The Smart Shopper's Guide to Suits: How Much Should You Really Spend?

October 29 2025, by Marty Babayov, 7 min reading time

The Smart Shopper's Guide to Suits: How Much Should You Really Spend?

Let's talk suits. It's one of those wardrobe essentials that can instantly boost your confidence, but shopping for one can feel like a minefield of confusing terms and price tags. What's the difference between a $200 suit and a $1,000 one? And more importantly, is that expensive suit really worth it? I’ve been asked these questions countless times, so I wanted to break it all down for you, no nonsense, just straight talk.

Is a $1,000 Suit Worth It?

This is the big question, and my answer might surprise you: It depends on your needs. For most occasions, a well-tailored $200 mens suit can get the job done beautifully. I've been to events with millionaires and spotted many cheaper mens suits that the average person wouldn't even notice. The truth is, tailoring is far more important than the price tag.

That said, if you can afford a $1,000 suit and still have room in your budget for perfect alterations, it's absolutely worth it. Cheaper suits are "fused," meaning their internal structure is glued. This can trap heat and prevents the suit from breathing as well. A men suit at this price point is typically made with half-canvassed or fully canvassed construction. This means the internal structure of the jacket is sewn in, allowing it to drape better and mold to your body over time. You will also have softer fabrics at this price point that drape just a bit better. To the untrained eye, these finer fabric details might not be immediately obvious, but if you can afford it, why not enjoy those benefits?

For an excellent visual reference, see He Spoke Style’s guide to what to look for in a suit.

To the untrained eye, a well-tailored $200-$300 wool suit will get you through an event just fine. I would only splurge on the $1,000 suit if you personally appreciate the quality and craftsmanship that comes with it.

What Does a $1,000 Suit Look Like?

When you’re looking at a $1,000 suit, you're usually going to see a few key things. The internal structure will be half-canvassed, and the wool will be a finer weave, like Super 130s to 150s, which gives it a softer feel and a better drape. You might also find more sophisticated designs since they are often made by boutique manufacturers, whereas more affordable mens suits are mass-produced in very safe, basic designs.

Will a More Expensive Suit Last Longer?

A common misconception is that expensive suits will last longer. That's not the case at all. While the construction won't "bubble" like a fused suit, the finer fabrics on luxury suits can actually wear out faster. I once bought a stunning Canali Super 160s wool suit that draped beautifully. On my third or fourth wear, the suit sleeve got snagged on a doorframe and it tore. This was so disappointing for a $2,000 suit. It just goes to show the reality of luxury suits: the finer the wool, the more delicate it is. How long a suit lasts has more to do with the fabric’s weave and composition than it does with the price or overall quality.

Can You Tell the Difference Between a Cheap and Expensive Suit?

A trained eye can certainly spot the difference, but the average person will notice the fit first. I'll never forget when Mark Zuckerberg was all over the news testifying to Congress. His suit was clearly a high-end, fully canvassed suit that likely cost over $2,000, but it looked awful because it didn’t fit him well. The person who dressed him clearly missed the most important detail: tailoring. The main difference the average person will notice is the fabric. On higher-end suits, the wool is softer and drapes a bit better. This is the first thing that someone who has never bought a suit before will pick up on.

If you want a more technical breakdown of fit versus fabric, check out Real Men Real Style’s guide on how much to spend on a suit.

How Much Should You Spend on a Suit?

Obviously, you should only spend what you're comfortable with, but a good rule of thumb is to spend about 0.5% of your annual income on a suit, including alterations. To put this in perspective, in the 1920s, suits averaged $30 with incomes around $3,270, which was almost 1% of their annual income. Today, we have more diverse wardrobes and own more suits, so a smaller percentage makes sense.

For a tuxedo, the rule is similar. I recommend spending around 0.5% of your annual income. So, if you make $100,000 a year, about $500 (including alterations) is a good target. A quality suit or tuxedo projects confidence, and if you can afford it, why not invest in something that makes you feel great?

GQ also has a great explainer on this topic — The Definitive Guide to Buying a Suit — if you want another expert take on balancing value and style.

What Are the Signs of a Cheap Suit?

Let's clear something up: there’s a difference between a poorly made cheap suit and a quality discount suit. A truly cheap suit is made with low-quality synthetic fibers that don't drape well, and the shoulders often don’t sit right—that's usually the first thing I notice.

On the other hand, you can find plenty of great discount suits for around $100 or $200 without sacrificing quality. These are usually from previous seasons, and suppliers are just trying to make space for new merchandise. For example, our clearance section features mens suits that were double the price last season. This is a great way to get a quality suit at a low price.

When you're shopping for affordable mens suits in the $200-$300 range, look for a wool suit. If the suit you’re buying at this price point is made of synthetic fibers, it’s definitely too much to spend.

Is It Smart to Buy a Suit Online?

Generally, it’s better to go in-store because every brand fits differently, and a website's measurements won't tell you everything about how a suit feels. However, if you can’t buy in person, shopping for men's suits online is a great option.

Another reason to shop for mens suit online is if you already know your fit in a particular brand and can find it at a lower price. Look for a retailer with a good return policy so you can try on a few different brands to find the right fit. This is great for people who live in areas with more expensive stores and want access to quality affordable mens suits. Just keep in mind that brick-and-mortar stores are generally more expensive because you're paying for the service and experience. If you don't need that, shopping online can be a great option for finding a cheap suit that's actually good quality.

Where to Find Your Perfect Suit

When you're ready to start shopping, look for retailers who prioritize value and quality. The Suit Depot, for example, offers great everyday options for wool suits starting in the mid-$200s, and half-canvassed suit options starting in the upper $300s. We're able to do this because we manufacture many of our suits, produce the fabric, and control the entire process, cutting out the middlemen. In addition, we source great closeouts from designer brands and pass on those savings to our customers. If you're looking for an even better deal, we have an amazing clearance section with plenty of affordable options. These might be from past seasons, but with menswear styles barely changing season to season, you'll still be getting a great deal on a timeless look.

• Share on:
• WhatsApp
• Deel
• X
• Pin it
• Messenger
• Email