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.”
- Brioni $6,000
- Kiton $5,800
- Canali $4,200
- Bottega Veneta $3,800
- Giorgio Armani $3,595
- Ralph Lauren $3,295
- Oxxford Clothes $3,000
- Jay Kos $2,800
- 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?
