
Pronto Uomo Gray Notch Lapel Suit (1917)
- Looking for that dapper look? Stand out with this suave light gray suit featuring a notch lapel and flat-front slacks made with premium, lightweight super 120s wool. Complete the look with our matching vest. Jacket available in Modern and Slim Fit.
- Pronto Uomo Gray Notch Lapel Suit
- Jacket available in Slim and Modern Fits
- Two-button closure
- Notched lapel
- Side vents
- Coordinating flat-front pants
- Matching vest available
- Available in sizes for Men and Boys
- 100% Super 120’s Wool
- Imported
- Matching pants available in Slim, Modern and Classic Fits
- Available in Big & Tall sizes
$279.00
As a young professional starting my career, I knew I needed a high-quality gray suit in my wardrobe. A versatile gray suit can take you from important meetings to evening events with ease. I wanted something classic yet modern, fitted but comfortable, and most importantly made to last. My journey to find the perfect gray suit led me to the Pronto Uomo Gray Notch Lapel Suit, and I’m here to share my full buying guide so you can find the right suit for your needs too!
The Makings of a Quality Suit
For a suit to truly stand the test of time, the materials and construction need to be top-notch. When researching the Pronto Uomo Gray Notch Lapel Suit, I looked for a few key features:
- Wool fabric – Wool naturally resists wrinkles and holds its structure nicely. I preferred a mid-weight wool that won’t be too hot or too light.
- Full canvassed construction – This is the mark of a high-end suit, with a floating canvas interior that creates a great silhouette. Fused suits don’t compare.
- Notch lapels – The versatile notch lapels work for both business and formal occasions. Peak lapels can look dated.
- Two-button jacket – A two-button front balances a slim, tailored look with the ability to move comfortably.
- Flat front pants – A clean, flat front looks sharp and modern. Pleated pants tend to appear bulky.
- Functional sleeve buttons – I wanted real working cuff buttons for a traditional touch. Faux buttons look cheap.
The Pronto Uomo checked all those boxes with its Italian virgin wool fabric, full canvas construction, flattering notch lapels, two-button jacket, flat front pants, and functional sleeve buttons. I was off to a good start!
Finding the Right Places to Purchase
I quickly discovered that the Pronto Uomo brand isn’t carried by big department stores. For the best selection, I needed to visit specialty formalwear stores and custom clothiers. The suit is also available online through select retailers. Here are the best places I found to buy the Pronto Uomo Gray Notch Lapel Suit:
- Local formalwear shops – Many carry the brand or can special order it. You get personalized service.
- Custom suit stores – Even if you don’t get a full custom suit, they’ll have Pronto Uomo.
- Nordstrom – One of the few department stores selling the brand. Helpful professional fittings.
- Amazon – A reliable way to order online and take advantage of free returns.
- Pronto Uomo website – Browse styles and find local authorized retailers to try on suits.
- EBay – Good for finding new and used suits at discounted prices. Just check measurements.
I highly recommend visiting a store in person if possible. A knowledgeable salesperson can assess your fit and style needs. But online shops make access easy if no local stores carry the brand.
How the Pronto Uomo Fits and What Sizes Are Available
The accurate slim fit of the Pronto Uomo Gray Notch Lapel Suit was another big selling point for me. The contemporary European cut sits close to the body without constricting movement. I’m tall and lanky, so the suit elongated my frame nicely.
Pronto Uomo offers a range of standard and tall sizes:
- Standard sizes – 36S to 46R
- Tall sizes – 38T to 46T
Keep in mind the jackets have high armholes and a tailored cut through the chest and waist. The flat front pants also have a trim, narrow leg. I went with my normal size, but some people size up for a bit looser fit. Try on the Pronto Uomo suit in your typical size before deciding to size up or down.
For reference, I’m 6’1” and 160 lbs with a 39” chest and 32” waist. The 40R was perfect off the rack. The sleeves and pants just needed minor hemming for my long limbs.
Making Sure It Meets Quality Standards
A suit is an investment, so I wanted to ensure the Pronto Uomo lived up to its reputation for quality tailoring. Here were the key factors that convinced me:
- Handmade in Italy – Pronto Uomo suits are crafted in Italy, renowned for artisanal construction. The Milanese lapels and silky fabric impressed me.
- Virgin wool – The soft, pure virgin wool molds nicely to your body shape over time. No itchy recycled wool here!
- Durable jacket lining – The viscose/acetate blend liner and interior seams are sturdy enough for years of wear.
