chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

I'd like it if folk didn;t take the pish (although I expect it), but basically I would like to find a nice suit (but cheap). Reason being I've got through to the final interview stage for the apprenticeship I applied for back in January. Been at an assessment day all today and was told at the end that the interview date/time would be emailed to me.

As I go to Working Links as part of my agreement whilst on JSA, they can offer me funding for things like this to help me as much as possible. I haven't any money of my own, so hopefully they will help me out as I want to look good and make a professional first impression.

Only thing being I can't obviously go to them (Working Links) and demand money for an Armani Suit for the obvious reasons. So I would appreciate if anyone has suggestions for under £100. Shirt/tie isn't important as I can get them with a small voucher I have for Tesco. Don't need a waist jacket either, just a decent blazer/trouser combo.

TIA

Andy

gpssti4

iTrader: (6)

Asda - cheap as chips................

.................... and good luck with the interview.

ScoobyWon't

Tesco/Asda do them cheap

I can't vouch for the quality as I've never looked at them.

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

I bought my interview suit in M&S, it came to about £70 plus top and tights so just under the hundred quid mark The suit is stretch so nice and comfy and doesn't crease.

I got the job so something impressed them and I doubt it was me

RikTee

iTrader: (12)

got a grey pinstripe from Matalan for £40. Can't go wrong at that price

Rich

DCI Gene Hunt

A fancy dressing gown can almost pass for a smoking jacket if worn correctly

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Didn't think of Asda/Tesco. Will certainly look, only issue being I'm a funny shape. Do they make alterations or mix & match, as I have a large chest and short legs

Bet I could get something respectful for under £100 though from there

Steve_PPP

iTrader: (3)

i got a suit in Asda (George) for £19 all in

Its not even that bad, probably made by some toddler in china but i don't care

wanted a cheap one for the occasional interview - i'm an IT engineer and don't need to wear a suit to work

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Right, I'm gonna make a list here and do some serious research.

Asda
Tesco
Matalan
Marks & Spencer

Keep 'em coming, will get busy tomorrow.

DCI Gene Hunt

moff1888

As above M&S/Tesco etc but CoB I don't advise the tights, well unless it makes you comfy for the interview of course.

ScoobyWon't

There you go, Andy. Now you know where to go to get some tights with your new suit too

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Thats not to far away actually. I'm 5"5, about 14st. 7lb. Waist is 34-36" and inside leg is 30" max. And a big chest too.

I'll have to see what they will let me spend and then do some serious shoppage.

Scunny has most the above mentioned, so I'd like to assume something nice is attainable at a cheap price. Any offers currenty on which I could take advantage of?

Dedrater

Only problem with really cheap suits is they shine under light, natural daylight or spread lighting is ok, but you don't want to be sitting there blinding the person interviewing you, so check under a bright light in your house.

DCI Gene Hunt

Why not go to a charity shop? I just offloaded a heap of my suits from last year into my local one, all nice makes as well with nothing wrong with them. The chap in there said loads of people do the same year on year when updating their wardrobes. May be a better option than a suit that will crease as soon as you look at it and go shiney after its first clean.

Also costs you nothing to look either......

StickyMicky

this is true, and pyjamas can pass for kick boxing ninja outfits

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Thats worth looking into as well. I presume they would give you a reciept as the place I'm looking to funding off would require this as proof. Mainly because a lot of the folk that attend their meetings are pond life scumbags. I hope this paves well for me as they see my enthusiastic side.

i'm quite excited as I haven't had a job interview since Feb 2004.

DCI Gene Hunt

Yep, they'll give you a reciept, so no worries there.....

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

One question I would like to ask the masses who wear suits more than me,

What materials whould I look out for, and which ones to avoid?

I ask in reference to the cheap "shiney" suits comment above, thats all.

Dedrater

Cheap polyester, synthetic fabrics have more of a sheen, some are better than others, natural fibers also shine though if over ironed or well used. Take a bright torch (serious) and shine it on the back of the suit at different angles.

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

Andy, if you wear a knee length flippy skirt like I did, try and avoid stockings, especially if it's windy Although depending on who interviews you it may just get you the job

Dedrater

Pop into a local tailor, they are almost always cheaper than off the peg anyway and a guaranteed fit, worth asking them anyway.

subaruturbo_18

Could try somewhere like officers club? Might even be a bit trendy

fitzscoob

I was in Next over the weekend and was surprised to see they had some really nice suits for £130. A little over budget though

Choose a suit you like the look and feel of. Black, and grey are good colours to look at, as they can give flexible appearances depending on what tie / shirt combo you go for.

Just dont go for the Trigger look and you'll be fine.

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

Don't spend too much money on something you'll never wear again, I wore mine for approximately three hours and it will never ever see daylight again In fact I'll probably sell it.

Hey Andy, you don't want to buy a secondhand suit do you? The jacket should fit and the skirt will be fine with your short legs I'll throw the tights in for free

ScoobyDoo555

Why not hire one?

Dan

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Don't think Working Links would go for that. It's in their interests if I buy something incase it's needed again.

For all I know they may give me £30 and tell me thats my lot. £100 was an estimation.

WRX_Dazza

cob, tescos do mix and match, i think the jackets are £20 and £15 for the strides....

they will be fine for interviews, then bin it when you get a good job

good luck mate... and PMSL at some of the comments on here...