Machine Washable Suits (any good?)

[Deleted User]

My dad got measured up in Hong Kong and now just orders online..

I've got a machine washable suit and dinner jacket. My advice would be to buy some extra trousers as my M&S trousers are worn a bit now

tawnyowls

Lil_Dee wrote:

The best way for you to judge this, is to go take a look yourself. I would seriously go and take a walk around one of the larger M&S stores, and compare the 'machine washable' and 'dry clean only' suits. Yes, there are some awful machines washable suits, but there are some equally awful (IMHO) italian fabric, dry clean only, suits. It really is down to personal opinions and taste.

I agree. They're much better than they used to be - a lot of MW suits now have a high percentage of wool or viscose in them, which gives a much better finish than the slightly shiny finish of an all-polyester suit. They are also much more comfortable to wear (us girls wear suits too!), as polyester isn't very breathable and does tend to make you sweat. IMO, they're certainly perfectly acceptable as good office wear.

As ringo says, if you can get the suit in a shop that sells trousers and jackets separately, always pick up a second pair of trousers - my OH always finds two pairs of trousers wear at about the same rate as a jacket (plus the trousers really need washing more often!)

darbooka

thanks for all your good tips! I'll stop in an M&S tomorrow and check it out in more detail.

clairehi

Alan_M wrote:

Ever thought of having a tailor made suit but thought they started at around £1000?

Try this guy, He vists London, measures you up, your suits are made in Hong Kong then shipped out to you. Cost starting around £300, depending on the price of the cloth you choose.

http://www.raja-fashions.com

Alan, have you bought a suit from this guy?

Im interested because my DH has one on order, he's been measured and now waiting for it to be made. He got it for £300, but only just, the guy was trying very hard to up-sell.

Interestingly, it was the man himself (Mr Raja?) who did the measuring, I dont think DH really believed he would do it himself.

hex2

OH has a couple of the Matalan machine washable ones for day to day wear. They come with a special bag for the machine, and you dry them on a coat hanger without any need to iron. Buy two pairs of trousers and don't expect them to last for ever. As ever you get what you pay for and at £65 for a wool mix suit they are essentially disposable. Fine for daily wear in a non sales environment. They do a much cheaper one that really does look poor quality. I hate ironing trousers so a real bonus for me.

Alan_M_2

clairehi wrote:

Alan, have you bought a suit from this guy?

Im interested because my DH has one on order, he's been measured and now waiting for it to be made. He got it for £300, but only just, the guy was trying very hard to up-sell.

Interestingly, it was the man himself (Mr Raja?) who did the measuring, I dont think DH really believed he would do it himself.

A couple of friends had suits done, I was very impressed and intend to visit myself, still even at £400 or £500 it would still be good value.

A tailor made suit in Savile Row will start around £700, a bespoke suit will start in the region of £2000.

nemo183

In my experience, they are very good, but I wouldn't want to wash them that often, and I'd always buy two pairs of trousers with a jacket.

I'd also like to add a suggestion of what to do if your washable suit is beginning to look a little tired, and at no notice you need to go to a meeting/interview looking your best.

Make the best you can of the suit with and iron and polish your shoes. Then, buy a new shirt and tie. If you work in an environment where the norm is a white shirt, pause for a moment. Just about any large store will stock a range of shirts that could be called "white", but vary from bright white to cream. Take a friend with you to choose one that matches your skin tone - I know this sounds beyond the pale, but it really makes a massive difference. Even if you only have a choice of bright white or light cream you'll find that one of them will suit you much better.