Have you ever seen a 45-thousand-dollar suit? Surely, this must be pure extravagance based on the exclusiveness of the brand. Right? Obviously, this is a question best left to the individual in need of the new suit. But it’s always worth pondering what else that same 45k could buy you. A down payment on a new home comes to mind. So does a hot new set of wheels.

Listen, for most men living in the real world, the thought of shelling out five-figures (or even four-figures, for that matter) for a new suit is not just unnecessary… it’s completely arrogant and flirting with pure mental illness! Most of us are more sensible than this. Most of us want a good deal.

But does saving money automatically equate to making brutal compromises? In most cases, the answer is a resounding no! And while investing in a new suit is no insignificant occurrence, it would stand to reason that if you could buy 100 absolutely fantastic suits for the price of one ridiculously top-shelf suit, the former will (and should) win out 100 percent of the time!

Besides, more expensive suits aren’t automatically of a higher quality just because they’ve got a heftier price tag attached to them. Sometimes you’re just paying higher prices because the designer happens to sit at the “cool kids” table… not necessarily because they are more skilled or in possession of more exotic materials. So please be careful about making inaccurate connections between expense and quality.

There are three characteristics that all exceptional-quality suits share, regardless of their asking price. They must:

1. Include three distinct layers. These layers consist of the canvas, the lining, and the fabric. The canvas is essentially the skeleton on which the rest of the suit is assembled. The fabric is the exterior of the suit. The lining is obviously the interior portion. It is vital that you ensure that your suit contains ALL THREE of these important layers.
2. Be animal-based. Contrary to the good wishes of animal rights organizations, men’s suits crafted from natural animal fibers tend to be far superior to plant-based fabrics in terms of style, functionality, and ultimate durability. Cashmere and wool are two popular materials from which to tailor great suits. Vicuna and silk are also quite popular. These can obviously be combined, as needed.
3. Be hand-crafted. Suits which have been custom tailored tend to “flow” better, fitting the suit owner flawlessly, while conforming to and “cooperating with” the movement of his body. Machine-stitched suits offer far less flexibility, and can often be spotted as factory assembled attire by way of their unnatural twisting and puckering.

You can certainly find suits that meet all three of these criteria, yet still carry a responsible price tag. Fine suit makers can charge modest prices for their exceptional work, and still turn a nice profit while building their brand… or simply engaging in their life’s passion. There really is no need to spend several thousand dollars on a name.

Photo Credit: Daniele Zedda | cc