Thrifty formalwear: Suits for under $100 in Calgary
Sporting a stylish suit can cinch an important job interview, and one should always have an outfit for weddings and funerals. Sadly, not everyone can afford to have a suit made to measure. However, even if you’re short of cash, a good suit is within reach. Visit these shops to find gently used suits and follow up with an alteration at these tailoring boutiques. It’s all you need for a stylish, professional look on the cheap.
Value Village
2-5720 Silver Springs Blvd NW, Calgary, AB T3B 4N7Value Village is a great warehouse-style spot for a clothing treasure hunt. You never know what you’re going to find. However, with a little bit of patience you can locate loads of dapper, gently used men’s suits, including top labels in the store’s seemingly endless selection. With patience and repeat visits, you can find brands like Nautica, Calvin Klein and Le Chateau, and even some niche European labels. Multiple locations include Silver Springs Boulevard Northwest.
Goodwill Industries International
4625 Varsity Dr NW, Calgary, AB T3A 0Z9This second-hand shop has a smaller suit selection than Value Village, but you can also hit the jackpot and find a surprisingly stylish suit. Located near Market Mall, the store’s inventory of locally donated clothing is regularly refreshed. Also, while you’re purchasing bargain-priced threads, you’re supporting programs that assist people with disabilities across Alberta.
WorldServe Thrift Store
105 58 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0A4This is the smallest of all the shops on this list. However, World Serve Thrift Store near Meadowlark Park carries a carefully selected array of gently used clothes, linens, furniture and housewares. Purchasing your formalwear here helps international humanitarian projects in countries like Ethiopia, Myanmar and Cuba.
Wild Rose Cleaner
6A-1330 15 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3C 3N6Don’t be fooled by the size of the shop and its strip mall location, this small, independent Beltline shop offers one of the city’s best tailoring services. The talented tailor behind Wild Rose Cleaners, Huey is friendly, patient and passionate about his craft. And, importantly, his prices are competitive. He’ll perfect the fit of your newfound formalwear in a snap.
Dave's Custom Tailoring
9919 Fairmount Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2J 0S3With over 40 years of experience, you can trust Dave’s Custom Tailoring to expertly alter your newly acquired suit. If your jacket or pants need shortening or lengthening, you can rest assured they will do a fine job. Visit by appointment or simply drop by. The shop is located in Willow Park.
Gangnam Style Alterations & Drycleaning
1-805 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 7N2High-quality workmanship, reasonable prices and a quick turnaround make Gangnam Style a great fit for your suit tailoring needs. Located in the lower level of the Fashion Central building on Stephen Avenue Walk, the small shop offers quick turnaround and reasonable prices. If you’re in a rush, you can drop your garment off at lunchtime or after work.
Ace Shoe Care
325 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0A5The abovementioned thrift shops also carry dress shoes and boots. Often they merely require a little bit of TLC to look good as new. To complete your dashing discount suit ensemble, have Ace Shoe Care in Beltline recondition a pair of second-hand dress shoes. No one will guess you paid any less than full price.
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