- Precise stitching – The stitching on the lapels, pockets, and seams is small and consistent, even on inner linings.
- No loose threads – I inspected carefully and found no stray threads or signs of poor construction. Attention to detail is evident.
- Water-resistant wool – The wool stands up to light rain and moisture so the suit holds up well. Spills brush right off.
The luxurious feel and precise tailoring convinced me I found a suit that would last if cared for properly. Time to learn how to keep it looking impeccable!
Caring for My Investment Suit
A quality suit like the Pronto Uomo requires proper care and maintenance. Here are my top tips for keeping it in flawless condition:
- Dry clean only – No machine washing or home drying for this baby! Leave it to professional cleaners 2-3 times per year.
- Steam over ironing – A garment steamer is gentler on the wool fibers than an iron. Use iron sparingly on low heat if needed.
- Use a suit brush – I brush my suit after each wear with a soft horsehair brush to lift dirt and lint.
- Wear an undershirt – A lightweight cotton undershirt prevents sweat and body oils from degrading the wool over time.
- Give it a break – I rotate my suits at least every other wear to allow the wool fibers to spring back.
- Protect the shoulders – I’m careful not to rest my suit jacket on chairs or coat hooks to avoid misshaping the padded shoulders.
- Store properly – I keep my suit hung in a breathable garment bag. Never crunched tightly in a closet!
With pristine care and maintenance, my Pronto Uomo suit will be in flawless condition for years of wear. Following these guidelines protects my investment.
Styles and Designs to Suit Your Taste
Another perk of the Pronto Uomo brand is the wide variety of styles and designs available. I ultimately chose the versatile notch lapel in gray, but there are lots of options:
- Notch, peak, and shawl lapels – The lapel is a defining feature. Choose notch for versatility or make a statement with peak or shawl.
- Two and three button jackets – The two button is a contemporary choice, but go with three buttons for a classic look.
- Double and single breasted – Double breasted adds a touch of vintage flair. Single breasted keeps it modern.
- Plaids, pinstripes, solids – Update your look with subtle plaids and pinstripes or keep it classic with solids.
- Vented and unvented back – Side vents allow freedom of movement while unvented is a sleeker silhouette.
- Flat front and pleated pants – Flat front pants complement the trim jacket, but go pleated for more room.
Pronto Uomo has styles for every taste – classic, trendy, or anything in between. The possibilities are endless!
Reviews Confirm a Quality Suit
Before making my purchase, I scoured reviews to make sure the reality matched the Pronto Uomo brand’s reputation. Happy customers praised the comfort, versatility, and durability of the suits:
“Fits like an absolute glove right off the rack. The material is heavyweight enough for cool weather but breathes well in the heat.”
“Nice touches like the hand-stitched buttonholes make it feel luxurious. Worth the price.”
“I get compliments whenever I wear it. Timeless gray color that works for the office or evenings out.”
“I’ve worn this suit heavily for over a year and it still looks brand new. Creases nicely and sheds wrinkles fast.”
The overwhelmingly positive reviews confirmed I found a suit that could serve as a wardrobe workhorse. Both quality and style were covered!
How to Style and Accessorize Your New Suit
The wardrobe possibilities were part of the Pronto Uomo suit’s appeal. Here are some of my favorite ways to style and accessorize it for different occasions:
- Business meetings – Pair with a crisp dress shirt, muted silk tie, and leather portfolio bag. Oxfords complete the professional look.
- Job interviews – Choose a white or light blue shirt and simple navy silk tie. Carry a leather folder for resumes.
- Weddings – Dress it up with a white dress shirt, skinny tie in any color, and brown leather dress shoes.
- Evening events – Switch out the tie for a bow tie. Add cufflinks and swanky monk strap shoes.
- Daytime dates – Skip the tie, unbutton the collar, and roll up shirt sleeves. Throw on some suede loafers.
The Pronto Uomo Gray Notch Lapel Suit effortlessly transitions from business to pleasure. I couldn’t wait to put together versatile looks for work and play!
Price Tag Reflects the Quality
As that timeless saying goes – you get what you pay for. And the Pronto Uomo suit delivers luxury details and construction to justify the investment. Here’s what to expect:
- Suits $500 – $700 – Half canvassed suits range from $500 – $600. The full canvassed suits run from $650 – $700.
- Ties $60 – $100 – Silk ties and accessories are sold separately. Ties range from $60 – $100.
- Shirts $80 – $150 – Quality dress shirts designed to complement the suits run from $80 – $150.
