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What is a Good Amount of Money to Spend on a Suit in Ireland?

If you live in Ireland or you've spent time searching for a suit here, the price tags might throw you at first. Walk into Brown Thomas or Arnotts in Dublin, and you’ll see suits ranging from €250 to over €1,000. Stroll through Penneys or Marks & Spencer and it’s possible to snap one up for under €100. So how much is normal to spend, and when is it worth paying more?
Saying "it depends" isn’t useful, so here’s the truth: in Ireland, a decent suit usually means paying at least €250 to €500 if you want something that’ll last. Below that range, you’ll mostly find mass-produced options, which are totally fine for a once-off event or if you’re not fussy. But if you’re investing for work, weddings, or regular wear, you’ll thank yourself for aiming higher. That mid-range €300–€500 bracket buys you a noticeable step up in quality at Irish stores—better fabric, a sharper fit, lining that survives more than two summers, and buttons that don’t vanish in your washing machine.
- Suit Prices: The Irish Breakdown
- Off-the-Rail vs Tailored: What’s Right for You?
- Brands, Shops, and Where to Buy
- Smart Ways to Get More Value
- The Suit for Every Occasion: Getting it Right in Ireland
Suit Prices: The Irish Breakdown
The cost of a suit in Ireland can feel like a mystery unless you know where to look and what matters most. Let’s make it simple. Ireland’s high street stores usually set their entry prices for men’s suits at about €100 to €180. Shops like Penneys (Primark), Dunnes Stores, and even H&M fall into this group. These are great for occasion wear—think graduation, once-off wedding, or a work interview—where value matters more than lifelong durability.
Move up to mid-range stores and you’ll feel the difference fast. In Arnotts, Marks & Spencer, and even Next on Grafton Street or in Cork City, you usually pay between €180 and €350. Here, you get sturdier materials, better stitching, and a more generous choice of styles. Staff often provide helpful fitting advice—handy if you’re not sure between regular, slim, or tailored fit.
Then there’s the jump to “investment suits.” For these, think Louis Copeland & Sons or Magee 1866—local names known all over the island. The minimum here is around €500, and easily climbs into the €900+ mark if you go for premium Italian wool or hand-finished details. These shops offer in-house tailoring, which means your suit looks less like it’s come straight off a hanger and more like it belongs to you.
Here’s a quick comparison of typical price brackets across Ireland’s main suit retailers:
Retailer/Type | Typical Suit Cost (€) | What You Get |
---|---|---|
Penneys / Dunnes / H&M | 100 – 180 | Basic, off-the-rail, entry-level fabrics |
Arnotts / M&S / Next | 180 – 350 | Better fits, more fabric choices, some tailoring |
Louis Copeland / Magee 1866 | 500 – 1200+ | Irish tailoring, premium fabrics, full service |
One tip: in Ireland, VAT is often included in the price you see. You don’t get stung with extra fees at checkout as you might in the US or some European countries.
Lastly, watch out for seasonal sales. Many top Irish suit shops run impressive discounts in January and July. It’s not unusual to see €500 suits drop down to €300 or less. If you’re not in a rush, planning around these sales can be a smart move for anyone looking to score a quality men’s suit in Ireland without overspending.
Off-the-Rail vs Tailored: What’s Right for You?
When it comes to buying a suit in Ireland, the first big decision is usually whether to grab something off-the-rail or to splurge on a made-to-measure or bespoke option. Here’s how to figure out what suits you (no pun intended).
Off-the-rail suits—sometimes called ready-to-wear—are what you find hanging in stores like Arnotts, Marks & Spencer, or even Penneys. You pick your size, maybe get minor adjustments (like altering sleeves), and you’re out the door. It’s quick, hassle-free, and—let’s be honest—much cheaper. Expect prices from €100 up to €500, depending on the brand and material. Young professionals in Dublin or Cork often start here, especially for first jobs or that one emergency wedding.
But here’s where tailored suits enter. A made-to-measure (or full bespoke, if you’re really going for it) suit means a proper fitting and fabric choices, with tailoring down to your shoulder width and preferred lining. Names like Louis Copeland, Magee 1866, and A Hand Tailored Suit stand out here in the Irish market. You’ll pay more—usually €700 to €1,500 for a true tailored suit in Ireland, though Magee’s entry range can START at €495 for made-to-measure. If you want to look genuinely sharp for big presentations, special events, and photos you’ll keep forever, it’s hard to beat.
