One of the most common questions I get as a style editor is: “Where can I get a good suit?” And my first response is always: “What’s your budget?” Every guy needs a solid suit in his arsenal, but ideally a few. Suits never go out of style, and while they’re not as ubiquitous today, there will always be occasions when you need one. Just look at brands we love, like Todd Snyder and Buck Mason—tailoring is always in the mix, and yes, even ties are creeping back into the spotlight. These trends weave in and out, but guys want to dress up again. When tailored well, with quality materials, and a flattering drape, suits are damn cool. But how much does a suit cost? And where should you get a good one, whatever your budget may be?
My rule of thumb for where to start is navy, gray, and black. These will cover almost every scenario, from work events to weddings (and the inevitable funeral). Inside my closet, you’ll find my suits sorted by these shades. I have favorites for different occasions: My navy Zegna suit was a weekly work go-to—the fit and drape were impeccable, and the wool-silk blend was breathable and luxe. My gray Indochino wool flannel suit is perfect for cooler weather, while my black Bonobos suit is my no-fail choice for formal events. And as a rocker at heart, a black suit suits my style DNA.
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With so many options, and especially great ones off the rack or online, finding the right suit can feel overwhelming, so I’m breaking it down into three price tiers, and within each: what to look for, what to expect, and tips to get the best value. I also recommend some of the best brands at each level. Remember, a suit rarely fits perfectly off the rack, so find a tailor you trust. Because when you wear a great suit, there’s still nothing in menswear that makes you feel as put-together, timeless, and like a million bucks.
First, let’s go over some key terms and themes to know. Also, bear in mind this article focuses on ready-to-wear suiting, not custom (which would easily fill another article!). To help, we consulted with style expert Seth Howard.
What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Quality Counts
The aim is to get the best-constructed suit at the best value. Of course, you will sacrifice certain luxuries the lower you go in cost, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a decently made suit with quality fabric. “The higher the quality, the better the fabric, construction, and craftsmanship—but that also means higher production costs, more skilled labor, and better long-term wear,” says Howard. “Investing in a well-made suit not only ensures longevity but also offers a superior fit and overall experience.”
Textiles
Textiles will vary the most across price points, and entry-level suits often use wool blends with polyester, viscose, or elastane to cut costs. “These fabrics are less breathable, less durable, and more prone to pilling,” Howard explains. Midrange suits, however, typically use 100 percent wool, usually in the Super 110s to 130s range, which results in a softer, more luxurious feel. Luxury suits, on the other hand, use Super 140s to 180s wool, cashmere, silk blends, or even rare fibers like vicuña. “These materials drape beautifully and feel lighter, but they’re expensive to produce and delicate to maintain.”
Super… What?
Another key term to know is Super wool. “Super wool refers to a grading system that measures the fineness of wool fibers in men’s suiting,” Howard adds. “The higher the ‘Super’ number, the finer the individual fibers, which affects the fabric’s softness, drape, and durability. Higher-grade wool requires more refining and is sourced from finer, more selective sheep breeds.”
The Construction
Canvassing is another major factor in suit quality. “Canvassing refers to the inner construction of a suit jacket—specifically, how the fabric is reinforced to give the suit structure, shape, and durability,” Howard explains. “It plays a crucial role in how a suit drapes on the body and how it ages over time. A full-canvas suit moves with the body, retains its shape over time, and offers superior drape, whereas fused suits tend to break down faster and look stiff. Half-canvassed suits strike a balance, offering better structure at a more affordable price.”
The Details
Yes, details matter. And with higher-cost suits, you will (and should) find refined touches like horn buttons and linings made from silk or Bemberg. Some feature pick stitching, a subtle but elegant detail that runs along the lapel edge, adding visual interest. A well-made suit might have lapels lined with a “floating” canvas, a hand-stitched layer between the outer fabric and the lining. This allows the lapel to move with the wearer, giving the suit a more natural drape.
Related: So, What the Hell Is the Difference Between Chino Pants vs. Khakis?
Entry-Level Suits ($500 and Under)
What to Expect
Fabric: “Expect wool blends—wool-polyester, wool-viscose, or lower-end 100 percent wool. At this price point, brands use blends to cut costs, sacrificing breathability and durability,” Howard notes. If you go for a blend, ensure wool is the primary fabric.
Construction: “Most suits in this range are fused, meaning the interlining is glued rather than sewn in. Over time, this can lead to bubbling or stiffness.” In other words, it’ll last for a while—but don’t expect it to be a lifelong investment piece.
Fit and Sizing: “Generally slim or modern cuts with limited size options.” The more you pay, the better the drape and proportions. Entry-level suits might have awkward fits (think sleeves that are too short or jackets that run long).
Alterations and Experience: Some brands offer made-to-measure in this range, but quality control can be hit or miss. “Ready-to-wear suits often require tailoring, which comes out of your pocket.”
Suitsupply Light Grey Perennial Tailored Fit Lazio Suit, $499
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What to Look For
Prioritize Fabric: “Stick to 100 percent wool when possible—avoid poly-heavy blends,” says Howard. Many suits in this range will likely be blends, but again, make sure wool is the majority fabric.
Seek Half-Canvassed Construction: “Suitsupply offers this. Half-canvas means the jacket’s front is reinforced with a layer of canvas from the shoulders to the midsection.” It’s a step up from fully fused suits, which use glue to attach the fabric to the interlining, creating a stiff, unnatural drape. Fully fused suits will do the job for a while, just not in the most stylish way.
Get the Shoulders Right: “This is the hardest and most expensive area to alter.” Sleeve and pant length? Easier fixes. Shoulders first, everything else later.
