Ranking Men's RTW Suits (54 BEST And WORST Menswear Brands!) | Gentleman's Gazette (2024)

With a myriad of suit brands offering ready-to-wear options these days, it can be difficult to know what to buy (and what to avoid). Our team has a wealth of experience with a great many brands, though, so we’ve decided to translate this experience into a “tier list” format and rank 54 brands on an A-F scale. Read on to see how your favorite brands stack up!

Ranking Ready-To-Wear Suit Brands

Some of the brands we’ll mention will also offer made-to-measure options, or sometimes even a higher level like bespoke, but we’re not going to focus on that. We’ll just look at off-the-rack, ready-to-wear suits that you can buy right off the shelf.

We’ll list the suits in no particular order, but for reference, we categorize them from A to F, with A being the best.

• A – Why am I not wearing this RIGHT NOW?
• B – Now we’re in business!
• C – I guess I’m “ready to wear” this.
• D – Slightly above sweatpants.
• F – Suited for the trash…

Keep in mind, no matter how well a suit is rated – it could be the very best suit in the world, an A – it’s not going to be good for you if it doesn’t fit.

Of course, a list like this comes with a certain level of subjectivity, but our opinions are backed by years of experience and multiple perspectives, so we’re confident they’ll be helpful for you!

*Note: the following transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.

H&M (F)

H&M is the epitome of throwaway fashion in my mind. Everything they offer in terms of suiting – yes, including their premium line – is a solid F. Suited for the trash. Why? Well, they’re cheap. It’s not high quality. Yes, you can open the cuff buttonholes, but that’s no longer a hallmark of a quality suit.

Zara (F)

Now, what about Zara suits? They’re similar to H&M. Maybe a little more fashion-forward, catwalk focus, maybe a little more expensive. But, ultimately, in my book, still an F – suited for the trash. If you get a suit, get something you can wear that is not at that quality level with that kind of styling, that goes out of fashion super quick.

SuitSupply (C-)

Actually, we did an in-depth Is It Worth It? SuitSupply review and you can see all of our nuanced opinions in there. In a nutshell, I think it’s well suited to someone who is slim, who likes a modern European-style suit. Because of that, their sizing all runs quite large. For example, I needed a 46 or 56 in their jacket size, which normally I’m a 44.

I also couldn’t find pants that would fit me, neither off-the-rack nor made-to-measure. So, that’s something to keep in mind. But, if you’re slim and you like the silhouette, I think it’s a good entry-level point for your first suit.

So, I’d rate it maybe a C-. Maybe, for me personally, even worse because I couldn’t get a suit, but that’s just me.

Spier & Mackay (C)

Spier & Mackay is a brand from Canada. Overall, they’re probably similar to SuitSupply. I think they’re a good value pick. They use decent fabrics. It’s about a half-canvas construction. I think you can also upgrade to stuff. They have a higher line with full canvas construction.

It’s ultimately not the best suit you’ll ever buy, but pretty good value. I’d value it as a C.

Bonobos (F)

Bonobos is a relatively inexpensive suit brand. I really don’t like the fit of their jackets. With suits, it’s no different. So, I’d say stay clear – it’s an F.

Isaia (B)

Their suits are pricey. I think retail, you know, around three and a half thousand all the way up to $5,000 plus. They are often in a range of a Kiton or Cesare Attolini, and I’ll talk more about those brands later.

They’ve been really popular in the US. They’re known for the little coral clip that’s usually in their lapel buttonhole. I think workmanship, overall, is quite high; it’s not as high as an Attolini or Kiton. The fabrics are okay.

What I like about them is their fit. For me, personally, it’s quite nice. I think I have a nice range of movement. There is a bit of padding, full-canvas. Even though the sleeves are trimmer in the silhouette, the range of movement and the comfort is quite good.

I wouldn’t buy it new. Sometimes you can find it on eBay for, you know, two, three hundred bucks a jacket, maybe $500 a suit. In that range, I think it’s a really fair price. So, overall, I’d give it a grade B – now we’re in business!

Brunello Cucinelli (C)

This is a brand that is associated with cashmere. I think they have this humanistic capitalism, kind of socially responsible company. They have good values. Their actual suits are not something I like in terms of styling. They’re more fashion-forward.