"The difference in confidence and comfort is instant—you can feel it the second you put on a properly tailored suit," says Louis Copeland, a veteran Dublin tailor.
If you’re not sure what’s right for you, consider:
- Body shape: Hard to fit off-the-rail? Go tailored, or at least made-to-measure.
- Budget: Need it for one night? Don’t overthink it—high street is fine. But for frequent wear or important occasions, it pays off to invest.
- Time: Off-the-rail is instant. Tailoring usually takes 4–8 weeks in Ireland, sometimes longer during peak wedding season.
- Personal style: Want to pick details like the lapel, lining, and monogram? That’s the beauty of going tailored.
Option | Typical Cost Range (Ireland) | Turnaround Time | Best for |
---|---|---|---|
Off-the-Rail | €100 – €500 | Same Day | Budget, quick events |
Made-to-Measure | €500 – €900 | 4–8 Weeks | Better fit, regular use |
Bespoke | €1,200+ | 6–12 Weeks | Top quality, special occasions |
In the end, Irish lads who wear suits often swear the extra money for proper tailoring is worth it, especially in a country where weather swings mean fabric and fit can really make or break your day.

Brands, Shops, and Where to Buy
In Ireland, there’s a huge difference between picking up a suit from a local high street and buying bespoke from a well-known tailor. If we’re talking about suit cost Ireland or where to actually find a good one, you’ve got a ton of choices—so here’s a breakdown to make it easy.
Dublin is probably the easiest place to start. If you want to keep things simple and not blow your budget, Marks & Spencer on Grafton Street does solid entry and mid-level suits. They hold up well, have good options for different fits, and you won’t get weird looks if you’re after a last-minute wedding outfit. Penneys (Primark) is famous for the low end—think €60–€120 for a full set. It’s not luxury, but if your bank account is tight, it’s a lifesaver.
For a step up, wander into Arnotts or Brown Thomas. You’ll find international names like Hugo Boss and Ted Baker, alongside Irish favourites like Magee 1866. Magee is actually based in Donegal and well-known for its heritage wool suits—bang on if you want something with a real Irish touch.
- Louis Copeland & Sons – If you want top tier, bespoke tailoring, this is a legend on Capel Street and Wicklow Street. Expect to pay well over €1,000 for custom, but you won’t be disappointed.
- Suits You – Great for the business crowd, with locations in Dublin’s city centre. Offers both off-the-rack and made-to-measure, and the staff don’t faff around—you’ll get honest advice and sharp styles.
- Best Menswear – You’ll find them in big shopping centres, like Dundrum Town Centre or Blanchardstown. Their men's suits prices in Ireland are usually in that €250–€600 mark, and they carry modern cuts.
If you’re in Cork or Galway, Don’t worry—you have options too. Simply Suits in Cork has gained a good reputation for affordability and actual Irish staff who know what works for Irish bodies (it’s not always the Euro-slim fit!).
And don’t skip online. Irish sites like Louiscopeland.com and Magee1866.com ship anywhere in the country, and you can often grab a deal during off-season sales or Black Friday.
Here’s a quick sample of typical men's suits prices in Ireland:
Shop/Brand | Type | Price Range (€) |
---|---|---|
Penneys | Basic off-the-rack | 60–120 |
Marks & Spencer | High street ready-to-wear | 150–300 |
Arnotts/Brown Thomas | Designer/off-the-rack | 250–900+ |
Louis Copeland | Bespoke | 1000+ |
Best Menswear | Ready-to-wear | 250–600 |
Magee 1866 | Irish wool/designer | 400–1200 |
One last thing—when you shop in Ireland, especially from the local brands, the aftercare makes a huge difference. Shops like Marks & Spencer or Best Menswear will sort basic alterations for free or a minimal charge. That’s gold when you need those sleeves just right.
Smart Ways to Get More Value
Stretching your euro is a bit of an art when shopping for men’s suits in Ireland. There are a few clear moves that help you get more quality for less cash. First up, shop at the right time. Sales in Ireland are real—Arnotts, Brown Thomas, and even Louis Copeland & Sons all slash prices after Christmas and in late June. Keep an eye out for Black Friday, too. You might snag a suit cost Ireland deal that’s 25–50% below the usual price.
If you’re not tied to a new season’s trend, outlets and sample sales are goldmines. The Kildare Village outlet is loaded with upmarket brands at way less than city centre prices, and their stock changes fast. Don’t forget online options: big UK and Irish retailers, like Moss Bros and Littlewoods Ireland, run flash sales more often than brick-and-mortar shops.
