Most Expensive Men’s Suits

Written by: tom Filed Under: Fashion, Luxury on December 18th, 2005

The business suit, the traditional outfit of men in the Western world, is generally worn with a dress shirt and tie. The modern suit first made its appearence in fashion during the late nineteenth century. Suits have always been a status symbol used in formal occasions and when conducting business. The fashions of suits have changed, but suit’s power to signal rank and membership maintains. So we must ask, what are the most expensive suits in the world?

Forbes recently released their Fall 2005 article of most expensive suits, which can be bought from a rack, as opposed to custom made expensive suits.

From the article:

Indeed, while the splurge appeal of custom and made-to-measure suits is still a draw for some shoppers, chances are they’d do just as well with a suit that could be fitted to their peers. “Our off-the-rack suits are the same make with the same natural shoulder as our custom suits,” says Jay Kos, a high-end New York suitmaker, whose beautifully made classic men’s suits have a wide appeal among the city’s heavier hitters. “Guys who are just coming into money want custom suits, so they can choose their own fabrics and details. But guys who already have a few custom suits are also buying off-the-rack if they see something great.”

  1. Brioni $6,000
  2. Kiton $5,800
  3. Canali $4,200
  4. Bottega Veneta $3,800
  5. Giorgio Armani $3,595
  6. Ralph Lauren $3,295
  7. Oxxford Clothes $3,000
  8. Jay Kos $2,800
  9. Issey Miyake $2,800

Some people may suggest business suits are too formal for the modern work-a-day Google world of casual dress. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that the use of suits will decline, because even a the most casual slacker needs an expensive suit for weddings, funerals, court appearances, and even some job interviews. The most expensive suits in the world are modern day replacements for polished European medieval armor.

Do you know of a more expensive off-the-rack suit?


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(22) Comments

22 comments...What do you think?

  1. Posted by Don Surber » Blog Archive » Spending Mayor Mike’s billion 16th May, 2007 at 10:41 am

    [...] That’s 8,333+ years. 8. Get 100 million hair plugs. Maybe not. Look at Joe Biden. 9. Buy 166,667 Brioni suits. You’ll still lose, but you’ll lose in style. 10. Get 3,333,333 $300 [...]

  2. Posted by Ric from Pasadena, CA 17th February, 2008 at 12:08 am

    I own a few of Brioni’s pieces from their collection and must admit though costly, you certainly get what you pay for. Quality and attention to detail is unsurpassed. However, I must also confess a good Nordstrom or Macy’s shirt is adequate. But then again, I choose Brioni because I can.

  3. Posted by Bernard 8th May, 2008 at 10:10 pm

    I own a few armani. and i say armani=style and fashion.

  4. Posted by Danny Mack 14th June, 2008 at 7:57 pm

    I sell preowned mens suits for a living. I buy lots of Ralph Lauren, Armani, Hugo Boss and even Canali or Brioni when I can find them. I get a chance to pick through my stock and wear the best of the best when I have them in my size. (I am also a professional musician and have plenty of occassion to wear a good suit.)

    While there are very well made department store suits that look and feel terrific, there is really no comparison between a hand made Zegna and a factory made suit. I feel lucky to be in my business because I would NEVER be able to afford to wear a top end suit otherwise. I am blessed.

  5. Posted by Ian 27th June, 2008 at 6:54 am

    If your paying more than £600 or $1200 for a suit, you should really go and get measured and have a suit made. I do this now and although I am a good fit in a 42Reg, a handmade suit just perfect, as you’d expect. The suits in the list above are for people who feel the need to let others know they own one. It would be a fluke if they fit as well as handmade.

  6. Posted by Colin 9th October, 2008 at 7:55 pm

    Brioni suits cost more then that….ive seen ones at neimans for around $9,000+

  7. Posted by jeevan 22nd November, 2008 at 11:46 pm

    these people left out Leanna Lee, and many suits made to measure can reach 10,000 the highest is 30,000!

  8. Posted by Edward 23rd November, 2008 at 8:57 am

    I just got two suits from a female friend of mine. One Brioni and one Canali, what a great fit over the shoulders.