Yes, their fabrics are nice. Oftentimes, they have like earth tones, rather subdued. But, they’re definitely more fashion-y.

The jacket is shorter, not many handwork details, and the prices are astronomical. You pay like $9,000 for a tuxedo, and suits for six, seven, or eight thousand dollars. Totally off the charts. If you like the style and you can get it at 10% of the cost, still a high price. Otherwise, I’d rate it, overall in my book, just a C because I don’t like them.

Tom Ford (B)

Tom Ford has been enjoying a lot of publicity lately. It’s the official suit of James Bond. I like Tom Ford and his designs. I think the silhouettes are very nice. He has wider lapels, cool shawl collar tuxedos for example, and his suits are decent.

I think they’re made by Zegna Couture at a higher level. They’re quite pricey. Again, would I pay the retail price for them? No, I wouldn’t. But, if you can get them at a discount, you may want to look into that.

They also have more colors sometimes. Tom Ford has great fabrics, has full canvas. So, overall, I would grade them a B.

Brooks Brothers (C)

Obviously, Brooks Brothers have slightly different lines. It’s a brand with lots of history. In recent times, they’ve had issues with bankruptcy and I don’t know who actually owns it right now. The last time we checked their garments, they had a decent level of suits. I’d say more like a Suit Supply level with a more traditional American aesthetic.

They have lots of different sizes. So, it’s in that price range. I’d say it’s a C. Not more and not less.

Charles Tyrwhitt (D+)

This is a brand that is more at the lower-end spectrum of the price and really popular for their shirts. They’ve been expanding into shoes and suits and other kinds of stuff. Overall, they run quite large. For example, Jack was trying on a size 36 and it fits more like a 40.

So, if you like a roomier style, definitely something for you. If you’re on a slimmer side, probably not. In terms of quality and workmanship, it’s more in the Hawes & Curtis range. So, I’d say D+.

Gagliardi (D+)

It’s a branch from Malta and I have quite a few sport coats from them. I like the linen stuff. It’s kind of cool. It’s summery, Mediterranean. With their suits, I always have issues with their pants. They wear quite slim and, with my drop ratio from my waistline to my hips, it never really worked. Jack on our team has a bunch of items from them.

Their suits, lately, have become a lot more modern, trendy, and fashion-y. Really slim lapels. Really slim cuts. So, in my book, that’s a deterioration. So, I’d rate them maybe a D+.

For some of their sport coats with wider lapels and interesting fabrics, I think they provide a good value and I’d rate them a little higher, maybe C-.

Brioni (B)

Brioni is the Roman tailoring house that used to make 70,000 garments a year. Their Roman style is very nice. I like their old things, I would say pre-2011. They have really nice fabrics, a good amount of handwork comparable to Kiton.

It’s a very understated suit. You could see it, for example, in “The Thomas Crown Affair”, the 1999 movie; a very classic Italian business suit.

They were acquired in 2011 and, if you look at their most recent models, they’re owned by PPR, which is, I think, part of the Kering Conglomerate. They also have brands like Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen, so much more fashion-forward. I think they’ve lost some of their good old customer base and I also think the quality level has declined.

The last time I was in Rome, I saw like a notched lapel tuxedo in there, in their window, and it’s just not what it used to be. But, if you can get their older stuff, be it on eBay or otherwise, I think it’s awesome. I grade it a B.

Oxxford Clothes (A)

Theirs are high-quality, full-canvas suits, with lots of handwork. Made in the US. Styling-wise, a bit more on the conservative side, especially older stuff that you find on eBay can be more like grandpa-like. But, it’s a great brand. Their prices are high. But, used, you can get a much better deal for them.

Suits, I would say, you know, anywhere between $1000 and $100 on a used market. If you buy them new, expect to pay 5 times more. I have a few pieces from them. I have one custom garment. They’re well made and, overall, I give them an A grade.

Drake’s (B)

Drake’s is a company known for their neckwear and accessories. But, in recent years, they also ventured into full-fledged clothing lines. They always try to have the British style as seen through the lens of an Italian. So, their suits are made in Italy.

They have nice fabrics, solid constructions. The sizes can run a little large. But, overall, it’s a solid B grade.

