If you‘re suit shopping on a budget, you‘ve likely come across Alain Dupetit in your search for the perfect affordable suit. This direct-to-consumer brand promises premium quality men‘s suits starting at just $49 – an eyebrow-raisingly low price tag compared to typical suit costs.
But is Alain Dupetit legit or do their rock-bottom prices come with a "you get what you pay for" catch? In this comprehensive review, we‘ll take a close look at Alain Dupetit‘s history, suit selection, quality, customer feedback, and more to help you determine if their suits are a smart buy or too good to be true.
What is Alain Dupetit?
Alain Dupetit is a direct-to-consumer men‘s suit brand that operates exclusively online at alaindupetit.com. The company was founded in 2014 by Alain Dupetit, a second-generation French tailor who moved to the US at age 21 to open his first store.
With over 40 years of experience in the suit industry, including manufacturing suits for big-name designer brands, Dupetit set out to make high-quality, stylish suits more accessible and affordable through a direct-to-consumer model. By cutting out the middleman and selling online, Alain Dupetit is able to offer suits at a fraction of typical retail prices.
Today, Alain Dupetit has grown into a multi-million dollar company with a devoted fan base of over 50,000 followers on Facebook and Instagram. Their mission is to provide the "best, most stylish suits" to everyone at prices that won‘t break the bank.
Alain Dupetit Suit Selection
Alain Dupetit offers an impressive variety of men‘s suits, including two-piece suits, three-piece suits, and tuxedos. Styles range from classic and professional to modern and slim-fit, with plenty of color and pattern options to choose from.
Best-selling suits include:
Black Three Piece Suit
For just $69, this 3-piece suit offers a lot of bang for your buck. It‘s made from a lightweight, breathable poly-rayon blend and features a modern slim fit. Details like double vents, non-functional sleeve buttons, and a ticket pocket give it a premium look.
Light Grey Two Button Suit
Another best-seller is this versatile light grey suit, priced at $59. It‘s made from the same comfortable poly-rayon "AD-TR" fabric as the 3-piece and has a classic, flattering fit. Customers rave that it looks much more expensive than it is.
Midnight Blue Tuxedo
Alain Dupetit‘s tuxedos are an excellent affordable option for black-tie events. This midnight blue tuxedo features a shawl lapel and sleek, modern details for under $100. The poly-rayon fabric has a subtle sheen that looks very close to real wool.
In addition to suits, Alain Dupetit also sells dress shirts starting at $16 and accessories like ties, bow ties, cufflinks, and pocket squares. Their shirt selection covers all the basics, including tuxedo shirts and french cuff options.
Suit Quality and Construction
For the extremely low prices, Alain Dupetit suits are surprisingly well-made and use decent quality materials. Most suits are made from a signature poly-rayon blend fabric the company calls "AD-TR" (65% polyester, 35% rayon).
This fabric has a few key benefits: it‘s lightweight, breathable, and extremely wrinkle-resistant. It also has a nice drape and a slight sheen that mimics the look of wool. Compared to cheap 100% polyester suits, the fabric feels softer and higher-quality.
The downside is that it doesn‘t quite live up to the look and feel of real wool. Up close, you can definitely tell it‘s a synthetic material. But for the price point, it‘s one of the best non-wool suit fabrics out there.
Construction quality is also quite good for the price. Alain Dupetit uses many of the same manufacturing partners as big designer brands. Suits have nice details like pickstitching, functional pockets, and durable buttons.
The jackets are half-canvassed, which is impressive at this price point (most competitors use cheaper fused construction). Pants come unfinished so you‘ll need to have them hemmed. Overall construction is very solid – you won‘t find loose stitching or other quality control issues.
Fit and Sizing
Alain Dupetit suits come in two main fits: Classic and Slim. The Classic fit is fairly traditional, with relaxed proportions through the chest and waist. The Slim fit is more contemporary and streamlined.
It‘s recommended to size up if you‘re between sizes or prefer a looser fit. Alain Dupetit‘s suits generally run a bit small and are cut shorter in length than typical American sizing. Fortunately, they offer a very wide size range from 34S to 58L to accommodate many body types.
Pants are sold unhemmed, so you‘ll need to take them to a tailor to be finished to your desired length. Many customers report that the pants fit surprisingly well off the rack in the waist and hips. The taper is modern without being too tight or trendy.
One potential negative is that Alain Dupetit doesn‘t offer short or long sizes for their suit jackets. You can only choose your chest size (which corresponds to a set shoulder/length). So if you have a shorter or longer than average torso, the jacket may not fit perfectly proportionally.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Alain Dupetit suits have racked up hundreds of positive reviews from customers on their website and other online retailers like Amazon. Their best-selling Black Three Piece Suit has over 145 5-star reviews, while the Light Grey Two Button Suit has over 120.
Here are some common pieces of praise from real customers:
"The quality on this suit far exceeds the price. It was delivered promptly and the packaging was perfect. I‘m 6‘1 180lbs and the 40R fit like it was tailored for me."
