Buying your first suit-or upgrading your current one-can feel overwhelming. You walk into a store or scroll online and see prices ranging from $200 to $3,000. What’s actually fair? What gives a suit its value? And more importantly, how much should you realistically spend to look sharp without overspending?
What You Get for Different Price Points
The price of a men’s suit isn’t random. It’s tied directly to materials, construction, fit, and brand. Here’s what you’re really paying for at each level.
- $200-$400: These are mostly mass-produced suits from big retailers like H&M, Zara, or J.Crew’s entry-level line. They use synthetic blends-often 60% polyester, 40% wool-so they wrinkle easily and don’t breathe well. The lining is cheap, the buttons are plastic, and the shoulders are fused (not canvassed), which means they lose shape after a few wears. You’ll look okay in a photo, but you’ll feel it after three hours at a wedding.
- $400-$700: This is where you start seeing real wool-usually 70-80%-with better construction. Some brands like Uniqlo, Brooks Brothers’ Classics line, or Indochino’s entry-level suits fall here. These often have half-canvassed lapels, which means the chest area is structured for better drape. The lining is still synthetic, but the fit is more tailored. This is the sweet spot for most people buying their first serious suit.
- $700-$1,200: You’re now in the realm of full canvassed suits from brands like SuitSupply, Suitsupply’s European lines, or even higher-end options from Nordstrom’s private labels. The wool is finer (100-130s), the lining is often Bemberg (a natural rayon), and the shoulders are shaped by hand. These suits last 5-10 years with proper care. They’re what professionals wear to interviews, board meetings, and formal events without looking like they’re trying too hard.
- $1,200-$2,500: This is where bespoke or made-to-measure suits come in. Brands like Black Lapel, Indochino’s premium tier, or local tailors in Toronto (like The Tailor’s Table or Sartorial) offer custom patterns, multiple fittings, and fabrics from Italian mills like Loro Piana or Ermenegildo Zegna. You’re paying for personalization, not just quality. The wool is 140-180s, the stitching is hand-finished, and the suit molds to your body like a second skin.
- $2,500+: These are true bespoke suits from Savile Row tailors or top-tier European ateliers. Every stitch is done by hand. The canvas is horsehair and cotton, the lining is silk, and the fabric is often exclusive to the mill. You’re not just buying a suit-you’re buying a legacy piece. Fewer than 5% of men ever spend this much, and most of them are executives, lawyers, or those who’ve been told they need a wardrobe that lasts decades.
Why Fit Matters More Than Brand
Here’s the truth: a $500 suit that fits perfectly will always look better than a $1,500 suit that’s too tight in the shoulders or too long in the sleeves. Most off-the-rack suits are built for a generic body type-broad shoulders, narrow waist, average height. But real people? We’re different. Shoulders slope. Torso lengths vary. Hips aren’t symmetrical.
That’s why even a mid-range suit becomes a luxury when it’s altered. A good tailor can shorten sleeves, take in the waist, and raise the lapel break for $60-$120. That’s less than the cost of a new pair of shoes. And it turns an ordinary suit into something that looks custom-made.
In Toronto, you’ll find tailors in the Annex, Yorkville, or even in smaller neighborhoods like Leslieville. Ask at your local dry cleaner-they often have a trusted tailor on speed dial. Don’t skip this step. It’s the single biggest upgrade you can make to any suit.
Where to Buy: Online vs. In-Person
Online shopping gives you more options and better prices. Sites like SuitSupply, Indochino, and Mr Porter let you compare dozens of fabrics and styles without leaving your couch. But here’s the catch: you can’t feel the fabric, test the drape, or see how the lapel rolls over your chest until it arrives.
In-person shopping lets you try on multiple cuts, get immediate feedback, and walk out with the suit the same day. But you’re limited to what’s on the rack. Most department stores carry only 3-5 suit styles per brand. And if you’re not a size medium, you’re often out of luck.
Best approach? Start online. Narrow down your favorite fabrics and styles. Then visit a local store like Suitsupply on Queen Street West or Nordstrom at Yorkdale Mall. Try on the same model in person. If it works, order the exact same one online with your measurements. You get the best of both worlds: selection and fit.
What to Look for in the Fabric
Wool is the gold standard. Not because it’s fancy-it’s because it’s practical. It breathes, resists wrinkles, and holds its shape. Avoid anything labeled “worsted” unless you know what it means-it’s just marketing. Instead, look for:
- Wool percentage: 80% or higher. Anything lower is mostly polyester and will pill, shine, and smell after a few wears.
- Weight: 240-280 grams per square meter is ideal for year-round wear in Canada. Lighter (180-220g) works for summer. Heavier (300g+) is for winter, but you’ll sweat in an office.
