Every man's wardrobe needs at least one suit. There, we've said it. There's always a formal occasion coming along - and the last thing you want is a last-minute panic buy that you'll wear once, dislike and then consign to the back of your clothing rack. What you need is a signature jacket and trousers that are there for you when needed - and, since no-one wants to spend a fortune, our selections for the best men's suits are all under £1000, which by any serious tailoring standards is inexpensive. We've included a variety of fabrics and styles, along with choices that allow for maximum versatility when you'd like to wear jacket and trousers separately. Our favourites in a moment, but first some ideas:
How to shop for a suit online
Our first tip is to become your own tailor. That's easier than you might think. First things first: ask yourself, as a bespoke tailor would, when and where you're going to wear your next suit? Would you like to be able to use jacket and trousers separately, or are you going to be using the suit just as a suit?
All of this matters. If you're after maximum versatility - trousers that can be teamed with sneakers, a jacket that's happy over a t-shirt - make sure that you're looking in the right place. Fabric and cut is all that matters, remember. Take a careful look of what's used in construction and how the tailoring will suit what you need. Are you after a summer suit? Or an all-seasons jacket and trouser combination?
We'd say both are necessary in any gentleman's wardrobe, and of course you'll decide on your priorities.
Next step is to make sure you know your measurements. Suit sizes are very particular, so try an existing jacket that fits well and use that as a guide. Similarly with trousers - and remember tailored trousers usually have unfinished hems so that you can have them adjusted for a perfect break over your shoes.
Always remember that online shopping means you can easily return what doesn't fit - and if in any doubt the first rule always applies: if in doubt try ordering two sizes and keep the one that fits best. The comfort of your own home - with shirts and shoes handy to try with your chosen suits - is always the best fitting room.
Above all, enjoy the journey - and we have a few ideas to help you find the perfect suit under £1000.
Best men's suits under £1000
Wax London Fintry Blazer Midnight and Alp Trousers
Looking for your next summer suit? Wax London have the solution. The family-run "everyday elevated" specialists have designed their Alp Trousers - constructed from European-grown linen, regarded as among the most environmentally friendly and tailored here with a classic slim fit - to be teamed with the relaxed style of Wax London's linen Fintry Blazer, half-lined for maximum versatility. Both trousers and jacket are ideal on their own, making this a combination that may well become indispensable in the warmer months.
Oliver Spencer Mansfield Cotton-Velvet Suit Jacket and Cotton-Velvet Drawstring Trousers
Here's your signature formal look, relaxed yet ready for cocktails, smart dinner and beating James Bond at the roulette table afterwards. Menswear maestro Oliver Spencer has used plush cotton-velvet for his Mansfield Suit Jacket - two-button fastening, feature peak lapels, two front patch pockets - and his super-comfortable Drawstring Trousers - button-fastening, waist drawstring, detailed with buttons in buffalo horn - to create an affordable suit that will become a wardrobe staple season after season. Key here is that jacket and trousers are versatile enough to be worn separately to dress up any occasion, from casual coffee to pub lunch.
Suitsupply Lazio Suit
Head to toe Italian classic from the specialists at Suitsupply. Fabric is pure wool woven by centuries-old Vitale Barberis Canonico of northern Italy, tailoring foregrounds a formal look, with subtle shoulder padding to the jacket with two-button closure and half-canvas construction. Flat-front trousers are mid-rise, with hook and button closure and concealed slanted side pockets. Designed so that you can step out in style, every time.
Complete your formal look with one of these impeccable pairs of men's dress shoes.