"I was a little nervous ordering a suit online, but I couldn‘t beat the price. When it arrived, I was blown away by how good it looked. The material is very comfortable and fits great. I got so many compliments at my friend‘s wedding."
"This suit is perfect for anyone who needs to wear a suit daily but doesn‘t want to break the bank. I was shocked at the quality and fit for under $100. I like it so much I‘m ordering it in another color."
Of course, Alain Dupetit suits are not without some negative reviews. A few customers complained about the fabric wrinkling or the pants being too long. Others noted that you can tell it‘s not a $500+ suit up close. But the vast majority of reviewers say the suits exceeded their expectations for the price.
How does Alain Dupetit compare to other affordable suit brands?
Alain Dupetit‘s biggest direct competitors are other affordable online suit brands like Combatant Gentlemen, Indochino, and SuitSupply. So how do they stack up?
In terms of price, Alain Dupetit easily beats the competition. Their suits start at almost half the price of most other budget-friendly options, which typically start at $200+. Combatant Gentlemen‘s cheapest suits are around $140, while Indochino and SuitSupply suits start closer to $400 on sale.
Quality-wise, Alain Dupetit suits are surprisingly competitive with these pricier options, especially Combatant Gentlemen and Indochino‘s entry-level offerings. The poly-rayon fabric is very comparable and the construction quality measures up. The main difference is in the details and finishing – pricier competitors generally use nicer internal lining materials and offer more customization options.
Compared to dirt-cheap suits on Amazon or at department stores, Alain Dupetit is leagues ahead. Their suits look and feel more expensive, fit better, and have much nicer style details. If your budget is under $100, Alain Dupetit is arguably the best value out there.
Of course, Alain Dupetit suits are not directly comparable to high-end designer suits or bespoke options that cost $500+. If you have a bigger budget and want the absolute best quality and fit, it‘s worth investing in a nicer suit. But if you need an affordable suit that looks great and gets the job done, Alain Dupetit is an excellent choice.
Styling Tips for Alain Dupetit Suits
One of the best things about Alain Dupetit suits is their versatility. Since they cover all the basic colors and styles, it‘s easy to dress them up or down for any occasion. Here are a few styling ideas:
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Pair the Light Grey Two Button Suit with a white dress shirt, black tie or bow tie, and black dress shoes for a sharp, formal look. Add a pocket square for extra polish.
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Wear the Black Three Piece Suit with a crisp white shirt and burgundy tie for a powerful, professional office look. Swap the vest for a pullover sweater in colder months.
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For a stylish casual look, wear the suit pants and jacket as separates. Try the navy blue jacket with khaki chinos, a patterned dress shirt, and loafers.
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Get more mileage out of your suits by mixing and matching the jackets and pants with other suits in your closet. A black suit jacket pairs well with grey pants and vice versa.
Since Alain Dupetit suits are so affordable, don‘t be afraid to experiment with bolder colors and patterns. A bright blue suit or light grey check can really liven up your suit rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Alain Dupetit suits cost?
Alain Dupetit suits start at just $49 for two-piece suits and $69 for three-piece suits and tuxedos. Prices vary by style but generally cap at under $100 unless you add extras like a vest.
What is Alain Dupetit‘s return policy?
Alain Dupetit accepts returns within 14 days of delivery. Suits must be in original condition with tags still attached. You‘ll be responsible for return shipping costs. All items are eligible for exchange or store credit, but they don‘t offer refunds.
How long does Alain Dupetit take to ship?
According to their website, Alain Dupetit orders take around 5 business days to process and ship out. Shipping takes an additional 1-5 business days depending on your location. They do not currently offer expedited shipping.
Can Alain Dupetit suits be tailored?
Yes, Alain Dupetit suits can absolutely be tailored for a better fit off the rack. The pants are sold unhemmed, so you‘ll need to take them to a tailor to be adjusted to your desired length. The jackets may also need adjustments in the sleeve length or torso depending on your proportions.
Are Alain Dupetit suits true to size?
Alain Dupetit suits tend to run a bit small and short compared to other American brands. If you‘re in between sizes, it‘s recommended to size up. Their size chart provides detailed measurements to help you find the best fit.
The Bottom Line
After an in-depth look at their suits, quality, customer reviews, and more, our verdict is that Alain Dupetit suits are absolutely worth buying if you‘re on a tight budget. It‘s hard to find a better combination of style, quality, and value for under $100.
No, these aren‘t the most luxurious suits on the market. You can definitely find nicer quality fabrics and construction if you have a bigger budget. But Alain Dupetit suits look great, feel surprisingly high-quality, and boast glowing reviews from thousands of happy customers.
If you need an affordable suit for work, weddings, or any other occasion, you can confidently buy from Alain Dupetit. Their direct-to-consumer model and decades of experience allow them to offer impressive quality suits at unbeatable prices. As long as you choose the right size and treat them with care, Alain Dupetit suits can easily become your go-to option for stylish formalwear on a budget.
