FASHION: Navy Performance Suit from Dobell

The problem with working in a dressed down office is that if you plop a suit on to style some pictures you end up with everyone thinking you are off to an interview after work - that didn't deter me however when I was asked if I'd like to try a suit from Dobell - and after selecting a suit from their range it was on and off to work to gauge the reaction - instead of the office it was to an event I ran in Liverpool last week.

Who are Dobell though, and should you really be buying suits online? This is what they say about themselves online here:

Launched in 2003, Dobell has established itself as the leading online formal wear store for men and boys of all ages. From day one our strategy has been to deliver choice, quality and unbeatable value, alongside comprehensive style advice and the very best customer care. Our customers say we are getting a lot right, but we’re determined to keep on improving as we grow! 

We pride ourselves on offering the most extensive ranges of tuxedos, men’s suits, shirts, shoes and accessories, at prices up to 50 % cheaper than the high street. Leading suit and shirt brands we retail include Paul Costelloe, Tommy Hilfiger, Noose & Monkey, Esprit, Lambretta, Paul Gross, and Alexander Dobell.

If you pop over to their website you'll find a plethora of suits to suit (pardon the pun) every budget. Suits for under £150, they've got you covered, want something a little more hard wearing, they've got you covered on that too.

I opted for this Dobell Navy Blue Performance Slim Fit Suit which should cost £79.99 and it is described as being a smart, durable navy blue suit from Alexander Dobell is guaranteed to impress at job interviews, business functions and formal events. Cut in the contemporary slim fit style, it hangs beautifully and will flatter in all the right places. Simple and elegant, this single-breasted navy jacket has a double vented back section, notch lapels, two button front fastening, and jetted side pockets with flaps.  Mine came as a PR sample but after choosing a darker blue I realised I needed a pair of brown shoes to really make sure I looked the business. So with new suit sized to perfection and new shoes slipped on, this is what I ended up looking like:

POW - a really comfortable fit, which is surprising given my weird body shape (it's more hourglass due to an absence of kidneys where they should be). The material is nice to the touch (the suit is made from a high performance blend of polyester and viscose that is easy to keep clean and comfortable to wear) and the stitching doesn't look like it has been thrown together - it looks like it has come off Savile Row, and when comparing with my Ted Baker Endurance suit it's on a par I'd say, except this suit retails about £350 cheaper.

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Oh and just a little catalogue pose...