J.Crew Ludlow Slim-Fit Suit Jacket in Italian Chino, Navy, $298
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J.Crew Ludlow Slim-Fit Suit Pant in Italian Chino, Navy, $198
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Charles Tyrwhitt Natural Stretch Twill Suit, Black, $374
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Midrange Suits ($500 to $1,000)
What to Expect
Fabric: “At this price, you’re looking at higher-quality 100 percent wool, often in the Super 110s to 130s range. That means finer, smoother yarns with a better drape,” says Howard. You’ll also start seeing more seasonal fabrics, too, like linen and cotton, especially for summer suits.
Construction: “Most suits in this range are half-canvassed, meaning the chest piece is sewn rather than glued. This allows for better movement and longevity.” At this price point, a fully fused suit (glued) should be a dealbreaker, i.e., make sure it’s half-canvassed.
Fit and Sizing: “Expect a wider range of fits and sizes, sometimes with extended or short lengths.” The more you spend, the better the options and more the variety.
Alterations and Experience: “Ready-to-wear suits come with better in-store tailoring options, though usually at an additional cost.” Many brands at this level—think Suitsupply (again), Indochino, Todd Snyder, or department stores like Nordstrom—offer in-house tailoring to ensure a great fit.
What to Look For
Construction: “Prioritize half-canvassed construction over fused,” says Howard. A half-canvassed suit offers better durability, breathability, and structure, whereas fused suits rely on glue and can lose shape over time.
Colorways: “Opt for timeless colors (navy, charcoal, gray) for versatility. These shades work across a variety of settings, from work to weddings, and allow for easy mixing and matching with different shirts and ties.” But don’t be afraid to also inject some personality with teals, olive, sand, etc., especially at this price point, which allows for better drape and fabric.
Brand Reputation: “Consider brands with solid customer service and in-house tailoring to fine-tune the fit.” At this level, you should have knowledgeable staff helping you with the process at most steps.
Bonobos Jetsetter Wool Suit, Charcoal, $625
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Indochino Montafia Plaid Hunter Green Suit, $809
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Todd Snyder Italian Gabardine Sutton Suit in Khaki, $996
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Luxury Entry-Level Suits ($1,000 and Over)
What to Expect
Fabric: “Above $1,000, you’re getting into Super 130s to 180s wool, cashmere, and silk-wool blends—exceptionally soft, breathable, and lightweight,” says Howard. You can also expect finer weaves like worsted-wool for year-round wear or wool flannel for colder seasons.
Construction: “Full canvas is the standard here. The chest and lapels have a floating layer of horsehair canvas sewn in, which allows the suit to mold to the wearer’s body over time for a more natural shape.” This construction drapes beautifully to your body.
Fit and Sizing: You can expect extensive size options with greater attention to proportions. “Some brands even offer semi-bespoke adjustments.” Plus a ton of colorways.
Alterations and Experience: Customer service at this level is extremely attentive and knowledgeable. “At this price point, free or discounted custom alterations are common. The customer experience is tailored—expect personal styling and often a made-to-measure component.”
Brooks Brothers Traditional Fit Wool Cashmere Checked 1818 Suit, Brown Multi, $1,398
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Polo Ralph Lauren Tailored Pinstripe Wool-Cotton Suit, Navy/Cream, $1,498
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What to Look For
Full-Canvassed Construction: “Full-canvassed construction ensures a superior fit and longevity,” says Howard. At this price point, the canvas acts as a structural foundation, providing excellent shape retention, a personalized fit, and it allows the jacket to move naturally while maintaining its shape.
High-Quality Fabrics: “Fabrics should have natural elasticity and breathability.” Look for Super 130s wool or higher, with cashmere, linen, and silk blends making appearances for different climates. Another tip: Avoid overly delicate Super 180s-plus wools unless for occasional wear.
Tailoring Services: It’s a given at this level, but “brands should offer complimentary tailoring to ensure an ideal fit.”
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Suit?
There was a time when renting a suit was not only a practical choice but also made financial sense. Today, however, we strongly encourage you to invest a little extra and own a suit. As we mentioned earlier, a well-fitting black, navy, or gray suit will always be in style—a timeless investment that will serve you well for weddings, job interviews, events, and much more. The rental price is often close to half the cost of owning an entry-level suit (under $500). So, take the plunge, invest in one, and you’ll get a far better return over time than renting here and there.
That said, there’s one area where renting still makes sense: tuxedos. Just look at the names of major rental brands—The Black Tux and Generation Tux. Tuxedos are reserved for formal affairs, and unless you’re attending galas on the regular, renting one a few times in your life is perfectly reasonable. If you’re a wedding guest and the invite calls for black tie? Rent. Got a one-off gala? Renting is probably the smarter move. If it’s your own wedding, however, you should seriously consider investing in a custom tux you can own—it’s just more meaningful. Unlike a classic suit, a tux lacks versatility and is meant for specific occasions, which is why rental shops now focus mostly on evening wear.
For tux rentals, The Black Tux is hard to beat in terms of convenience and style (the brand even has locations inside select Nordstrom stores). If you’re not near one of the fitting spots, the online system makes it easy—they’ll ship you a tux, and if the fit isn’t right, they’ll keep sending replacements until it is. Expect to pay around $250 to $300 for the full package, including the evening shirt, stud set, and bow tie. The Black Tux also offers suit rentals if you’re in a last-minute pinch, but again, we recommend owning one.
So, here’s your final takeaway: Invest in a suit(s). Consider renting a tux. Simple.
