3 piece suit source?

**Mickey** · 2nd November 11, 07:21 PM

I've been on the search myself for a long time, and visit multiple thrift shops, several times a week. I've never come across one. I only occasionally come across the lone waistcoat that doesn't match anything, usually in pinstripe.

Remember, 3 piece suits went out of style about 20 years ago so you will be very lucky to find them. Outside of a top tailor, you will be hard pressed to even find a decent one in retail. I haven't seen a waistcoat sold in a department store in a long time, much less as part of a suit.

I'll keep my eyes out for something in your size in my shopping. If I come across anything I'll get a pic or two and let you know.

**Tobus** · 2nd November 11, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by Mickey

I've been on the search myself for a long time, and visit multiple thrift shops, several times a week. I've never come across one. I only occasionally come across the lone waistcoat that doesn't match anything, usually in pinstripe.

Remember, 3 piece suits went out of style about 20 years ago so you will be very lucky to find them. Outside of a top tailor, you will be hard pressed to even find a decent one in retail. I haven't seen a waistcoat sold in a department store in a long time, much less as part of a suit.

I'll keep my eyes out for something in your size in my shopping. If I come across anything I'll get a pic or two and let you know.

I see waistcoats all over the place. I even got one at Target a while back. Kohl's has a selection of them too. As for three-piece suits new, they are available without going to a "top tailor". While some may frown on it, Men's Wearhouse has a fair selection as "suit separates".

**Mickey** · 2nd November 11, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by Tobus

I see waistcoats all over the place. I even got one at Target a while back. Kohl's has a selection of them too. As for three-piece suits new, they are available without going to a "top tailor". While some may frown on it, Men's Wearhouse has a fair selection as "suit separates".

That would be one of the big differences between TX and MO. I shop at Target and Kohls weekly and have never seen a waistcoat in 10 years. As far as MW, I haven't been into one in a very long time. Had several poor experiences in a row at multiple locations and vowed to never go into another one.

**thescot** · 2nd November 11, 07:50 PM

Actually, I believe three-piece suits are coming back into vogue. I've noticed them quite a lot in the last few months.

So, I would think that you might do well to watch for the really big mark down sales at the end of the season--like right now for summer suits. It's hit or miss as to sizes, but if you are diligent, you might find something you like at a very attractive price. I bought a tweed jacket from Ralph Lauren for $55 a couple years ago. If there's a Macy's near you, try them out for exceptional values in the sales line.

**auld argonian** · 2nd November 11, 08:48 PM

I got a not great but okay three piece suit from H&M a couple of years ago. Bear in mind that by taking a 44R jacket, I got the largest size that they came in. Trick was that all the parts were sold as separates so you could take or leave the matching vest if you so desired.

I guess that i never thought that three piecers ever went out of style. That may very well be a local thing: I never realized how different regional business dress was until I went to work for a big national company back in the seventies...when we had a nationwide confab, it was remarkable how each region of the country dressed so differently.

But I will try to keep an eye open...bloody unlikely that a tweed will show up though...

Best

AA

**FatherWilliam57** · 2nd November 11, 08:53 PM

No reason not to keep an eye on eBay. In fact, there are a couple of three-piece corduroy suits I have been watching for a kilt conversion. Granted, there are many "vintage stores" selling for premium prices, but the occasional "cleaning out the closet" cheapies are there from time to time.

**CopperNGold** · 2nd November 11, 09:09 PM

This is a tough one! Yes, three piece suits are in again for the younger set, but many older men have worn them consistently through out the years. For them, the three-piece suit never went out of style.

They will probably have spent a pretty penny for their suits, and will hold onto them because the quality and cut are timeless. They are not into fads. Although they may be frugal, they are not cheap!

I would try to find consignment stores near where these men may congregate in hopes that one of these men needs the $75 he would get from putting his suits on consignment. Try consignment and thrift stores near the financial district, downtowns near office buildings, the local country club, etc., or the more affluent suburbs. It will be a tough hunt.

The younger set who are now going into their first three-piece suit will hold onto them until they go out of style, and then you will find more bargains.

Good luck, and I hope you find exactly what you are looking for.

**ChattanCat** · 3rd November 11, 04:12 AM

I would also keep an eye on www.shopgoodwill.com

**Mikilt** · 7th November 11, 12:37 PM

I found a perfect three piece suit at a Goodwill store! Perfect except that it doesn't exactly fit. As a Gentleman of Substance, I am accustomed to working around "fit issues".

I am making a new back for the waistcoat in order to allow it to button in the front.(A difference of about 7 inches) The sleeves and shoulders of the jacket are okay, but there is enough seam allowance for me to let it out a little bit.

The first time I did a jacket conversion, I cut the jacket too high - at the hips. After studying pictures of the Duke of Rothsay, I have cut this jacket about mid-rump. I tried it on and looks and fits great.

What's the secret to getting smooth curves on the sporran cutaway?