3 piece suit source?

[thescot]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Mikilt]

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?

[FatherWilliam57]

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

Have someone else do it!

(Sorry, it's my day off and I just can't resist a straight line when it presents itself.)

[Mikilt]

Have someone else do it!

(Sorry, it's my day off and I just can't resist a straight line when it presents itself.)

[Thomas H]

You found one ,Cool I have been looking for you one ,but nothing I seen would have worked as they were more Urben .....
But I am happy you found a set.

[sydnie7]

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

You can find common household objects (large mixing bowls, etc.) to trace around for smooth, even curves. One challenge in some conversions is the placement of the bottom button -- your "perfect" cutaway may bisect the buttonhole or leave it too close to the remaining edge, forcing you to alter your desired curve in order to either exclude the buttonhole or include it with enough margin to look good.

[This isn't a complete step-by-step, just discussing the curve. There are several step-by-step threads in older posts.]

Use contrasting thread to baste by hand along your traced line (so your marking will stay visible long after the chalk line has disappeared). Then fold and baste through both layers, close to the edge, with your marking thread exactly on the edge of the fold.

Some people do the final stitching now and then press, I prefer to press now and then do final stitching. Either way, be prepared to fiddle with it a bit -- you won't get it 100% right the first time!