The process of purchasing a suit has evolved significantly in recent years. While traditional in-store shopping remains popular, buying a suit online has gained considerable traction, offering convenience and often competitive pricing. Both methods have distinct advantages and potential drawbacks. In this blog, we’ll delve deep into the pros and cons of each approach, helping you make an informed decision on which method might work best for you.
Try before you buy
One of the most significant advantages of in-store shopping is the ability to try on multiple sizes and styles immediately. This allows you to see how different suits look and feel on your body, helping you make a more informed decision. You can easily compare different fits, fabrics, and styles side by side.
On the other hand, one of the biggest drawbacks of online suit shopping is the inability to try on the suit before purchasing. This means relying on measurements and size charts, which can be intimidating for some buyers and may lead to fit issues. Even with accurate measurements, there’s always a chance that the suit may not fit perfectly when it arrives. This might necessitate alterations or, in some cases, returns or exchanges which is additional time that could have been avoided by trying the suit on before buying.
Personal assistance
When shopping online, you can’t get real-time, face-to-face advice from a salesperson. While many online retailers offer customer support via chat or phone, it’s not quite the same as having someone in the room with you to provide immediate feedback and suggestions.
In-store shopping provides access to knowledgeable sales associates who can offer personalised advice on fit, style, and fabric choices. These professionals can guide you through the selection process, suggesting options that complement your body type and personal style adding value to the shopping experience.
However, you may also face pressure from salespeople to make a purchase which can lead to rushed decisions or buying something you’re not entirely comfortable with just to end the interaction.
Checking the quality
Reputable online suit retailers provide comprehensive descriptions of materials, construction methods, and sizing details. This information can help you make an informed decision about the quality and fit of the suit before purchasing. However, it is incomparable to having the opportunity to feel the fabric quality firsthand when shopping in person.
This is crucial in assessing the suit’s comfort, weight, and overall quality. You can examine the stitching, lining, and other details up close, ensuring you’re satisfied with the quality of the material before making a purchase.
Selection of suits
Physical stores are constrained by space and inventory management, which often results in a smaller range of styles, sizes, and colour options compared to online retailers. This limitation can be particularly frustrating if you’re looking for something specific or have unique size requirements.
On the other hand, online retailers typically offer a much broader range of styles, sizes, and brands. This extensive selection increases your chances of finding exactly what you’re looking for, including hard-to-find sizes or unique designs that might not be available in local stores.
Time spent shopping
Visiting multiple stores to compare options can be time-intensive. This process often involves travelling between locations, waiting for assistance, and potentially making multiple trips if you need to think about a purchase or wait for alterations.
With online shopping, you can browse and purchase suits directly from the comfort of your home with the added safety of free deliveries and returns at most stores. This means you can buy multiple suits from multiple retailers to compare and try on without wasting time shopping at multiple stores.
Cost
The overhead costs associated with maintaining a physical store (rent, utilities, staff salaries) often translate to higher price points for the consumer. You might find yourself paying a premium for the in-store experience. Whereas online retailers often offer lower prices due to reduced overhead costs. Without the expense of maintaining physical stores, these savings can be passed on to the customer. Additionally, it’s easier to compare prices across different online stores to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
To conclude
While in-store shopping provides the benefits of being able to feel the quality of materials and have a more personalised experience with in-store assistance, the advantages of buying a suit online often outweigh the potential drawbacks. The convenience, extensive selection, time saved, and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for many buyers.