The best high-street suits for men
When it comes to suiting, there’s a far greater overlap between high-end and high-street than ever before.
Savile Row tailors are designing diffusion lines for high-street stores, mass-market brands are cutting to the same blocks as some of the UK’s most exclusive labels, and factories and mills are supplying both ends of the spectrum with equal gusto.
Fabrics are no longer highly flammable and cuts have slimmed down and modernised. Arm holes are high, lapels narrow, waists slim and shoulders softened. In fact, some styles are almost indistinguishable from their high-end counterparts. Entry-level suiting isn’t what it used to be. Here’s our pick of the best:
Richard James
Richard James suits available from John Lewis
Richard James has used his Savile Row know-how to bring beautifully cut tailoring to the masses with his Mayfair diffusion line. Using wools, mohair and cashmere, the fabrics are not reflective of the price tag.
Cuts come in short, regular and long fits, too. John Lewis and House of Fraser currently boast a fantastic selection in the sale.
J Crew
J Crew Ludlow suit jacket, from £435, and trousers, from £188
The American outfitter began the charge with its slim-fit Ludlow suit seven years ago. It has expanded to include the Crosby (a more athletic fit) suit.
The Traveller version of the Crosby is made from three-ply Italian wool with twisted fibres that resist crumpling – great for long-haul flights. All suits are sold as separates, giving you even more flexibility.
Primark
Suit jacket, from £28, trousers from £12 (primark.com)
I can’t deny my interest was piqued by promises of a “Made in England”, 100 per cent wool suit for under £100. The “made-in” label is misleading: yes, the fabric is woven in Yorkshire, but the garments are made in China.
At £28 for a blazer and £12 for trousers, however, the prices would be unsustainable if made in the UK.
Still sceptical about Primark? I was too, but its beefed-up ethical code is promising.
COS
Linen blazer, £150, and trousers, £69 (cosstores.com)
If you’re channelling that Saab-driving-Scandi-architect look, COS is the one-stop shop for you. Unstructured, often unlined, suiting comes with narrow notch lapels and patch-style pockets.
The button and vent details are somewhat more traditional. Wear with a round-neck white tee and leather trainers to finish off the look.
