Buying a new suit is a task not to be taken lightly; the quest to find one that fits just right and is within budget is akin to Indiana Jones searching for the Holy Grail – it can be damn near impossible and frustrating at times!
We’ve compiled a list of the six of the best suit stores in the city to make your search less daunting. However, before you step into one of these stores and drop cash money like Lil’ Wayne call in advance to make an appointment; it guarantees that you’ll have their undivided attention. Note: the stores listed include a mixture of off-the-rack, made-to-measure and some bespoke options.
For more than 180 years Brooks Brothers has been the hallmark of tailored style for men in America with customers such as President Abraham Lincoln and Barak Obama, and celebrities like Stephen Colbert sporting their wares. Now, with the vaunted brand in Canada and five store locations in the Greater Toronto Area – Bayview Village, Bloor Street, the Bloor Street Flatiron Shop, Royal Bank Plaza (in the financial district) and Toronto Premium Outlets (in Halton Hills) – you’re guaranteed to look like you’ve stepped out of a scene of Mad Men or better. In stores, they carry an array of off-the-rack suits from their private label brand and excel at their made-to-measure services (i.e.: dress shirts, suits, sport coats, trousers, etc.).
Gotstyle has a firm foothold in Toronto’s men’s wear and lifestyle scene with their wide selections of suits, tuxedos and formal wear by brands such as Ted Baker and Strellson. They have two locations in the city; one at Bathurst and Wellington, and the second in the Distillery District. Gotstyle’s made-to-measure suit service boasts Saville Row-like cut and quality tailoring suited to each individual allowing you to choose from an array of fabrics and silhouettes.
In Canada the name Harry Rosen is the epitome of men’s high end style and sophistication. For more than 50 years, and still to this day, the speciality retailer continues to loom large as the go-to place for men’s wear. The company’s flagship store on Bloor Street West is an institution and long-time fixture on the city’s Mink Mile carrying brands such as Armani Collezioni, Hugo Boss and Jay Z’s favourite designer – let’s all say it – Tom Ford, as well as casual wear, shoes and accessories. They offer an excellent suit service which include ready-to-wear, made-to-measure, bespoke tailoring and formalwear options. We highly recommend you call to book an appointment with one of their clothing advisors to help you find the perfect suit.
Another retailer who offers an array of high-end threads for the well-heeled man is Holt Renfrew; they have a long list of men’s wear designers in both the casual and formal categories that will make your head swim. Brand names such as Gucci, Prada and – let’s say it one more time for fun – Tom Ford line its store shelves and are part of the retailer’s expert made-to-measure program. What’s even more exciting is that Holts has taken over the old Roots flagship store on Bloor Street West and is currently in the midst of transforming the space into its first standalone men’s store which will increase your suiting options exponentially. Set your calendar to pop-in for a visit for when it opens in fall 2014.
Looking for a store that offer suits at prices that won’t set you back thousands of dollars? Then turn your eyes to Spanish retailer Massimo Dutti. The retailer is well established in Europe and opened its first North American store on the third floor of the Toronto Eaton Centre in 2012. It’s owned by Inditex, the same parent company that owns Zara, and has a 25+ year history of dressing men in casual and formal wear in urban and contemporary styles. Their suiting includes an array of shirts, jackets and ties that come in quality materials from the company’s private label.
Last but certainly not least is Swedish retailer Tiger of Sweden. One of the newest cats – pun intended – to arrive on the city’s men’s wear scene they currently have one shop located in the Queen Street West and Ossington area. Like many other brands originating from the Nordic country they are the masters of style and minimalism; they sell their own private brand of clothes from casual to formal wear and are well-known for their high quality slim cut suits which come in a variety of colours and materials.