  9. Posted by Terenzio 19th December, 2008 at 7:43 pm

    I don’t know about Brioni and the others but the price on Giorgio Armani is not correct. Depending on the fabric if you go the “su misura” (made to measure), line a pare of pants costs me $1,905 for a super 150. The blazer cost over $3,500. Super 200 pants go for $6,000 and then some.

  10. Posted by david 8th February, 2009 at 11:35 pm

    3000, 6000…for a suit? Even if I could afford such extravagance, I’d rather help some truly needy people than put it on my back…Praise the Lord…I am a carpenter and get joy out of just building something for people…guess that makes me somewhat…? Normal? each to their own though, enjoy if you can.

  11. Posted by Robert (in Memphis_ 9th April, 2009 at 8:33 pm

    I have a Ralph Lauren Suit and it’s lasted but just like everything suits need replacing. Instead of a $6,000 dollar suit maybe being more practical not going over a $1,000 dollar suit for a sales job, or presentation on a run way. Put the rest of the money in the bank.

  12. Posted by Sofie 24th April, 2009 at 8:55 pm

    I love it!!!!!!!!! I should buy 20 of them. Do you think that they would be more expensive in N.Y. City ot L.A.? Because I am not sure which place I should buy them at because in 2 weeks I am moving to U.K. I don`t care how much it is. I WANT IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW NOW NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Which one pf the above do you think looks the best? I love all of them but the most expensive one is the hottest. I would get some for my bff`s becasue then they would get me diamond jewlery!!!!!!!!!!!! Being rich is so much fun!!!!!!!!!! Are any of yo guys millionaires?

  13. Posted by Sir B 29th April, 2009 at 8:54 pm

    I have heard that Donald Trump wears Brioni and they cost him 14k a pop, so that 6k figure is really low. The Bijan store can certainly make a fellow a suit that will make his Amex shead a tear or two as well.

    When its all said and done, how much difference is there really in wool and silk; will Mr. Trump know the difference if they put a 6k suit on his back instead of 14k that he normally gets? Hmmmm

  14. Posted by Chrisostomos 18th May, 2009 at 2:51 am

    I think Tom Ford suits would now make it on that list…I think off-the-rack they’re around $5400.00, at least the cashmere ones are

  15. Posted by michael 7th June, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    There are tons of more-expensive-suits. F.e. the polo ralph lauren purple label line…

  16. Posted by Thomas 18th June, 2009 at 8:12 am

    This is really wrong actually.. What about Ermenegildo Zegna. More expensive than Armani.

  17. Posted by Mike 11th July, 2009 at 11:26 pm

    when did canali hit the 4K mark?
    and actually many of us use E-bay, some of us with champagne tastes and beer budgets, can STILL afford the finest, we just can’t pay 4k.
    Difference is, we can buy a barely worn Keet or Brioni for approx $450-600
    in many cases, they appear worn once, maybe twice.
    but it’s not for all, some people cringe at the thought.

    also have the hobby or trolling thrift stores, and you wouldn’t imagine what is sitting in those places.
    todays find, a hermes tie and edward green monkstraps.
    total cost…$6 us dollars.

  18. Posted by micheal 15th August, 2009 at 11:33 am

    ive a suit that cost $8000 by ck

  19. Posted by micheal 15th August, 2009 at 11:36 am

    it was custom made i got to meet ck

  20. Posted by alexander 30th October, 2009 at 12:37 pm

    ZILLI is way up there with Brioni! can go up 20 000$

    http://www.zilli.fr/

    and Ravazzolo
    http://www.ravazzolo.com/ravazzolo_en/ravazzolo_home_en.html

  21. Posted by ahmed 13th February, 2010 at 8:15 am

    this is very best idea to make people fool.

  22. Posted by underpants 9th March, 2010 at 8:58 am

    Personally, I dont see the point in paying much for an off-the-rack suit, regardless of brand. It seems like its just for wanna-be’s. For 95% of people, a $1000-$2500 bespoke tailored suit will look far better than a $5000+ off-the-shelf. Any decent tailor can make your suit in pretty much whatever style you wish, and in the fabric of your choosing. Fabric quality (super 150+) and a good tailor is all one needs, bugger the brand name.

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