Pini Parma(B)

Pini Parma is a brand that I haven’t known about for very long. I would say it’s the next step up from Suit Supply in terms of ready-to-wear. Very Italian styling. All the pants pretty much come pleated. So, if you don’t like that style, it may not work for you.

There’s also great details from menswear enthusiasts – subtle details, and a decent amount of handwork. So, it is a B grade.

Sartoria Castangia (B) & Sartoria Partenopea (B-)

They’re both brands that are relatively unknown. I think they have a very high level of quality. Nice, full-canvas construction, nice fabrics. If you get them used, they’re probably going to be super bargains because not many people know about them.

Santoria Castangia I would rate a B. Sartoria Partenopea, maybe, something in between a B and a C.

Banana Republic (F)

The suits from Banana Republic, I would grade an F and you’ll know whyS in our Blazer Guide. It’s just low-end stuff, low-end fabric, low-end construction. Not worth your money.

Kiton(A)

Kiton suits were always one of the most expensive ready-to-wear brands when I got interested in men’s clothing about 20 years ago. Even today, they’re still around. They produce a lot of high-end stuff and one of the things with Kiton was always that is incredibly soft fabrics, relatively soft construction, full-canvas, handmade details. They still have that today.

So, if you want really nice cashmere fabrics, really soft, very fine wools, Kiton provides that for you. Their suits are Italian, but they’re classic. And they also had suits with a glen check, with an overplaid for example, not just plain navy.

In terms of pricing, they have a very high retail price. I wouldn’t pay that. I would rather go bespoke instead. But, if you can get it at a discount, you get a great quality suit. I would rank them A for sure.

Hugo Boss (C-)

When I grew up in Germany, a Hugo Boss suit was the epitome of a good suit for the average German man. Now, I think, in recent years, especially in the US, they’re a lot more fashion-forward.

I would associate them with the Men in Black, monochromatic look, worn by maybe sportspeople, not so much by clothing enthusiasts. Overall, I’d say, maybe a C-.

Chaps (by Ralph Lauren) (D-)

The Chaps Ralph Lauren brand is something made for lower-end department stores and, even though it carries the Ralph Lauren name and I love what Ralph Lauren does, Chaps is not a suit line you should invest money in. Why? It’s just cheaper stuff and, compared to the other lines, just not a good buy. So, I think it has good styling, but the material is not so good. It’s around a D-.

Polo Ralph Lauren(C)

Polo Ralph Lauren suits are probably the most well-known brand because they’re also carried in department stores and they have the Polo polo shirts, of course. So, in terms of their suiting, they used to be made in the US and I love vintage polo stuff.

If you get an ’80s or ’90s suit, they have big shoulder pads and cool things. The more modern suits are typically made either in Italy or in Asia.

I have a seersucker suit, for example, that I really like because it’s harder to find seersucker suits from ready-to-wear brands and Ralph Lauren Polo is one of those.

Polo often has vintage-inspired details, they have really cool fabrics, and, overall, I like their stuff. I would say it’s a C in my book.

Hackett(C-)

Jeremy Hackett has great style and, to me, he somewhat has this quintessential British gentleman style. The brand Hackett is no longer in his hands. For a time, it was owned by a small group and by a Spanish company. And now, I think it is part of a Lebanese conglomerate, part with a subsidiary of the LVMH House.

Their stuff is definitely not made in England. It has a somewhat English appeal, maybe a few preppy things in there. But, like the Polo Ralph Lauren with an English twist. I think the suits have a softer structure. So, I’d grade it, maybe, a C-. In my book, they’re slightly below Polo Ralph Lauren.

Ralph Lauren Purple Label (Vintage/British: A) (Modern/Italian: B)

What about Ralph Lauren Purple Label? My first really good suit was a rope stripe suit in navy from Ralph Lauren Purple Label made in England. Those were made by Chester Barrie and I think their quality was absolutely phenomenal and I would rate them A.

They have a really cool silhouette. They’re soft. Even though they’re full-canvas, they’re just superb. The fabrics are also wonderful. If you can get your hands on them, in the size that fits you, get them. They’re great.

