These are the off-the-peg suits we want this season
If you're looking to invest in a ready-to-wear suit this season, take a look at the options below...
Words: Jonathan Wells
From the master tailors of Savile Row to the glossy windows of Jermyn Street, London has long been considered the ultimate destination for gentleman’s bespoke shirting and suits. Put simply, we do made-to-measure tailoring better than anywhere else in the world (the Japanese for suit is “sabiro” — say it out loud).
But, with face-time at a minimum, not all of us currently feel comfortable making appointments with our tailors. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best ready-to-wear suits for AW20. Because, even if it’s off-the-peg, it can still be just what you’re looking for…
For a practical all-rounder, Massimo Dutti Slim Fit Houndstooth Suit
My God — have you ever seen patch pockets look so chic? We don’t think Massimo Dutti gets its dues when it comes to tailoring. Imbued with that ineffable sprezzatura of Italy, the sloped shoulders and textured fabrics used by the continental company are among the best for British weather.
Why? Because they can keep up with our unreliable forecasts. Weighty enough to keep you warm, the relaxed tailoring is also the perfect fit for summer spells. This suit, from capsule collection ‘Massimo Dutti on the go’, is also wildly practical. It may be cut from 100% Italian Super 120 wool, but you can wash it at home.
For transitional textures, Moss London Charcoal with Teal and Pink Overcheck
How often do you feel the need for tweed? Probably not every day — and not at all during summertime. But there comes a spell every year when this most textured of fabrics becomes a godsend; warmth and seasonal style rolled into one. But, as it isn’t an everyday option, you’ve probably been loathe to spend too much on any tweed togs.
Thankfully, Moss Bros has a range of damn good affordable options. ‘Respinning’ the style narrative around the typically traditional and stuffy material, the British brand is offering up a number of textured suits in slim cuts and bold colours — from a raspberry pink to the slick green option above.
For a subtle statement, Richard James Hyde Suit in Double Pinstripe
A light grey suit is a must-have for most men — but isn’t there just something a bit insipid about the colour? We know it’s versatile, we know it’s practical, but we want a bit more excitement when it comes to our tailoring. Enter Richard James, the bona fide Savile Row tailor with a quality line of ready-to-wear suits also hanging on his rails.
This Hyde Suit adds a pinstripe to the light grey design, zhuzhing it up a little and giving the whole affair a flavour of 1920s Gatsby glamour. With a satin lining, horn buttons, double vents and a working buttonhole, it’s got the practicality element all sewn up — while a flower loop still allows for a statement stem.
For bespoke quality at a fraction of the price, Hackett Hopsack Wool Suit
Earlier this year, when Hackett launched the J.P. Hackett No.14 Savile Row collection, it was a first for the brand. Never before had it created a range that better represented Savile Row with tradition, authenticity and British tailoring at its forefront. And this trusty, reliable suit was at the forefront of the forefront.
Created from wool expertly woven by Fox Brothers — a small mill in Somerset — this slim fit suit is a sterling example of what every man must own; a good navy suit. With classic features including notch lapels, button cuffs and flap pockets, it’s got the spirit of bespoke running through it — but at a fraction of the price.
For an alternative pinstripe, Reiss Pinstripe Double-Breasted Suit
We often think suits should be simple. Block colour, single-breasted and without pattern, your suit should do a job and nothing more. It shouldn’t make a statement or be noisy; seen and not heard, right? Wrong. Why not have a bit of fun with it?
And this Reiss suit has fun stitched into its fabric. Not only is it ‘oatmeal’ — an unorthodox colour but one that undeniably works here — but it also is double-breasted and emblazoned with pinstripes. It’s a bold bright, light slim fit suit crafted from wool — and ideal for any season of the year.
For the new working day, the Hawes and Curtis ‘Commuter Suit’
When did you buy your bicycle during lockdown? Because we’re convinced everyone did. We’re now a nation of two-wheel converts — shirking packed public transport for a free-wheeling, free-to-run and much healthier way of getting around. Of course, that means that our existing stiff, starched suits no longer do the job. Try to saddle up in a pair of slim fit trousers and you’ll likely tear your stitching.
And no-one wants that — least of all Hawes and Curtis, whose affordable ‘Commuter Suit’ is an incredibly impressive piece of sartorial engineering. Crafted from luxurious stretch wool fabric — that is both water and crease resistant — this half-lined, single breasted suit has practical double vents, a tailored silhouette and working button cuffs. Perfect for pedallers.
Looking for an overcoat for winter? We’ve found the best under £1,000 here…
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