- Shipping $25 – $50 – Online or phone orders do have shipping fees to consider.
While not the most expensive designer suit, the Pronto Uomo costs more than department store suits with lower build quality. But you certainly get your money’s worth in fit, versatility, and longevity.
How Long It Will Last in Your Closet
With its meticulous construction and virgin wool fabric, a Pronto Uomo suit will easily last 5+ years with proper care. Here’s what impacts its longevity:
- Quality materials – The virgin wool and sturdy lining hold up well over time. No corner cutting here.
- Artisanal construction – Handwork and intricate stitching prevent premature wear and tearing.
- Classic styling – The fits and designs remain timeless and never appear dated.
- Proper maintenance – Follow care instructions religiously! Dry cleaning and steaming make a big difference.
- Regular rotation – Rotate suits every wear to let them rest and retain their shape.
- Minor repairs – Address any loose buttons or damaged lining right away to prevent bigger issues.
With frequent wear, expect to get a minimum of 5 years from the suit. But with care, it can stay looking impeccable for 7-10+ years. Not bad for the investment!
An Expansive Range of Colors to Choose From
Beyond versatile gray, Pronto Uomo offers high-quality suits in an appealing palette of colors:
- Navys – From dark ink to light Wedgewood hues.
- Charcoals – Dark saturated charcoals to grayish light charcoal.
- Pinstripes – Subtle navy, gray, and charcoal pinstripes.
- Plaids – Modern and muted options like prince of Wales check.
–Blacks – Pure, inky black suits for evening events.
- Tans – For an summery aesthetic try light tans and khakis.
Their color varieties let you build a diverse suit collection. I opted for classic gray, but now I’m eyeing adding more adventurous navy checks and plaids. The possibilities are endless!
To Wash or Dry Clean? Care Instructions
To properly care for the Pronto Uomo suit, dry cleaning is an absolute must. The wool fabric and construction require professional cleaning:
- No machine washing – This can warp the shape, damage lining, and cause shrinking.
- No home drying – High heat from home dryers degrades the wool fibers. Air drying only!
- Dry clean every 6-8 wears – Depending on how heavily it’s worn, dry cleaning every 6-8 wears removes odor, stains, and dirt buildup.
- Remove food and spills ASAP – Blot any food, drinks, or pen marks immediately so they don’t set into fabric. Avoid vigorous rubbing.
- Air out between wears – Hang suits fully unzipped between wears so the wool can breathe.
- Steam over ironing – Use steam to smooth out wrinkles and creases. Avoid ironing which can singe delicate wool.
- Store in breathable bag – Let the suit breathe in a cloth garment bag. Never use plastic!
With dry cleaning and proper storage, I’m confident my suit will stay looking fresh. Any signs of wear and I take it right to the professionals.
How It Compares to Other Popular Brands
I tried and considered a few other suit brands and models during my search. Here’s how the Pronto Uomo Gray Notch Lapel Suit stacked up:
- More affordable than high-end designers – Better quality than department stores, but without the $1000+ price tags of designer brands like Armani or Hugo Boss.
- More delicate and luxurious fabrics – The wool had a softer hand and drape than the stiff wools used by popular brands like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.
- More precisely tailored fit – The slim tailored cut was more exact than the roomier fits from Tommy Hilfiger and Perry Ellis.
- Attention to hand-details – Small touches like hand-stitching elevated it above mass-produced brands DKNY and Kenneth Cole.
- More versatile and classic styles – Trendy details on mainstream brand suits can appear dated fast. The Pronto Uomo has a timelessness.
While not the cheapest suit, the admirable construction and quality convinced me to invest a bit more. The price fairly reflects the attention to quality and fit.
Helpful Return and Exchange Policies
One of my biggest worries about ordering a suit online was getting the size right. I was relieved to see most retailers and online stores that carry Pronto Uomo have excellent return and exchange policies:
- Free return shipping – Major online shops offer free return shipping labels if the size or fit is off.
- 30 day return windows – Physical stores and online sites typically allow 30 days for exchanges or returns.
- Easy online exchanges – For most web stores, you can easily request a different size online after ordering.
- In-store tailoring – Local retailers often provide in-house tailors who can perfect the length and fit in alterations. Much cheaper than buying a whole new suit!
- Restocking fees – A few shops charge small restocking fees of $10-$15 for returns. But most exchanges are free.
The friendly return policies gave me confidence I wouldn’t be stuck with an ill-fitting suit. Fortunately the 40R was perfection right off the rack for me!
