’re in a job where you’re in front of clients every day-lawyer, banker, senior executive-or you’re getting married, or you just hate looking like you’re wearing a costume-then $1,200 to $2,000 is where you start.

These suits are made from superfine wool, sometimes Merino or cashmere blends. The fabric is woven in mills that have been around since the 1800s. The construction is full canvas-meaning the chest area is hand-stitched with layers of horsehair and cotton, not fused with glue. That’s what lets the suit move with you, not against you. It drapes. It breathes. It lasts 10+ years if you care for it.

I met a man in York who’s worn the same $1,800 suit for 11 years. He’s had it cleaned twice, re-stitched the lapel once, and replaced the buttons. It still looks new. He wears it to court, funerals, and client dinners. He says, "It’s not expensive. It’s an investment. I don’t have to think about it. It just works."

What you’re really paying for

When you spend more on a suit, you’re not just buying fabric. You’re buying:

• Fit: A suit that moves with your body, not one that fights it.
• Longevity: A suit that doesn’t pill, fade, or sag after six months.
• Comfort: No itching, no stiffness, no sweating through in a 2-hour meeting.
• Resale value: A good suit from a reputable brand can hold 40-60% of its value if you sell it later.
• Confidence: You don’t have to check your reflection every five minutes.

These aren’t fluffy perks. They’re measurable. A study from the University of California found that men who wore well-fitted suits were perceived as 37% more competent in job interviews-even when their resumes were identical to those wearing off-the-rack suits.

When you can skip the high price

Not everyone needs a $1,500 suit. If you only wear a suit once a year-for a wedding or a single presentation-you can save money. But don’t go cheap. Stick to $500-$700. Look for sales in January or August. Some brands like Suitsupply, Indochino, and even J.Crew have great mid-range options. Just avoid anything labeled "100% polyester" or "easy care"-those are red flags.

Also, if you’re still growing, losing weight, or unsure about your style, wait. Don’t lock yourself into a suit that won’t fit in a year. Rent one for events. Or buy a second-hand suit from a reputable vintage shop. I’ve seen perfectly good suits from the 90s for under $200 that fit better than new ones.

What to check before you buy

Here’s what to look for in any suit, no matter the price:

1. Shoulders: The seam should sit right where your arm meets your shoulder. If it’s too far out or too far in, the suit will never fit.
2. Lapels: They should lie flat. If they curl up, it’s glued. Walk away.
3. Buttons: Pull gently. If they move easily or feel loose, the stitching is weak.
4. Fabric: Hold it up to the light. Real wool has a slight texture. Synthetic fabric looks shiny and flat.
5. Length: The jacket should cover your buttocks but not go past them. Your shirt cuff should show about half an inch.

If you’re buying online, check the return policy. If they don’t let you return it for fit issues, they don’t believe in their own product.

The hidden cost: Alterations

Even a $2,000 suit won’t fit right off the rack. That’s why tailors exist. Budget $75-$150 for basic alterations: hemming the pants, taking in the waist, shortening the sleeves. Don’t skip this. A suit that’s too big looks sloppy. A suit that’s too tight looks like you’re trying too hard. The difference between "good fit" and "great fit" is often just $100.

Some brands include this in the price. Others charge extra. Know what you’re getting.

Final advice: Don’t rush

There’s no rush. Take your time. Try on three different suits in three different price ranges. Wear them around the house. Sit down. Walk. Raise your arms. See how they feel. The suit that feels like it was made for you-that’s the one.

And remember: a suit doesn’t make you. But a bad suit can make you look like you don’t care. Spend enough to feel confident. Not so much that you’re stressed. Find your balance.