With a weak Euro, clothing is suddenly much more affordable on the Continent. In fact, it is often cheaper than the USA.
If you know me, you know that I love to wear suits. Working for myself out of my home means that most days I wind up in my pajamas until I make it to the gym in the afternoon. I wear suits on Sundays and for special events, but that’s about it. I know many friends (cough…Lucky) hate to wear a suit under any circumstance, but I truly enjoy donning a suit. I miss putting on a suit and tie before work every morning.
Anyway, although I do not wear suits as often as I like, I have been in the process of replacing my baggy, American “bankers” suits with more updated, slim-cut European suits. My brother turned me on to a clothing line called Suit Supply that offers high-quality clothing at a fair price. I’ve bought clothes from them in Washington, DC, Chicago, and Las Vegas (where I bought my wedding suit). The company continues to expand and how has a store in West Hollywood, not too far away.
But I found out buying in the USA is not wise.
For example, take a look at the difference in price of a European tailored suit I just bought–
USA Price:
Europe Price:
349EUR ($372, including tax) vs. $599 + state/local taxes. That is astounding! Problem is you cannot just pay in Euros or order from the Euro website if you are shipping to the USA. To obtain custom tailoring for a custom suit with the perfect fit is a dream at these prices.
So when I was in Amsterdam a couple weeks ago, I headed over to Suit Supply’s flagship store in Amsterdam–
The clothes are identical to the USA, except in price. I went home with two suits for about the price of what one would have cost me in the USA. Remember that tax is included on price tags in Europe, but that’s about 20% factored into the price. Ask for a VAT receipt and you can save another 15-20%.
Suit Supply even has a store in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport in case you are just passing thru. It’s outside of baggage claim in Arrivals Hall D:
More Than Suits At A Discount
What I’ve noticed, as I have taken time to check, is that it is not just suits that are cheap — so are shirts, shoes, dresses, and just about everything else. Granted, some items, particularly from U.S. manufactures, are cheaper in the USA. My point is that clothes in Europe are cheaper than you think. While not worth a special trip, next time you are in Europe do check out the clothing if you are in need — it just may save you some money.
Do you buy clothes in Europe?
I did in Rome after figuring out even with the exchange rate, it was a great deal. I bought a rain jacket for about $50. The same jacket in the US was selling for $175! Top it all off, the store was having a sale. Thank you Italy!
I often buy shoes in Germany as they are considerably cheaper. And often have better arch support.
I have bought clothes, too, especially when I had Suzanne’s judgment to assist me
I bought suits and other clothes in Rome. Cheaper and better quality than in the USA and definitely more fashionable.
My +1 love to buy bags and Le Mer in Europe now it even cheaper in UK.
Not in Europe, but I used to always visit a tailor for custom made shirts when I’d have business in India. Indian suits aren’t great, but the shirts are typically quite good. At $10-20 a pop you really can’t go wrong, anyway. Plus it’s nice to have shirts that actually fit right for a change.
No, Bangkok, or go home …
Eastern Europe is much cheaper than the Euro Zone. Some companies have a special pricing scheme in this regions. I would recommend Budapest, Prague, Warsaw, Krakow …
I’m a complete suit novice, but I may need to start wearing a suit more often. How long does it take for Suit Supply to properly tailor a suit in Europe?
I only buy suits, sport coats, dress shirts and shoes in the UK and Italy. There are several stores that deliver into the US. If you fond the right time to shop you can save tons of money in Europe. Their sales at the end of the seasons are fantastic. You cannot compare a suit you buy in Europe with the ones you buy in the US. In Europe they are much slimmer and look awesome while in the US they always look like you bought a sizer bigger.
I am stuck and in-transit through Schiphol Amsterdam Airport and walked by the landside SuitSupply store, when my memory of reading this blog was triggered. Took a few minutes to read through it again.
And immediately headed inside where a great gentlemen, Alex, was able to help me with the purchase of a new and tailored suit. Added on a few shirts and accessories and the converted USD total was ~ $550. Double-checked the same items as to be purchased through US stores plus tailoring would’ve exceeded USD $800. Perhaps a little late to the party but you got me turned to a new quality suit supplier. And at a much greater discount. Thanks Matthew