Now, the more modern Ralph Lauren Purple Label items are all made in Italy. They are different vendors. I’ve heard Caruso makes them or St. Andrews andIi have a few of those pieces as well. I think the details are also great. The fabrics are great. The workmanship is not quite at the level of Chester Barrie anymore. So, I’d rate them a B.

Chester Barrie (B)

Chester Barrie is originally from Crewe in England. They sometimes had trouble. They were bankrupt and then, they were sold and bought. Most recently, I think they went bankrupt in 2019, which is a shame because I always liked what they did.

Their styling was a bit more old school than what they did for Ralph Lauren Purple Label and maybe a little stiffer. So, I didn’t like it quite as much. But, it’s still quality construction and it was at a fair price. Overall, I would rate them a B.

Chester by Chester Barrie(F)

There’s also a brand called Chester by Chester Barrie and it’s nowhere near the quality of regular Chester Barrie. In my book, it’s a solid F. It’s just cheap junk. Don’t buy that and don’t get confused by it. I think that brand is still around, but just stay clear.

Caruso(C+)

Caruso suits are made in Italy. They also make for many other brands. They have different levels. Overall, I would say it’s more in the C+ range in my book.

Bijan(B-)

Bijan is a very high-priced boutique in California; I think in LA. Bijan suits use very expensive fabric. They definitely cater to the luxury clientele for whom money is of no concern.

Typically, their suits are made in Italy at a good quality level, not the top quality level and their fabrics are definitely the most expensive. The prices they charge are astronomical and I would never pay that.

Sometimes, though, you can pick up a garment, maybe, on eBay or second-hand. You’ll get a good thing. This and their price, overall, I would say Bijan is a B-.

Regent (B-)

This next brand is one many of you probably don’t know. It’s called Regent (REH-gent in German, REE-jent in English). It’s a German company and I would compare them maybe to Oxxford. A little more conservative suit that you can get off-the-rack.

They had issues with bankruptcies like so many, but they have been revived. They’re a little more modern now in their fabric choice. But, if you can find one of their suits, you’ll get a good quality suit with a decent amount of handwork from Germany with a full canvas. Writing in my book, again, B-.

Cifonelli (A)

Cifonelli suits are more well-known for their bespoke garments. It’s a Parisian bespoke house. But, a few years ago they started a ready-to-wear line, which they spearheaded with John Vizzone, who’s an American who started at Alan Flusser and then, worked over 25 years for Ralph Lauren.

I had a pleasure having lunch with John once. That was before he worked with Cifonelli, but he was wearing a Cifonelli bespoke jacket and he was just raving about the fit and the shoulder and the comfort he has in the jacket. So, he really was into the brand before he started working for them.

Their suits, I would definitely rate an A because they have the pedigree of bespoke, they have their signature shoulder that is quite roped, and you just can tell that someone who really knows what they’re doing input the information into this ready-to-wear line.

At the rake, you can get a suit for under $3,000 and on their website, it’s a little more expensive, which is definitely a lot and you can get bespoke suits for less than that in other countries, from less reputable bespoke houses. But, overall, if you can get a hand on a Cifonelli suit, they’re grade A. You probably will like it.

Cesare Attolini (A)

Typically, Cesare (CHE-zah-re) Attolini is mentioned in the same vein as Kiton or Isaia. Attolini, I think, used to work as a hat cutter for Kiton and then, branched out. I think if you compare Kiton to Attolini, Kiton has softer fabrics – some people say better fabrics – and Attolini has maybe a little more attention to detail and slightly better construction. They also have a very unique fit.

They also have a made-to-measure program. But, again, we just talked about the ready-to-wear stuff. If you can get your hands on it and it fits, it’s definitely A-grade kind of suit.

Belvest(C+)

Belvest is another big Italian brand. They are a solid maker of suits. They also make stuff for many other brands like Prada, for example. And, in my book, they’re never quite in the highest A grade. They do have different quality levels, and, overall, I’d say it’s a C+.

Corneliani (C+)

Corneliani suits are similar to Belvest. It’s a solid Italian brand. They make stuff for other labels, such as Polo Ralph Lauren for example, and, again, I’d grade them as a, probably, C+.

