About to start a new gig at a university and need to upgrade the wardrobe.

Occasionally need to wear a suit but day to day will be slacks, dress shirt, no tie, blazer/sport coat depending on weather.

In the past was a fan of Brooks Brothers and Men's Warehouse, but its been a few years.

Is bespoke worth the price difference?

Any recommendations or advice appreciated.

Over the past few years made to measure has become much more available as an alternative to off the rack, and at a price point lower and delivery time shorter than bespoke.  I’ve had excellent experience with the fit, quality and customer service buying MTM suits from Oliver Wicks over the past couple of years.  CT dress shirts have also become a favorite.

I don't like CT shirts but like MTM suits.  How was your experience with Oliver Wicks @11PennReserve?  They've always intrigued me.

I use JOS A Banks, but only on sale items (and there is always a sale).

I buy their pinpoint oxford shirts on sale, socks too. some accessories as well.

My blazers, sport coats and suits are custom made, but I had a serious problem with my right arm and shoulder years and years ago, and it takes special attention and tailoring to make suit or jacket fit right.

JPK

Why do they call them blazers or sports coats??? You ain't playing any sports or blazin any trails in one.

This thread is relevant to my current interests...

I have read good things about Jos A Banks.

Brooks Brothers may also work as their once a year sale is coming up in January. Although, I've read that their quality has slipped over the years.

Im close to San Antonio and am also thinking about going to Penners. Shopped there a few years ago and had a very good experience.

Would like to establish a relationship with a clothier and bulild a wardrobe over time.

Im a little past 50, so classics rather than trendy.

THANKS for all the responses so far!!!

MTM is the way to go.

Cost will be primarily dictated by your choice of fabric.

Learn the difference between "bespoke" and "made to measure" as the two terms are NOT interchangable.

Oddly, they were originally worn during sports, specifically rowing.
https://rowingblazers.com/blogs/dispatches/origin-of-the-blazer-how-the-sport-of-rowing-shaped-the-jacket-worn-by-nearly-everyone-today

Did some reading on the subject and agree that MTM is the right choice for me.

I will be visiting Penners and Banks soon, will post updates.

Greatly appreciate all of the responses and information.

Y'all might laugh, but check out Goodwill, Salvation Army and other thrift stores.

My son needed a sport coat a couple of years ago.  We found a nice one for him at a Goodwill.  It was on sale for 99 cents!  The tie he picked out cost more - $2!

I've also bought a nice blue blazer from a thift store for $8!

This.
I have a similar daily dress to what you describe. When I changed positions in company I had nothing really (a pair of pants and a sportcoat) after wearing scrubs to work everyday for 20 yrs, at least in terms of office attire. Brooks Brothers is still GTG for ready to wear and of course their shirts are great.
I think another consideration is how hard is it for you to find clothes that really fit. Unless you fit pretty normal dimensions for standard off the rack clothes MTM may be a better option.
Bespoke sounds great but is the $$$$ worth it for you? I know for me off the rack stuff does not fit worth a darn. Short, stocky and pretty thick chest and shoulders I'm much better off with something made to my measurements. Plus since discovering I like dressing better I like stuff like functional buttons on jacket sleeves, french cuffs and shirts that fit my neck without choking me, but are not like wearing a tent around your body.
So your body, how clothes fit you and your overall style is a good guide to which way you may want to go. Lots more options with MTM.

This.

Clothes that don't fit look like shit no matter how much you paid for them.

Get both with MTM, clothes that fit, and if you spend more and select the better fabrics, will make you look like a million dollars.

Also, shirts are important too. Get a few MTM shirts made with better fabric while you are at it.

You'll be glad you did. Chances are that wherever you go you will be one of the best dressed guys in the room.

Hockerty any good?

What are some other MTM places that are recommended?

If you can, run up to Barry's manufacturing in OKC.   They were fantastic in 98 when I was in OK.
I had a 10 inch drop and some of their stuff fit off the rack without adjustment.
Now I just wish I could still wear those suits.