Another trick, which saves headache in the long run, is focusing on versatile suits. Go for classic colours—navy or charcoal instead of that mad check pattern. Why? Because you can swap out shirts and ties and no one at your Dublin office or Galway wedding will know it’s the same men's suits combo.
Hem and fit matter more than label. “A suit off the rack, properly altered, looks a hundred times better than an expensive designer suit that fits badly,” says John O’Sullivan, master tailor at a busy Limerick shop.
A suit is an investment. Get it altered for your build, and you’ll wear it everywhere. Don’t chase brands; chase fit and fabric. — John O’Sullivan
A lot of guys forget about fabric quality. Look for 100% wool or wool blends; cheap polyester just won’t last through a few Irish weddings and those rainy commutes. Dry cleaners in Ireland aren’t hard to find, but if it’s a cheap suit, every cleaning shortens its life.
- Set your budget before you shop—Irish shops tempt you to overspend fast.
- Don’t skip the local tailors. Small places in Cork, Limerick, and Waterford often charge way less for alterations than high-end Dublin outlets.
- Buy a second pair of trousers when you buy your suit. Irish tailors always tell you: trousers wear out faster than jackets, and replacements rarely match years later.
- If you’re a student or under 25, ask about discounts. Irish department stores often cut 10%–15% for students at certain times of the year.
Here’s a look at what you can expect to pay for common suit options in Ireland:
Suit Type | Typical Price (€) |
---|---|
High-Street (e.g. Penneys, H&M) | 80 – 180 |
Mid-Range (M&S, Next) | 200 – 350 |
Tailored/Designer | 400 – 1,200+ |
Spending smart isn’t about being stingy. It’s knowing what lasts, what to avoid, and when to snap up a bargain on the Irish market. Even if you’re after something sharp for a wedding in Donegal or a new job in Cork, patience almost always means better value.

The Suit for Every Occasion: Getting it Right in Ireland
Picking the right suit in Ireland isn't just about spending the right amount—it's about matching the suit to the moment. You’ll see different expectations from a wedding in Galway to a business meeting in Cork, or that big day at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Here’s how to stop yourself sticking out for the wrong reasons and get the best value for money, whatever the occasion.
Suits for Work: Offices in Ireland are usually business-casual, especially outside Dublin’s tech or law circles. Navy or charcoal are the go-tos. If you’re in a conservative line of work in the city, a €300–€500 suit from Louis Copeland or Fitzgerald’s Menswear should cover you. Don’t bother with black unless you’re going to funerals, because you’ll just look out of place for day-to-day wear.
Weddings and Events: For Irish weddings—even if you’re a guest—there’s an unspoken rule of looking sharp but not flashier than the groom. Rental services like Savvi or Black Tie are big here, offering three-piece suits for €120–€180, and they’ll even set you up for black-tie events. For grooms, custom or made-to-measure jumps up the price but also the photos. You’re looking at €700 and up from tailors in Dublin city centre or Cork.
Graduations or Interviews: Students on a budget? Stores like Dunnes or even high-street Next will have a suit cost Ireland from €100 upwards. But remember: it’s the fit that people notice more than the label. If you have to, buy off-the-rack and bring it to a local alteration shop (those tiny dry cleaners in every town know what they’re doing for a tenner or two).
Here’s a quick price guide for the most common suit needs in the Irish market:
Occasion | Budget Range (€) | Where to Buy/Rent |
---|---|---|
Job Interview | 100–250 | Penneys, Next, Debenhams (online) |
Business/Office | 250–500 | Louis Copeland, Arnotts, FitzGerald’s |
Wedding Guest | 120–400 (rental or off-the-rack) | Savvi, Black Tie, M&S |
Groom: Custom Suit | 700–1200 | Tailors in Dublin/Cork |
Black Tie Event | 120–200 (rental) | Black Tie, Savvi, FormalWear.ie |
Weather matters too, especially with Irish rain. Avoid pure linen suits unless you’re at a summer wedding in July. Wool or wool-blends stay sharp even when the bus stop is horizontal with wind. And always check—does the shop offer free alterations? That sweetens the deal a lot, especially with men's suits prices creeping up post-pandemic.
Finally, don’t forget dry cleaning. In Ireland, a basic suit clean is around €12–€20, so work that into your annual costs if you’ll be wearing it often. And when in doubt, chat with shop staff—most of them actually care about helping you find what looks right, especially in smaller Irish stores. Better than rolling the dice online!