J. Crew (D)

Suits from J. Crew are basically a step up from H&M. They are mass-produced suits, maybe they have somewhat nicer fabrics. The fit, nah, not my cup of tea. But, overall, it’s a grade D.

Zegna (Zegna Couture: B) (Z Zegna: C)

Zegna used to be a supplier of fabrics and then, they went into the manufacturing of clothes as well. They have lots of different lines. They have Zegna Couture, Zegna XXX, Z for Zegna, and it’s hard to actually get them all graded apart.

I would say the Zegna Couture, their highest lines, which is also what you see in a Tom Ford garment, is very good. I would call it probably a B, not an A category kind of suit. Price-wise, suits on their website range from about $3,700 to $5,500, which is quite a bit of money, and I would not spend that on any Zegna suit.

Their Z line is definitely a step lower, so it’s probably more in the C grade. Frankly, though, I can’t keep up with all the different lines and, typically, I find them overpriced. So, I haven’t really looked a lot into them recently.

Express (F)

Looking at their prices from $350 to $650 a suit, you might guess it’s a step up from H&M. Personally, I find their suits to be more in the F range.

Hawes & Curtis (D)

The suits from Hawes & Curtis are very comparable to Charles Tyrwhitt. They’re both more entry-level suits, they both have a more British styling, they try to be a bit more modern and youthful in their cuts, and I would also compare them to Gagliardi.

The sleeves, I find, can be rather tight. You have to size up. That’s definitely what I had to do. It’s a little tight in the back. And so, overall, in my book, it’s more of a D.

Ring Jacket (B+)

Ring Jacket is a Japanese brand and they have a great focus on quality. When I was in Japan and I walked around and looked at their stuff, nothing really fit me. But, then again, I’m a lot taller and bigger than the average Japanese person.

There are a few brands in the US that also carry Ring Jacket. There’s The Armoury, which has their own styles of cut. Overall, I think it’s high quality of workmanship. I’d probably rate them B+, maybe between A and B.

Edward Sexton (A-)

Edward Sexton ready-to-wear suits definitely are influenced by his bespoke styling, which means it’s a very bold shoulder, the wide lapel. Some people say it’s like 30s-inspired, but I think he has a very good style. There’s bespoke detailing in his suits and you get nice fabrics.

If you look at pictures of him in the 70s, you can see things were a lot more extreme, the tie knots were huge, the shirt colors were huge, the lapels were even bigger. Today, everything is more toned down and, even though it has a very unique style, it’s still classic. In my book, it’s in between an A and a B.

Etro (D)

Etro suits are usually quite expensive, they’re anywhere for between $800 and $3,000, they’re very fashion-forward, very bold, very slim, they definitely run small in their sizing. Personally, I wouldn’t spend anywhere near retail price for their stuff.

But, if you’re in the market for something out there. This may be the brand for you. However, because I’m not that person, I rate it a D.

Giorgio Armani Black Label (D)

I know a lot of people look at Armani as the quintessential Italian high-end suit. But, all these labels, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, they’re fashion labels and, because of that, you pay for their design, you pay for the name, not so much for the garment. Yes, they have a “Made in Italy” label, but they’re mostly machine-made and, in my book, they’re more of a D grade suit.

Canali (C+)

Canali suits are a step up from Armani. It’s another Italian brand that has solid construction, solid fabrics. They are sold at department stores like Nordstrom’s for under $2,000. It’s a good quality suit. I would say maybe C+, but not better than that.

D’Avenza(C)

D’Avenza is another Italian brand that makes for other companies and there’s a bit of variation, but, overall, a solid C.

Jos A. Bank (F)

I know it’s an American staple. They’re more at the entry-level point. But, personally, I don’t think you’ll get anything good from there. I once saw a tuxedo from them that was made very cheaply. So, I wouldn’t recommend investing money into those brands. Solid F in my books.

Men’s Wearhouse (F)

Men’s Wearhouse definitely has more expensive suits. But, the broad range of $100, $200, $300 suits definitely get a solid F from me.

Paul Stuart(C)

Paul Stuart, I think, has a very cool styling. They’re classically inspired, but definitely on the bolder side. So, if you want a red and white seersucker suit, Paul Stuart will have that. Ralph Lauren probably won’t.

