Matthew Klint Posted on 12 Comments
With a weak Euro, clothing is suddenly much more affordable on the Continent. In fact, it is often cheaper than the USA.
If you know me, you know that I love to wear suits. Working for myself out of my home means that most days I wind up in my pajamas until I make it to the gym in the afternoon. I wear suits on Sundays and for special events, but that’s about it. I know many friends (cough…Lucky) hate to wear a suit under any circ*mstance, but I truly enjoy donning a suit. I miss putting on a suit and tie before work every morning.
Anyway, although I do not wear suits as often as I like, I have been in the process of replacing my baggy, American “bankers” suits with more updated, slim-cut European suits. My brother turned me on to a clothing line called Suit Supply that offers high-quality clothing at a fair price. I’ve bought clothes from them in Washington, DC, Chicago, and Las Vegas (where I bought my wedding suit).The company continues to expandand how has a store in West Hollywood, not too far away.
But I found out buying in the USA is not wise.
For example, take a look at the difference in price of a European tailored suit I just bought–
USA Price:
Europe Price:
349EUR ($372, including tax) vs. $599 + state/local taxes. That is astounding! Problem is you cannot just pay in Euros or order from the Euro website if you are shipping to the USA. To obtain custom tailoring for a custom suit with the perfect fit is a dream at these prices.
So when I was in Amsterdam a couple weeks ago, I headed over to Suit Supply’s flagship store in Amsterdam–
The clothes are identical to the USA, except in price. I went home with two suits for about the price of what one would have cost me in the USA. Remember that tax is included on price tags in Europe, but that’s about 20% factored into the price. Ask for a VAT receipt and you can save another 15-20%.
Suit Supply even has a store in Amsterdam’s SchipholAirport in case you are just passing thru. It’s outside of baggage claim in Arrivals Hall D:
More Than Suits At A Discount
What I’ve noticed, as I have taken time to check, is that it is not just suits that are cheap — so are shirts, shoes, dresses, and just about everything else. Granted, some items, particularly from U.S. manufactures, are cheaper in the USA. My point is that clothes in Europe are cheaper than you think. While not worth a special trip, next time you are in Europe do check out the clothing if you are in need — it just may save you some money.
Do you buy clothes in Europe?
