Where to Buy a Suit: Your Complete List of Options

Where is the best place to buy a suit in the UK?

Buying a suit is not just about the product. It is about the purpose, the fit, the fabric, and where you choose to get it. Whether you are shopping for a new work suit, something smart for a wedding, or a sharp outfit for a formal event, knowing your options is the first step to getting it right. This guide breaks down every possible place to buy a suit in the UK, covering everything from department stores and online retailers to secondhand shops and rental services.

Understanding What You Need from a Suit

Think about where and how you will wear the suit

Before you even look at racks or websites, ask yourself why you need the suit. Is it for everyday work, occasional formal events, or something in between? The answer helps determine how formal the suit needs to be and what features it should have.

Workwear Suits

If you wear a suit daily, focus on comfort and durability. Look for machine washable fabrics, added stretch, and stain resistance. These are useful features for professionals who commute or attend meetings regularly. Fielding & Nicholson Tailoring, for example, offers double breasted suits that are crease resistant, water repellent, and move with your body.

Suits for Weddings or Special Events

Occasion wear calls for a higher level of finish. For these types of events, it is worth visiting formalwear specialists or independent suit shops that offer premium wool suits and fitting services. Options like peak lapels, satin trims, and bold lining choices can all make a difference.

Versatile or Casual Suits

If you want a suit that can move between smart and casual settings, choose a single breasted jacket in a midweight cloth like cotton wool blend. Department stores and fashion retailers are good places to explore casual suiting options in classic colours such as navy or grey.

Consider Your Budget Before Shopping

How much should you spend on a suit?

There is no single right price. Instead, the cost should match the quality, use, and frequency you expect from the suit.

Budget under 500 pounds

For entry level suits, try high street retailers, online stores, or clearance outlets. You may need basic alterations, but these are a good starting point. Amazon, ASOS, and Marks and Spencer all offer decent options in this range.

Mid range between 500 and 1500 pounds

Here, you will find improved tailoring, wool blend fabrics, and better structure. Retailers like Suit Direct and Moss Bros fall into this category, along with some tailored collections at department stores.

Premium suits over 2000 pounds

If you are shopping in this range, look at bespoke tailors or made to measure services. Brands like Fielding and Nicholson or private tailoring houses offer exceptional fit, canvas construction, and custom options. Occasionally, you can find premium suits discounted through seasonal sales or exclusive offers.

Buying Suits at Department Stores

Are department stores a good place to buy a suit?

Yes, department stores offer a practical and reliable way to shop for suits, especially if you want to try different brands in one place.

Who benefits most from department store shopping

Anyone who prefers to try on suits, compare colours, and feel fabrics before buying will find department stores helpful. They are ideal for people new to suiting or those with standard measurements.

Advantages of shopping in store

• Wide selection: Stores like John Lewis, House of Fraser, and Fenwick carry everything from budget options to premium labels.

• Tailoring services: Most department stores offer basic alterations like sleeve or trouser length adjustments.

• Seasonal promotions: Many stores hold clearance events that help you find value in higher priced suits.

Potential drawbacks

• Some stores carry too many labels which can feel overwhelming without guidance

• Quality varies between brands, so it helps to research before buying

• Sizes may be limited depending on popularity and seasonal stock

Buying Suits Online

Is it safe to buy a suit online?

Yes, but only if you understand your measurements or use a retailer with strong reviews and a simple returns policy.

Benefits of online suit shopping

• Convenience: You can browse hundreds of suits from your phone or laptop without time pressure.

• Wider inventory: Online stores like ASOS, Charles Tyrwhitt, and Reiss offer more sizes, colours, and fits than physical stores.

• Competitive pricing: Many online retailers operate without shopfronts, keeping prices lower.

Key considerations

• Make sure the site offers free returns or exchanges (normally this is only for off the peg suits and not anything that has been adjusted.)

• Use size guides and read customer reviews before purchasing

• Stick to known brands if buying for the first time, it is recommended to get yourself measured. 

Online retailers to explore

• Fielding & Nicholson: Known for performance suits with high quality custom fabric and easy care features. Offers virtual 1 on 1 consultations with people looking for a quality suit.

• Indochino: Offers custom fit suits by entering your own measurements, ideal for those who want a fitted result without visiting a tailor

• Charles Tyrwhitt: A strong choice for classic business suits and shirt bundles

Buying Second hand and Vintage Suits

Is it worth buying a second hand or vintage suit?

Absolutely. Second hand shops can offer excellent quality suits for a lower price, especially if you are open to classic styles or designer labels.

Benefits of second hand suits

• Affordable access to high end tailoring

• Sustainable fashion choice that supports reuse and recycling

• Unique styles that you will not find on the high street

Where to shop

• The RealReal and Grailed for authenticated designer resale

• Local vintage shops and charity shops for retro suits and hidden gems

• eBay UK for a mix of used and nearly new suits, often at reduced prices

Tips before buying secondhand

• Always check the inside labels for fabric content and previous alterations

• Try on the suit if possible or buy from sellers with clear measurements

• Factor in minor tailoring like waist or sleeve adjustments

Should You Rent a Suit?

Renting is a smart option if you only need a suit for one event or want to experiment with a style before buying.

Benefits of renting a suit

• Affordable luxury: Wear a high quality dinner suit or morning coat without the full price

• Convenience: Most rental companies provide everything including shirt, tie, and shoes

• Group services: Helpful for weddings where you want matching suits across multiple sizes

Suit rental services in the UK

• Moss Hire: Offers a wide range of fits and accessories, with in store fitting

• The Black Tux and Generation Tux (available online for UK delivery)

• Debrett’s and other formalwear specialists for premium morning dress or black tie events

Tips for Buying a Suit That Looks and Feels Right

How do you choose the right suit fit?

Fit is the most important detail. Whether you choose slim, regular, or classic, your suit should sit cleanly on your shoulders and chest without pulling or sagging.

Quick fit checks

• Shoulders should line up with your own

• Sleeve length should show half an inch of shirt cuff

• Jacket collar should lie flat and clean across the back of your neck

• Trouser hem should gently touch the shoe, no more

Choosing the Right Fabric and Colour

What fabric should you choose for your suit?

• Wool: The most versatile option, good year round

• Linen: Best for summer events, though prone to creasing

• Tweed or flannel: Excellent for colder months and country weddings

What colour suit should you buy?

• Navy: Timeless and suitable for both business and casual

• Charcoal grey: Great for formal settings or interviews

• Light grey and beige: Best for spring and summer weddings

Accessories That Pull Your Suit Together

Small details make a big difference

• Ties: Choose a colour that contrasts with your shirt but complements your suit

• Pocket squares: Add personality but avoid matching it exactly to your tie

• Shoes and belt: These should be the same colour and preferably leather

• Watch and cufflinks: Subtle and smart is better than bold and distracting

For more on how to match accessories with your suit, explore our post on what colour tie to wear with a navy suit.

Final Thought: Choose a Suit That Suits You

No matter where you shop, what matters is how you feel in the suit. Look for good structure, quality fabric, and a comfortable fit. Whether you prefer shopping online, in store, or browsing vintage rails, there is a place that will suit your style and your budget.

If you are interested in performance features and modern design, the Fielding & Nicholson Collection range offers an alternative to traditional tailoring that works particularly well for commuters and busy professionals.