Korean Job Discussion Forums

blunder1983 · Joined: 12 Apr 2005

I know this question is asked a bajjillion times but I'm looking for some up to date reccommend and ballpark prices.

I'm leaving my current job soon and am looking to dress a bit more impressively for my next position so I'm gonna need 2/3 suits for it. That said I dont know anything about materials, mixing and matching etc.

So what do people reccommend I ask for? From previous threads it seems like I'll be better off heading Osan way (Sontang?) than Itaewon, I'm hot blooded so cooler suits will "suit" me better even in winter, in school I'd be fine if I wore the jacket.

Finally, cost, I'm guessing I bring a Korean to do some ȭ�� on my behalf, but should I buy 2/3 in one go and try for the super mega discount or get one and see how it stands to the test of time.

Oh and how common/expenisive are drycleaners in Korea, whilst I aint been looking I cant recall seeing one ever.

ajgeddes · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Location: Yongsan

Well, I am sure others can share more about suits, I will tell you that dry cleaners are like �� places here... they are everywhere. Just look for ��Ź.

HapKi · Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Location: TALL BUILDING-SEOUL

Yes, you're right. Its been asked a lot, so a search would help.
My advice would be know a little of what you want before you go in. If you just go in cold, he'll streamline everything to a measurement, second-fitting, and pick-up.

For pants-
pleated or unpleated pant leg
cuff on the bottom or not
tight on your ABC or a little loose
narrow, modish pant leg line or the baggier older looking cut.
pocket style

For jacket-
3 button, 4 button
puffy shoulder pads, or not
lapels, many different styles
tight in the armpits? between the shoulder blades? especially when you hold your arms out?
a slit up the back?
pocket flaps/

All are personal preference, so have an idea what you want, so he can make it your way, not his way.

Universalis · Joined: 17 Nov 2003 Location: Seoul

If you're looking for a couple of suits to serve as your wardrobe foundation, I'd go with a navy blue, a charcoal grey, and a medium grey... with one or two of those in pinstripes for some diversity.

Good luck!

Brian

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

I had one suit made a long time ago in a �纹�� (tailor), but I found that I am pretty much an "off the rack" size, so I just look for sales and such.

Many have railed against cheap suits, and for just reason, but I have found some pretty sharp suits for next to nothing. Some are last-season sale items, others are just from China or something. Cheapies can look bad, but for every 100 cheap suits, there is a gem.

I have 12 suits now...I think I need therapy.

The last one I bought was from E-Mart. Embarassed

igotthisguitar · Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 3:25 am Post subject:

English instruction ... in a suit Laughing

HapKi · Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Location: TALL BUILDING-SEOUL

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

Unless you are black do not wear a 4-button suit. Your choices are 2 or 3.

It's not a bad idea to spring for tailored shirts either.

Karabeara · Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:27 am Post subject:

Someone else mentioned Othello, and my bf checked it out. This is THE PLACE to get a suit. No ugly ajosshi styles here (the crap they peddle on the street that went out of style in 1980)! Great suits start around 320,000 won for normal prices. Sometimes they have deals for less. They have offices all over, including Itaewon, above the big electric cat, I think. It's on the 3rd floor just above a greek restaurant.

http://www.othello.co.kr/

The ladies at the Itaewon office don't speak great English, but are helpful. There are branches in Apkujeong, Seollung, and many other places.

I would recommend a European style with three buttons. These days, stitching on the collar is popular too (maybe not with that style -- they have samples). And if you are careful with your suits, get a silver/gray silk suit. Damn hot!

The biggest problem is that my bf now looks so hot, I risk losing him whenever he wears it. He has received a compliment every single time he wears that suit. We also got him a shiny light pink and a light purple shirt with a purple tie from Hamilton Shirts. Looks great.

Harpeau · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Coquitlam, BC

I would take a trip to Pnom Phen, Cambodia and get 4 custom made suits made. I hear that they're really cheap there.

Karabeara · Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 2:09 am Post subject:

Ok, great news for you guys.

Othello has a sale this week. 250,000 won for a full wool suit. Silk suits starting around 350,000+. Lots of newer fabrics to choose from. And they don't look like ajosshi styles like the street guys trying to hit you up for suits sell. Here is the name and number of the lady to talk to:

Jeong Hee-Young
Phone: 02-797-2113
Itaewon-Dong 123-13

Located 2 buildings west of the Big Electric Cat bar (sort of in the area across from 3 Alley Pub). It's on the 3rd floor above a greek restaurant. Hee-Young speaks good English. The other lady doesn't. Maybe the sale will last one to two weeks, but that is only a guess.

Very nice suits!

VanIslander · Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 2:49 am Post subject: Re: Suits

kidcharlemagne · Joined: 29 Mar 2004

if you are tall and slim, a three button suit can look nice. if you are just average or short, a two or one button suit is better. the long lapel on a one or two button suit makes the torso look longer.
just go look in the department stores - you can find a nice suit from 350,000 and up. the dept stores almost always have a sale going on.