Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Bloopity Bloop]

Ok, so I'm 25 and I have never had a suit to my name. I made a super last minute decision to attend the wedding of a very, very dear friend and would, for the first time in my life, like to suit up properly.

I basically have until Thursday to acquire a suit of some kind. I'm guessing a tailored one would be out of the question this late.

I'd like a good, fitted suit, though. I'm a pretty lean, 184cm/6' dude and most clothes fit well on me.

Any ideas? Suggestions?

I only know Zaraaaaa. But do ppl even wear that stuff at weddings? H&M? I DON'T HAVE A CLUE. YES, MAKE FUN OF ME IF YOU'D LIKE. JUST HELP ME, PLEASE...

[pegasus64128]

[JustinC]

A good suit can be worn for different occasions, as long as it dates well. Who wants a closet full of barely worn monochrome shirt-tie combos and square-toe shoes? Anyway, these are my bona fides. In my opinion, if you would like to look professional (not Sid-Mashburn-pencil-thin-highwaters-no-socks hip and not crumpled up government rag), here's some advice:

Fabric is very important. You're suit should be 100% wool -- no exceptions. It should be navy blue or dark gray (charcoal) -- again, no exceptions. Solid is best. Two buttons. Let me repeat: two buttons. Do not wear a black suit. Black suits look cheap -- even the nice ones.

Cut is also important. Not too baggy, not too tight. The pants should have a slight break. Have them size your trousers with the shoes you will be wearing and let the pants sit where you will be wearing them. If you wear your pants on your hips, have them mark the pants while you're wearing them on your hips, not at your waist, otherwise, you'll end up stepping all over the back. That being said, unless you have a considerable belly, try to wear your pants on your waist.

The suit is just the beginning.

You'll need a white or blue pinpoint shirt with a straight collar and regular cuffs. The little white plastic arrow-looking things are called collar-stays. They go in the tiny pockets on the inside of the collar. Use them. The top button of the collar should button and stay buttoned easily, but you should not be able to see the neck of your undershirt.

As for the tie, stick to primary colors: red (for the blue suit), blue or yellow (for the gray suit). The tie should have either a small repeating pattern, small dots, or bold stripes (also primary colors)

Wear an undershirt. I don't care how hot it is, wear an undershirt. Yes, with sleeves, Sonny Corleone. And prefereably a crew neck.

Don't wear cotton socks. Wear blue (blue suit) or black (gray suit) wool socks. They can have a little nylon in them.

Get a nice pair of black lace-up shoes. Nice lace-up shoes have leather soles. Your belt (you'll need a belt) should be the same color as your shoes.

This suit combo can also be used for more formal occasions. A good suit will last you years, with care.

[Dodge7]

^^
This is horrible advice.

[CrikeyKorea]

A fitted suit can be made in 3 days, first day choose the material and get measured up, next day is the fitting and then 1-2 days later it is ready.

[Bloopity Bloop]

[nora]

GK Kang in Itaewon. had some pants and a suit made by him. Both are doing quite well.

He's on the north side of the street, halfway towards Yongsan from Itaewon station. He's got a small (tiny) shop on the main road, and then a bigger one up the hill. Stop and talk to him at the main place and then head up the hill with him for the suit stuff. He had mine done in three days - if you tell him your time frame, you'll be fine IF you get up there today.

[pegasus64128]

Do NOT listen to JustinC's one style suits all approach. What suit you wear is up to you and only you truly know what suits. If you like it, then you're happy and you always look better when you're happy.


My last wedding suit - tailor fit charcoal cashmir jacket and matching cashmir pants, with a nice creamy white Italian shirt -very lightly pinstriped. I also got a nice crisp looking diagonally striped tie that made me look like a sexy student .. only at a wedding!

My shoes could have been better though. I recommend nice snake-skinned shoes if you could get those.

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

It's summer, so you could also get away with wearing a linen suit.

[JustinC]

[radcon]

The shinier the better.

[JustinC]

[northway]

[Zyzyfer]

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

If you're willing to spend a lot because of a ridiculous mark up (a shirt that's 40 bucks back home is easily 100,000 won here,) try Banana Republic. I forget where it is, but I know that there's one in Korea. The quality is better than that at Zara.