Where to Buy Used Suits and How? Tips for 2024

Buying suits can be expensive, often costing over $600 for a good one. A smart way to save money is by buying used suits on eBay. From my experience, this approach is both budget-friendly and can lead to finding some great suits.

Here’s how to do it right:

  • Check the seller’s ratings to avoid scams.
  • Carefully read the suit’s details to know its condition.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
  • Choosing classic designs means the suit won’t go out of style quickly.

How to Buy Used Suits on eBay? [Why is This a Good Solution?]

Our constant desire for new things often leads to perfectly good suits being thrown away just because they’re no longer the latest trend. Some suits are barely worn, coming from estate sales or being unsold stock from stores.

With a bit of know-how and not much money, you can snag great deals on these second-hand suits on eBay. These tips will help you find top-notch used suits without spending a lot.

Searching for good used suits in local thrift stores usually isn’t worth the effort. While thrift stores are excellent for finding other clothing items, they often lack a good selection of suits in terms of style and size. eBay, on the other hand, offers a vast selection and better quality.

This makes it the best place to look for a wide range of options and find a suit that suits you perfectly.

Tips That Will Secure the Best Buy

The ideal times to buy suits on eBay are in January, February, and the summer. During these periods, suit prices drop because fewer people shop for men’s tailored clothing.

Conversely, prices soar in the fall up to Christmas and in spring, as these are peak times for buying such attire. Shopping during off-peak times means you’ll pay less for your suits.

Be Sure About the Size

To ensure a perfect fit, knowing your suit size is crucial. Many men wear suits that don’t fit them correctly because they’re unsure of their size. A visit to a men’s clothing store can solve this; a salesperson can determine your size accurately. Or, if you already own a suit that fits well, measure it and use these measurements as a guide when shopping on eBay. This method helps in purchasing suits that require minimal alterations to fit you perfectly.

On eBay, sellers list important measurements like jacket chest width, length, sleeve length, and pants size. Watching a video on how to measure a suit can be helpful. Comparing these measurements to your own ensures the suit you buy will fit well, even if the previous owner had it altered.

Pay Attention to Quality and Value

When buying a second-hand suit, quality matters. You don’t want to end up with a low-quality suit that doesn’t last. Understanding the difference between fused, half-canvas, and full-canvas lined suits is key.

  • Half-canvas suits, often found in the $500-$1500 price range, offer a good balance of quality and value. They have a natural canvas interlining in the chest area, providing durability and shape.
  • Full-canvas suits, the highest quality, have canvas across the entire jacket but are pricier and harder to find at low prices on eBay. Fused suits, while the least expensive, may not hold up as well over time, especially with repeated dry cleaning.

If you’re looking at fused construction suits, opt for newer ones from reputable brands. The technology and materials for fused suits have improved, making them more durable and closer in quality to half-canvas suits. However, it’s still wise to pay less for fused suits and to limit dry cleaning to preserve their condition.

Don’t get caught up chasing after suits from well-known designers just for the label. These suits often cost more because of the brand name, not because they’re better quality. In fact, many designer suits are made with cheaper fused construction rather than the more durable half-canvas or full-canvas.

Decide How Much to Spend in Advance

You can find high-quality suits on eBay for under $50, suits that would cost $700 to $900 new. Shopping smartly, especially during January and summer, makes this possible. These suits come from reputable brands but might not carry the high-profile designer labels many shoppers look for.

For example, I’ve bought a Daniel Cremieux wool suit and a Hart Schaffner Marx suit, both with half-canvas construction, for just $14 and $12 respectively. Both suits were in excellent condition and offered great value for the price.

The fact that you have a determined price range will make the search much easier.

So, Is It a Good Idea to Choose eBay Over Regular Stores?

Sometimes, sellers on eBay may not be aware of the construction details of the suits they’re selling. This lack of knowledge can work to your advantage, allowing you to snag high-quality suits at a fraction of their value with just a little research on your part.

On the other hand, rushing by buying the first thing you see can lead to costly mistakes. Getting a bargain won’t make much sense if the piece of clothes you got is useless.

In that matter, check on the seller, see if that person already sold some stuff before. The best part is that you can easily check the experience of previous buyers by looking the ratings and comments.

In that matter, as long as you are cautious, chances are great that you will end with a perfect suit for a much lower price when compared to stores.

FAQs

Is $700 too much for a suit?

No, $700 is not too much if the suit is of high quality and fits well. The price reflects materials, craftsmanship, and durability.

Why are Italian suits expensive?

Italian suits are expensive because of their superior craftsmanship, high-quality fabrics, and the reputation of Italian fashion. They’re seen as an investment in style and quality.

Is it smart to buy a suit online?

Buying a suit online can be smart if you know your measurements and buy from reputable retailers. It offers convenience and a wider selection than in-store shopping.

How many suits should a man own?

A man should own at least three suits: one for business, one for formal events, and a versatile one for various occasions. This allows for rotation and longevity of wear.

What is the best suit brand?

The best suit brand depends on personal preference, budget, and style needs. Brands like Canali, Brooks Brothers, and Armani are highly regarded for their quality and design.

Last Words

Shopping for suits on eBay offers a smart, economical way to expand your wardrobe with high-quality, durable pieces. By focusing on the construction and material of suits rather than chasing after designer labels or current fashion trends, you can find exceptional deals.

The best buys are often found during slower sales periods, like January and the summer months. Knowing your size and understanding suit quality are key to making informed purchases that result in suits which look great and last for years. Whether you’re spending $14 or $50, the value you receive for well-made suits on eBay can far exceed their cost.