Cheap Suits: How to Get The Best For Your Buck

Dec 07, 2024

Cheap Suits: How to Get The Best For Your Buck

Looking sharp in a suit doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Cheap suits are a fantastic option for men who want to upgrade their wardrobe without emptying their wallet. However, buying a cheap suit doesn’t mean you should settle for something poorly made or uncomfortable. Knowing what to look for in terms of fabric, construction, and fit will help you find a suit that looks great and lasts.

ContempoSuits.com, with 40 years of experience, has become a trusted name in offering high-quality, affordable suits for men. Let’s dive into how you can choose a cheap suit that gives you style and value at the same time. Check our other blog on the topic: Tips for Finding the Perfect Cheap Suit.


Quality Features to Look for in a Cheap Suit

When shopping for a cheap suit, knowing what to inspect is key. While they are more affordable, not all suits are made equal. Here are some essential features to evaluate to ensure you’re getting the most for your money.

man shopping for cheap suits


Fabric: The Foundation of a Good Suit

The first thing you should consider is the fabric. For cheap suits, poly/rayon blends are the most common choice.

  • What is Poly/Rayon Fabric?
    Poly/rayon is a blend of polyester and rayon, combining durability with a smooth texture. Polyester adds strength, while rayon provides softness.
  • Look for More Rayon
    The higher the percentage of rayon in the blend, the better the fabric will feel. Suits with a higher rayon content can mimic the feel of fine wool, making them look more expensive than they actually are. Ideally, you want the blend to be 70 Poly/30 Rayon. You get the best of both worlds with the way the fabric wears and feels. Fabric that is 90/10 feels more like poly because it is.
  • Benefits of Poly/Rayon
    • Resistant to wrinkles, keeping you looking sharp all day.
    • Lightweight, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods.
    • Easy to maintain and clean.

When touching the fabric, it should feel smooth and not rough. A cheap suit with a good poly/rayon blend will still feel luxurious.


Stitching: Clean and Tight Seams Matter

Stitching is another important detail to evaluate. Cheap suits with sloppy or loose stitching won’t last long and can fall apart after a few wears.

  • Inspect the Stitch Count
    A higher stitch count means the seams are tighter and cleaner. This ensures that the suit holds together well and looks neat. A low stitch count is easy to identify because you will be able to see the gaps in each stitch.
  • Check the Inside
    Flip the jacket inside out and examine the stitching on the lining. A well-made suit will have consistent stitching throughout, even on the parts that aren’t visible. A better quality lining will immediately look better.

Taking a moment to inspect the seams can save you from buying a suit that looks good at first but falls apart quickly.


Chest Piece: A Sign of Structure

The chest piece is the internal layer of fabric that helps the jacket hold its shape. It’s a critical component of a good suit, even a cheap one.

  • How to Test the Chest Piece
    Press your hand against the chest area of the jacket. A well-made chest piece will feel firm and structured, not flimsy or thin. It should also not be glued in. A glued-in chest piece will start to look puckered after a couple of dry cleanings. At that point, the suit should be disposed of.
  • Why It Matters
    A firm chest piece helps the suit jacket drape properly over your body. It prevents the fabric from sagging or looking cheap.

Shoulder Padding: Firm, Not Spongy

The shoulders of a suit jacket play a big role in how it fits and looks on you. Cheap suits with poorly made shoulder padding can ruin the overall appearance.

  • Firm Shoulder Padding
    Feel the shoulders of the jacket. Quality padding should feel firm and structured.
  • Avoid Spongy Padding
    Spongy or overly soft shoulder padding is a sign of poor construction. It won’t hold its shape well and will make the suit look less professional.

Shoulders are one of the first things people notice in a suit, so make sure they’re well-made and structured.


Fit: The Most Important Factor

Even a well-constructed cheap suit will look bad if it doesn’t fit properly. Fit is everything when it comes to looking sharp. The main thing to look for is that nothing of note stands out about the suit and way it fits. If it looks good while you are wearing it, you are already ahead of the game.


Suit Jacket Fit

  • Shoulders: The jacket should fit your shoulders perfectly, with the seam aligning exactly where your shoulder ends.
  • Chest: The jacket should fit snugly around your chest without pulling or gapping when buttoned.
  • Length: The hem of the jacket should cover your seat and end around the middle of your hand when your arms are relaxed at your sides.

Lapels

Lapels are another critical element of the fit.

  • Lay Flat: The lapels should lay flat against your chest.
  • Proper Placement: They should neither pop out nor curve inward.

Lapels that don’t lay flat can make even an expensive suit look poorly fitted.


Collar

The collar of your suit jacket is often overlooked but makes a big difference.

  • Flat Collar: The collar should rest flat against the back of your neck without any gaps.
  • No Buckling: There should be no puckering or bunching around the collar area.

A properly fitted collar adds to the overall clean and polished look of the suit.


Why Choose ContempoSuits.com for Cheap Suits

For over 40 years, ContempoSuits.com has been a trusted name in men’s affordable fashion. They specialize in providing cheap suits that don’t compromise on quality or style.

What Sets ContempoSuits.com Apart:

  • Expertise: Decades of experience in designing and sourcing quality suits.
  • Variety: A wide selection of styles, fabrics, and fits to suit every occasion.
  • Affordability: High-quality suits at prices that fit any budget.

ContempoSuits.com is committed to helping men look their best without spending a fortune. They offer cheap suits that feel like high-end garments, ensuring you get great value for your money.


Tips for Wearing a Cheap Suit

Once you’ve found the perfect cheap suit, it’s important to style it correctly to make it look more expensive.


Pair with Quality Accessories

  • A new dress shirt and a silk tie can elevate any suit.
  • Opt for polished dress shoes to complete the look.

Tailoring Matters

Even cheap suits can benefit from minor alterations. Take your suit to a tailor to adjust the fit, especially around the sleeves and pants. You can't have the mind-set that just buying it is all it takes to look good. Remember that if you are going to wear a suit, you want to look your very best in it. It affects the way you carry yourself and your self-esteem.


Keep It Clean and Pressed

Proper maintenance will keep your suit looking sharp. Use a steamer or have it professionally pressed to avoid wrinkles.


Final Thoughts: Affordable Style is Within Reach

Cheap suits don’t have to mean poor quality. By paying attention to fabric, stitching, chest pieces, shoulder padding, and fit, you can find a suit that looks and feels great without breaking the bank.

ContempoSuits.com has spent 40 years perfecting the art of offering high-quality, affordable suits for men. With their wide selection and expertise, you can confidently choose a cheap suit that fits your style and budget.

Looking sharp has never been so accessible. Find the perfect suit, style it your way, and step out with confidence!