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Original poster

Y11 DS - 6th form suits? Where to shop?

42 replies

sydenhamhiller · 26/05/2020 17:41

I know this is ages away, but as he's not sitting GCSEs he's got little else to occupy his mind.

DS is not particularly interested in fashion, but also feels (understandably, I remember being 16) that anything me or his father recommends/ mentions is social death.

So - oh wise ones - when/ if there comes a time to shop for 6th form suits which can only be grey, black or blue with no pattern - where should he look?

OP posts:
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Lara53 · 04/06/2020 14:38

M&S machine washable suits here. I got 2 jackets and 2 pairs of trousers to match each jacket.

JustHereWithMyPopcorn · 04/06/2020 12:57

@Callimanco thanks for the Dobell recommendation, just got a bargain that fits DS perfectly.

DuckyMcDuck · 03/06/2020 13:00

I would certainly advise making sure it's machine- washable. I don't think DS1 is particularly smelly but the jacket needed washing every Friday due to stinky armpits!

MrsAvocet · 31/05/2020 15:09

Gosh, I am glad that our school 6th formers wear uniform - that must be a real pain. But FWIW I got my 16 year old quite a nice suit for a wedding from Debenhams last year. I can't remember what it cost but it wasn't a lot. There should be some sales starting about now which might help. I would definitely go for something washable.

Callimanco · 31/05/2020 15:03

Sorry, down from 140!

Callimanco · 31/05/2020 15:02

Like this - 28 inch waist, 36 inch chest, both available...39.99 down from 100.

www.dobell.co.uk/dobell-blue-check-suit/

Callimanco · 31/05/2020 15:00

We got ours from Dobell online - they often have huge bargains in the small waisted sizes that not many men buy! We got a couple of full suits for about 40 each.

Maladicta · 31/05/2020 14:47

M&S washable were perfect for DS1, we'll be getting the same for DS2.

GreenGreenGrassofSloane · 28/05/2020 07:24

Ds was 26in waist, 34 inch leg last year - River island was our only choice but this year I think he's 28in waist - that opens up a whole new world for him. Almost standard size.

clary · 27/05/2020 20:52

cantkeepawayforever I feel your pain, my older ds wore 28 waist and 35 leg aged 16 which was tough for a prom suit.

Luckily he didn't need suits post 16, nor for his work now, good thing as tho he can now do a 30 waist with a belt, he needs a 38 leg! Giant boy!

Placesrobe76 · 27/05/2020 16:18

Next clearance online is all suit related at the min. Worth a look!

cantkeepawayforever · 27/05/2020 16:17

Yeah, DS is / was quite spectacularly skinny (he's 19 now, and can now wear 30" waists with a belt, or 28" without, which opens up the options very considerable). A recent fashion for turn-ups was fantastic - 34" leg with a bit extra gained from turning down the turnup and a little bit low slung because the waists are always too big - perfect!

JustHereWithMyPopcorn · 27/05/2020 15:57

Wow, I thought my DS was a tall skinny but your DS beats that hands down @cantkeepawayforever ! Mine is a 30" waist with 34" legs, you must struggle to get a 36" leg?

cantkeepawayforever · 27/05/2020 14:56

Shame about Slaters. DS needed 26" waist, 36" inside leg trousers, and (by dint of not turning up the bottom of the adjustable trousers at all) they did manage to achieve this without the 'nappy-like bottom or cold ankles' looks that were the usual options.

1805 · 27/05/2020 14:46

Tall and skinny ds here. We found M and S best. And also Next. But ds prefers the M and S stuff. Try the Slim fit ones.

Mustbetimeforachange · 27/05/2020 13:35

Definitely get washable ones (we had m&s & next) you don't want to be taking them to the dry cleaners.

getdownonit · 27/05/2020 13:16

And we bought all the shirts from charity shops! Some City gent must have retired near where we live, so ds had some very upmarket shirts and ties Grin

GreenGreenGrassofSloane · 27/05/2020 12:09

Ds got one in River Island - it was fine but he needs another for Year 12 as his shoulders and hips have widened. It's not a great time to be investing for the two years.

ExpletiveDelighted · 26/05/2020 22:33

Ours is the same Cant, maybe the same one. I must have walked past it hundreds of times over the years without realising what it was.

JustHereWithMyPopcorn · 26/05/2020 22:25

Just followed that link thanks Can’tkeepawayforever, seems they closed for online and shops during this Covid nightmare.

yikesanotherbooboo · 26/05/2020 22:20

M&S had loads of styles and choices. DS1 went to a Burtons off shoot and got 2 suits by different makers made specially for beanpoles! DS2 went to am& S and got a well fitting wool suit with spare trousers. He outgrew it and I bought a suit from Charles Tyrhitt for the last 6 months of school and associated dos '. It was a bit more hard wearing but DS2 is very hard on clothes whereas his brother is a lot more careful.

cantkeepawayforever · 26/05/2020 22:18

www.slaters.co.uk/

IME, they don't have big shopfronts - our local one occupies the first floor above a range of other shops and just has a small entrance.

BackforGood · 26/05/2020 22:16

Oh, so Matalan is another option.

Do agree with getting 2x trousers per jacet where you can though (M&S are good for that)

BackforGood · 26/05/2020 22:15

Agree Slaters are good.
IME though, wherever you can pay very little
I was pretty smug when I bought ds a nice black suit for his prom, thinking it would then do him for the wedding we were going to, any interviews and any funerals, and then on through 6th form.

5 weeks later, he's outgrown it Hmm
Disappointing to say the least.

JustHereWithMyPopcorn · 26/05/2020 22:12

I’ve never heard of Slaters, are they all over the UK? My DS is also a piece of bamboo!