Italian Craftsmanship You Can Count On
During my research, I learned all Pronto Uomo suits are meticulously constructed in Italy. This gave me confidence in the quality:
- Family-owned Italian company – Pronto Uomo is based in Naples, Italy and prides itself on its heritage of expert Italian tailoring.
- Handcrafted quality control – Each piece is closely examined by craftsmen during the construction process. No overlooked details.
- Reputation for precision – Italian brands like Pronto Uomo are renowned in the menswear world for their eye for precision.
- Made in Milan – The Milanese lapels and trim silhouette represent classically refined Italian style.
- Fine Italian woolens – The luxurious wool woven in Italy molds beautifully to the body.
With Italian construction, I knew I was getting an artisanal suit built to last, not mass-produced fast fashion. The pride in quality shines through!
Finding the Best Discounts
While worth the investment, I still kept an eye out for sales and deals on the Pronto Uomo suits. Here are a few ways I found notable discounts:
- Seasonal sales – Check stores around peak suit seasons in early spring and fall for discounts. Also holidays like President’s Day.
- Online coupon codes – Retailers occasionally offer percent off or free shipping codes on formalwear. These can yield big savings.
- Loyalty programs – Sign up for store credit cards or accounts to get points towards discounts or free alterations.
- Pre-owned market – Go through sellers like eBay, Poshmark, etc for new and pre-owned suits at lower prices.
- Clearance racks – I always check clearance sections and sale racks when I visit stores. You never know what gems you’ll uncover!
With the right timing and savvy shopping strategy, you might score the Pronto Uomo suit for significantly under retail. A discount on a quality investment is a win-win!
Easy Alterations to Achieve the Perfect Fit
One advantage of purchasing in-store is getting alterations done easily. Some quick tweaks help the Pronto Uomo suit fit like a second skin:
- Hem sleeves and pants – Getting the sleeve and pant length just right goes a long way in the overall fit.
- Taper sleeve and leg width – If they are too billowy, tapering brings the lines in for a slimmer silhouette.
- Nip in the waist – Take it in a bit at the sides and back for an hourglass shape if needed.
- Shorten jacket length – If it’s overly long, hemming the bottom helps it fall perfectly.
- Adjust sleeve pitch – Raising or lowering the sleeve attachment point at the shoulder impacts fit.
The Pronto Uomo’s precision cut requires minimal alterations. Little tweaks made a huge difference for my lanky build and longer limbs. The perfect fit makes all the difference!
Dressing it Up or Down for Any Occasion
A huge plus for the versatile Pronto Uomo suit is its ability to work for both formal business occasions as well as dressed-down casual wear:
- Job interviews – Crisp white shirt, solid tie, black oxfords, leather folder. Conservative and polished.
- Weddings – Light blue or pink shirt with a silk tie and brown dress shoes. Classic celebratory style.
- Business dinners – French cuff shirt, patterned pocket square, loafers. Still professional with a touch of flair.
- Nights out – Dark denim instead of dress pants, bold printed shirt, Chelsea boots. Edgy yet refined.
- Day dates – Omit the tie, unbutton collar, roll up sleeves, suede bucks. Relaxed but still smart.
The opportunities are endless with such a versatile gray suit. I look forward to finding ways to take it from board meetings to date nights with ease.
Finding Your Perfect Size and Fit
Finding the ideal size in the Pronto Uomo suit can take a bit of trial and error. Here are my top tips for determining your size:
- Consult the size chart – Check against your measurements to get a ballpark starting point.
- Try it on in-store – Make sure to try it on rather than just going off your usual size. Sizing varies.
- Read online reviews – See if other buyers mention the fit running small or large and size accordingly.
- Take body measurements – Have someone measure your chest, waist, sleeve length and other key suit dimensions.
- Compare with well-fitting clothes – Use your best fitting suits and sport coats to judge your typical size.
- Ask for in-store advice – The sales associates can assess your body type to recommend your ideal size.
The one-on-one guidance from the salesperson proved invaluable to finding the Pronto Uomo size that perfectly flattered my build. Dialing in that fit makes all the difference in your new suit!
Finding the perfectly fitted, impeccably constructed Pronto Uomo Gray Notch Lapel Suit was so satisfying. I hope these tips help you track down the ideal suit for your needs, whether it be the Pronto Uomo or another brand. Let the compliments roll in when you rock a suit that fits you like a glove! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to chat men’s suiting and share my sartorial finds.