- Twist: Higher twist means tighter yarns, which resist wrinkles and last longer. Look for “super 110s” or higher. Super 150s is luxury, but fragile. Super 130s is the practical sweet spot.
- Pattern: Solid or subtle pinstripes work for business. Windowpanes or checks are fine for social events. Avoid loud patterns unless you’re attending a wedding in the 1980s.
Color and Style: What Works Today
Dark navy is the most versatile. It looks professional in a boardroom, elegant at a dinner, and doesn’t show dirt like black. Charcoal is a close second. Grey works if you want something softer, but avoid light greys-they look washed out under fluorescent lights.
As for style: single-breasted, two-button, notch lapel. That’s it. You don’t need peak lapels unless you’re on a red carpet. Double-breasted suits are for photographers, chefs, or people who want to look like a 1930s mobster. And don’t buy a tuxedo unless you’re getting married or attending a formal gala. A navy suit with a white shirt and black tie covers 95% of formal occasions.
How to Stretch Your Budget
You don’t need to spend $1,000 to look sharp. Here’s how to get the most value:
- Buy during sales: End-of-season clearance (January and July) drops prices 40-60%. Suitsupply often has 50% off in January.
- Shop last year’s models: Tailors and retailers clear out older styles to make room. The fabric and construction are identical-only the label changed.
- Buy just the jacket: If you already have dark dress pants, you can mix and match. A good jacket paired with well-fitted trousers looks intentional, not mismatched.
- Consider rental: For one-time events like weddings or job interviews, renting a suit from places like The Black Tux or local Toronto tailors costs $80-$150. You look great, you pay less, you return it.
What Not to Do
Don’t buy a suit on impulse. Don’t choose based on what’s on sale. Don’t let the salesperson push you into a suit that’s too tight because “it’s the latest style.”
And never buy a suit with a polyester lining. It traps heat and smells. If the suit feels stiff when you move, it’s fused. If the buttons rattle when you walk, they’re glued. If the jacket gaps open when you raise your arms, the shoulders are too narrow.
Trust your body. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s not right.
Real-World Example: Toronto Buyer’s Journey
Here’s what a typical Toronto professional did last year:
- Needed a suit for job interviews in finance.
- Budget: $600.
- Went to Suitsupply on Queen Street. Tried on 4 navy suits.
- Found one in 80% wool, half-canvassed, with a slim fit.
- Price: $599.
- Took it to a tailor on Yonge Street. Shortened sleeves ($45), took in waist ($60).
- Total cost: $704.
- Wore it to 8 interviews. Got 3 offers.
He didn’t buy the most expensive suit. He bought the right one-and made it fit.
Final Answer: What’s the Average Price?
The average price for a men’s suit in Canada in 2025 is $650. That’s based on thousands of purchases from retail stores, online brands, and tailors across Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. But the real number you should care about is the one that gets you to your goal.
If you need a suit for work, aim for $500-$700. If you need one for a wedding, consider renting. If you want a suit that lasts 10 years, spend $900-$1,200 and get it tailored.
Price doesn’t define quality. Fit, fabric, and care do. A well-fitted $400 suit looks better than a $2,000 suit that hangs off your body like a tent. Don’t chase the label. Chase the fit.
Is a $300 suit worth buying?
A $300 suit is fine for one-time use, like a single interview or a casual wedding. But it won’t last. The fabric will shine at the elbows within six months, the lining will peel, and the shoulders will collapse. If you plan to wear it more than twice, spend $400-$500 instead. You’ll save money in the long run.
Should I buy a suit online or in-store?
Start online to explore styles and prices. Then go in-store to try on the same model. If it fits well, order it online with your exact measurements. This gives you the best selection and the best fit without paying full retail. Always check return policies-some online brands offer free alterations or returns.
What’s the best color for a first suit?
Navy. It works in offices, at weddings, and even at funerals. It’s more versatile than black (which can look like a tuxedo) and more professional than grey. Stick with solid navy until you’re confident in your style.
Do I need to buy a matching tie and shoes?
No. A navy suit pairs with almost any color shirt and tie. Stick with a white or light blue shirt. For shoes, black or dark brown oxfords work fine. You don’t need to match your belt to your shoes or your tie to your pocket square. Simplicity looks more expensive.
How often should I dry clean my suit?
Never unless it’s stained. Dry cleaning strips the natural oils from wool and shortens its life. Brush your suit after each wear with a clothes brush. Hang it on a wide wooden hanger. Air it out for 24 hours. Steam out wrinkles instead of ironing. Do this, and you’ll go 6-12 months between cleanings.
