what does your semi-manual DH wear to work to look smart?

[nongnangning]

My DH is the manager of a big warehouse - there's lots of manual-type work going on, lorries coming in and out etc. Although he is the boss he often needs to get down and dirty himself.

He currently wears hardwearing trousers from that workwear supplier Alexandra and a polo shirt with the company logo on it, plus steel toecaps.

But he is thinking that he would like to move up the ladder a peg, get a job at the next level up, more strategic etc.

So we were talking about that 80s saying 'dress for the job you want, not the job you have'.

DH's boss (who never has to get his hands dirty) wears a shirt and tie apparently.

But given that DH will still have to get dirty till he achieves a higher role there must be some sort of menswear halfway house he can opt for. What do other people's DH's wear to work in the same sort of situation (and where do you buy it!)?

it's not that sort of forward-thinking and proactive firm

I bet his boss feels threatened .

You have a good weekend, nong, hopefully one with lots of boiler suit fantasies!

Omigod, the style problem reaches new heights - DH now has a job interview in about two weeks' time. Which is great. But now he needs a new suit too. I am actually off to Zara and Reiss this afternoon as recommended on this thread. But can anyone else recommend a reasonable price man's suit for a slim 40-something? M&S trousers turned out to be too square and baggy so that will be no good. Has anyone recently bought a man's suit in Debenhams? Or Next? (Obviously I would like to dress him up like a doll in Hugo Boss but this is too expensive).

That's exciting news, nong! What is the job?

I'm afraid I can't help on men's suits but I'm sure other people will be along shortly.

My DH has an engineering role and has to look office dressed in the office and then go out on site in overalls from time to time. He buys dark formal trousers from places like next or M&S outlet and wears a formal shirt, but makes sure whole outfit washable as sometimes they have to go out to meet the workforce in the field but don't need overalls and his work clothes can then get a bit dirty. His affectation to mark himself out as a man of intellect is double cuffed shirts with cufflinks.

a few tips about mens' interviews:

unless he is a fashion designer or model, his clothes should not be memorable. Nobody should be able to describe him as "the guy in the mauve shirt" or "the one in the scruffy suit"

It is quite usual to wear your "best suit" or your "interview suit" but preferable not to be more than one notch smarter than the person interviewing you (unless it is for a post senior to him/her)

Unless you are a bookie, don't wear checks. Unless you are a gamekeeper, don't wear tweed. Unless you are a banker, don't wear stripes. A plain, darkish grey might not excite you as much as a boiler suit, but will fit in. Not pale grey, and not charcoal or near-black unless you are an undertaker.

The suit, shoes and shirt should all have been worn beforehand and should not be shop-new, but ironed/polished as appropriate. Black leather Oxfords will not be commented on unless they are pointy or have odd heels.

If you are buying a smart suit, it is essential for the person who will wear it to go to the shop and try it on. It might need minor alterations to leg length or something. It must not be tight anywhere.

M&S are usually old-man's suits. Debenhams have old-man's and trendy youngsters but have a lot of ranges aimed at different markets. Try to avoid both ends. John Lewis are rather expensive. If there is a Suit Company in your town, see what they have on offer (I don't think I have ever paid more than half-price for anything there).

A pure wool suit will hang best after it has been worn a few times but may be expensive unless imported from Korea. For some reason there are quite nice mens suits and jackets imported from Germany. Don't get anything more than 50% polyester.

p.s.

Suit Co is/was part of the Moss Bros group and might have been absorbed back under the main name.

The carry a brand called "Savoy Taylors Guild" which is quite reasonable, as well as some more expensive lines.

Thanks very much all - I am as we speak standing in a menswear shop in Oxford Street checking out the suits against PigletJohn's instructions

don't buy anything without DP trying it on.

I heart Piglet John.

Marks suits are all too boxy for my DH but these onesare great, far slimmer cut without being too trendy/skinny looking. They are also half canvassed and have working cuffs etc... which you usually don't get at this price point. They compare with his suits that cost twice as much. I think that with mens suits you have to really look round as you can pay the same for vast variations in quality, a lot of men (DH included) just can't be bothered doing the leg work.

looks OK

need to check the trousers are a proper fit for him though

the light grey one is too pale

the stripes are much too narrow.

Well what a tiring day traipising up and down Oxford Street and Regent Street. Belsize yep DH has been shopping for clothes approx 3 times in the almost ten years we've been together. Once with me in the early days, once before our wedding and once on his own when he came back with some black nylon trousers for £10.99 looking very pleased with himself. He was complaining the other day all his clothes were scruffy. 'Yeah," I said. 'Good job I like scruffy'. He just would not bother doing all this shopping himself. However he is showing appropriate signs of gratitude for my efforts and he's read this thread.

Today I went to:
M&S (again)
Zara
Reiss
Hugo Boss
MossBros
Next
John Lewis
Burton in BHS
FCUK

I bought trousers to try on (and take back) from MossBros, John Lewis and FCUK, so we will see if any of them look less boxy than the M&S ones. If any of them seem right he can then go and try on the suits in that shop on late night shopping night (accompanied by me in case he tries to nick off to the £10.99 shop).

Thanks so much everyone for all these tips - very much appreciated.

if you find one you like, try to buy an extra pair of trousers to match. Trousers wear out faster. The extra pair can be a bit roomier if you think he's "still growing" in the waist area. If you get the chance, go for half-lined trousers, they are more comfortable and wear better.

Jackets cost twice as much as trousers. Push for a deal on the second pair and say you're thinking about it, you never know...

p.s.

note to Mr nongnangning

If the wife spends too long hanging around in department stores, a helpful suggestion is to pop up to the ladies underwear department and come back with a selection of lacy things in cheerful colours. Hold them up and loudly ask what size she is and which she prefers. You may find the shopping trip terminates quite quickly.

Thanks PigletJohn - after a lot of trying on of this and that last night the MossBros trousers turned out to be the best in terms of fit. So we are off there later to get the matching suit. MossBros should be be giving you a commission - I would never have thought to go there on my own.

Belsize - thanks for the tip re the slimmer M&S suit. If we have time after MossBros I will take him up there for a look.