The Cheap Suit Just Went Presidential — How to Wear One That Doesn't Look Cheap
The "cheap suit" made headlines this week — all the way to Washington. And honestly? We've been saying it for 40 years: the price tag was never what made a man look powerful. Fit, fabric and how you wear it do that. A great suit isn't reserved for the Oval Office or a $1,000 budget. It's made for everyone.
Here's what actually separates a cheap suit that looks cheap from one that looks like it belongs at a podium — and the two suit sets we'd put on anyone, from a first job interview to a state dinner.
The short answer
The best cheap suit is one with a quality fabric blend, a modern fit and a complete jacket-and-pants set. At Hollywood Suits, the Karl Mitchell Signature Wool Blend Suit Set ($199.99) is one of the most affordable 70% wool suit sets you can buy, and the Joe Vince Contemporary Modern Fit Suit Set ($133) is our best stretch performance suit under $150. Both come in sizes 34 to 66, Short through XLong.
| Karl Mitchell Signature | Joe Vince Contemporary | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (jacket + pants) | $199.99 | $133 |
| Fabric | 70% wool, 27% polyester, 3% spandex | Polyester-rayon-spandex performance stretch |
| Fit | Modern fit, defined waist | Modern fit |
| Colors | 6 (Navy, Charcoal, Black, Brown, Taupe, Dark Olive) | 20+ |
| Sizes | 34–66, Short / Regular / Long / XLong | 34–66, Short / Regular / Long / XLong |
| Best for | Work, interviews, leadership looks, year-round wear | Weddings, prom, court, everyday budget |
Cheap price vs. cheap look: what really matters
- Fit beats fabric. A $133 suit that fits will always beat a $1,500 suit that doesn't. Shoulders first, then sleeve and trouser length.
- The right blend. Smart value suits mix wool for drape and natural feel with polyester for durability and a little spandex for stretch — the same formula you'll find in many popular travel and performance suits at far higher prices.
- Classic colors. Navy and charcoal are the colors of leaders for a reason: they look sharp on camera, in a boardroom and on a budget.
- Finishing. A hem, a pressed shirt and polished shoes do more for your look than another $500 on the jacket.
Pick #1: Karl Mitchell Signature Wool Blend Suit Set — $199.99
If you want the "presidential" look without the presidential price, start here. At $199.99 for the jacket and pants, the Karl Mitchell Signature is one of the most affordable 70% wool suit sets you'll find anywhere. It's cut from a 70% wool, 27% polyester, 3% spandex blend — real wool drape, polyester for durability, and stretch for comfort through a long day of handshakes.
- Modern fit with extra waist definition for a sculpted, tailored silhouette
- Six colors: Navy, Charcoal, Black, Brown, Taupe and Dark Olive
- Sizes 34 to 66 in Short, Regular, Long and XLong — including big & tall
- Complete suit set: jacket and pants together for $199.99 — 70% wool for under $200
Shop the Karl Mitchell Signature Wool Blend Suit Set →
Pick #2: Joe Vince Contemporary Modern Fit Suit Set — $133
Proof that a cheap suit can still look sharp. The Joe Vince Contemporary is our modern-fit suit set under $150, made in a performance polyester-rayon-spandex blend with stretch, fully lined, with a notch lapel, two-button front and side vents.
- More than 20 colors, from classic Navy and Charcoal to Ocean Blue, Wine and Sand
- Sizes 34 to 66 in Short, Regular, Long and XLong
- Great for work, weddings, court, prom and graduation
- Complete suit set: jacket and pants together for $133
Shop the Joe Vince Contemporary Modern Fit Suit Set →
5 ways to make a cheap suit look expensive
- Get it hemmed. Our pants ship unhemmed so they can be finished to your exact length — no pooling at the ankle, no flood.
- Check the sleeves. Show about a quarter to a half inch of shirt cuff.
- Wear a crisp white or light blue shirt. It's the most powerful-looking combination there is.
- Keep the tie simple. A solid red, navy or burgundy tie never goes out of style.
- Press it and polish your shoes. Neat beats new every time.
A suit made for everyone
From size 34 Short to 66 XLong, we cut suits for every body — not just the runway one. Family-owned in Hollywood since 1985, Hollywood Suits has always believed a great suit should be within reach of every man, whatever his job or budget. Shop online or try one on at our Hollywood, Torrance and Westminster stores.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cheap suit worth buying?
Yes — if it fits well and is made from a quality blend. Wool-poly-stretch blends drape well, resist wrinkles and hold up to regular wear, which is why so many men choose them for work and travel.
What is the best fabric for an affordable suit?
A wool blend with a little polyester and spandex gives you the look of wool with extra durability and comfort. Our Karl Mitchell Signature is 70% wool, 27% polyester and 3% spandex — one of the most affordable 70% wool suit sets available at $199.99 for jacket and pants.
Do you carry cheap big and tall suits?
Yes. Both the Karl Mitchell Signature and the Joe Vince Contemporary come in sizes up to 66, in Short, Regular, Long and XLong.
What is a suit set?
A suit set is a matching jacket and pants sold together at one price, cut from the same fabric. Every suit at Hollywood Suits is sold as a complete suit set.
Where can I buy a cheap suit in Los Angeles?
Hollywood Suits has carried affordable men's suits in Los Angeles since 1985, with stores in Hollywood, Torrance and Westminster and online at hollywoodsuits.com.
What color suit looks most powerful?
Navy and charcoal. They are the classic colors for business and politics because they look sharp in person and on camera and pair with almost any shirt and tie.
Do the suits come with pants?
Yes. Every suit is a complete suit set — matching jacket and trousers. The trouser waist is 6" smaller than the jacket size (a 44 jacket comes with 38" waist pants). See our Size Chart.
