Originally Posted by
longleaf
I'm in BKK now and going in to Rajawongse Clothiers to get about 3 suits made and about 3 trousers and about 5 shirts. I'm not suit savy whatsoever but don't want to spend more than $300 per suit. All I know is I want American style vent in the back, single breasted, 2 buttons, no pleats (flat front), worsted wool, and greater than super 110s i read is wiser to go with. That is pretty much all I know to request. Do you have any other tips on getting my first suits? If it helps I will look to land a job in investment banking or something similar when I return to the states.
Is there a certain amount of buttons to get on a shirt? Are cuff links standard? U read something about requesting some typ of inside lining in the suit. Any other tips so I don't screw up my first tailored suits?
Thanks very much
I've had my suits and shirts made for decades, started going to Rajawongse about four years ago, and am very pleased with their work. Some random thoughts....
You won't be doing any bargaining. The price is the price. I have found it quite fair in terms of quality for price. Victor will be sitting close to the front of the shop when you enter, Jesse (his father) will likely be at the desk in the back. Victor will do the initial measuring and assist with ordering, Jesse will do the fittings. They're both very nice.
You seem pretty concerned about the fabric quality. Every fabric which is available will be in racks on the walls. Victor can tell you about them, then just select the ones you like. I believe that they are nearly all 50/50 wool/cashmere blends, very comfortable. (Yes, I'm aware that cashmere is merely a particular type of wool. You know what I mean.) For investment banking and the like, you'll want to look at very conservative fabrics and cut. Dark solids, blue, gray and black. Nothing wrong with brown, but it isn't terribly popular in that crowd and few people in that world wear it, at least at entry level. Maybe some very muted stripes, certainly no chalk stripes. Linings are one of the fun parts of custom suits. Victor will have a number of linings from which to choose, I always try to go very colorful!!
I'm aware that many people do the two pair of trousers thing. Personally, I've never had a pair wear out and don't see the need for a second pair. I recommend cuffs, makes for a nice, finished look.
Shirts? Rajawongse uses oxford cloth shirtings, not my favorite. I prefer broadcloth, using Egyptian or Sea Island cotton. That said, I've had them make shirts for me and I love the way they fit. For your purposes, the oxford materials they have (and they have many) will be just fine. No particular number of buttons, just order the shirts and the buttons will work out fine. For both interviews and daily work attire, stay away from French cuffs. Some people consider them pretentious, and for entry level, I suggest that it's not the image you're trying to present.
You didn't mention ties. They'll be on a rack near the front of the store. Since the rest of your outfit will be very conservative, take a little liberty with the ties. They have some great ones.