All their stuff is privately labeled. If you look at older things, they were made in Canada. Most modern stuff is probably made in Italy. Overall, it’s quite pricey. But, even on their website, they discount heavily – 50%, 70% are not unseen.

So, if you want something that’s a little more out there without going custom, I can see Paul Stuart working for you if you buy it on eBay second-hand or steeply discounted. Otherwise, I’d say it’s more in the C grade.

Pal Zileri (C)

Pal Zileri has different lines. The higher-end lines are better. I had a friend who used to sell a lot of high-end used garments from Kiton, Attolini, and he would always call Pal Zileri “a suit brand for pimps.” I’ll leave it at that! Still, in terms of construction, I’d say more of a C brand now.

LBM (Luigi Bianchi Manova: C) (LBM 1911: D+)

LBM is a sub-brand of Lubiam. It’s an Italian company. They have Luigi Bianchi Mantova, which stands for LBM, which is their higher-end line. I would grade that more as a C.

Their LBM 1911 line is really inexpensive but completely unstructured. It’s a shorter jacket, it’s cut very slim, with slim lapels. It’s for the modern young man and, because of that, they’re really popular. So, I think, if you like that solid aesthetic, you’re getting a pretty good value considering the low retail price.

It’s made in Italy. It’s definitely not the best manufacturing. So, I would say maybe it’s a D+ for the LBM 1911.S

Luigi Bianchi Mantova is elevated. Honestly, if I had to buy a new suit and I wanted something comfortable and I wanted a modern look, this is probably a brand I’d go with.

Topman(F)

TopMan suits in my book are a solid F. If you check their blazers in our Blazer Guide, they’re just modern crap that is low-cost and it’s just a waste of resources in my book.

Luciano Barbera (A-)

Their Sartoriale line is typically made by other labels to a very high standard. Luciano Barbera has a very good taste level. He’s a very well-dressed man and that’s reflected in their suit lines. So, if you can find Luciano Barbera Sartoriale, I’d rate them an A-.

Orazio Luciano La Vera Sartoria Napoletana (A-)

When I started, suits from Orazio Luciano La Vera Sartoria Napoletana weren’t really around. But, now, they are and I think they’re a very high-quality garment if you like the Neapolitan style. There’s lots of handwork in there. You get a wonderful suit, especially if you get it on sale somewhere, maybe on eBay.

They’re going to be a lot less expensive than lots of other suits. You can find them used probably or second-hand or eBay for under $1,000. It’s a good buy. I would put them in the A- category.

Conclusion

There are a lot of brands for ready-to-wear suits, which cater to every style and lifestyle, so be wary of the options to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth with a suit that suits you best.

If you’re on a budget, there’s really no shame about that. But, rather than going out there and buying these cheaper brands, you can get the higher-end brands for less if you follow the playbook I present to you here.

Outfit Rundown

In today’s video, I’m wearing a suit that was made for me because, this kind of a pattern, you probably don’t get in a ready-to-wear suit. It’s a flannel from Vitale Barberis Canonico, made by my tailor. It’s double-breasted. It has some interesting lapel features, a Milanese buttonhole. So, it’s a cool bold suit for the colder months of the year. My shirt is checked in light blue, brown, and white from Spier & Mackay.

My tie is from Fort Belvedere. It’s knitted silk in two-tone light blue and navy blue, and you can find it in our shop, just like the silk pocket square in brown and light blue. The pocket square ties everything together with my Loake 1880 Chelsea boots in a chocolate brown suede. My socks are two-tone solids with tactel and cotton in melange gray, which pick up the color of the suit quite well. Because when you wear a suit that is that bold, you want to keep the rest somewhat toned down. Last but not least, I have a ring, which is kind of art deco-inspired silver with a stone called “hawk’s eye,” which is similar to a cat’s eye and I like it quite a bit.

Fort Belvedere

Two-Tone Knit Tie in Navy and Light Blue Changeant Silk

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Fort Belvedere

Silk Pocket Square in Brown with Blue Paisley

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Fort Belvedere

Charcoal Grey Melange Two Tone Solid Oxford Socks Fil d'Ecosse Cotton

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How would you rate these ready-to-wear suit brands? Are there any we missed? Let us know in the comments!