Most Expensive Men Suits

Brioni $6,000

The epitome of the power look, Brioni's wide-shouldered, slim-waisted and sharply tailored suits ooze authority, making them favorites of the self-consciously stylish, from former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown to U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan to Donald Trump. All that clout comes at a price, however: from $4,200 to $7,500 for "ready-to-wear" numbers in every conceivable material. This charcoal gray cashmere for Fall 2005 runs $6,000. Available at men's specialty retailers nationwide and at Brioni boutiques in New York and Beverly Hills.

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Kiton $5,800

Last year when we sized up the highest-priced custom suits, Kiton came out on top with a $6,000 starting price and a $30,000 price tag at the top-end, which included having a master tailor flown in from Naples for measurements and fittings. While not exactly "sensibly priced," Kiton's off-the-rack suits are a bit more reasonable, though still pricey enough to keep the company on top. This handsome pinstripe suit in lightweight yet richly textured cashmere goes for $5,800, while others run $6,800, depending on the fabric. Available at men's specialty retailers nationwide and at the Kiton store in New York.

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Canali $4,200

For a breath of the French Riviera to carry you through until spring, the Canali Exclusive Collection may be all the suit(s) you need. Designed and tailored in Italy, the Exclusive line features the finest wools (Super 150s, 180s and 200s) in soft tones and subtle Prince of Wales, chalk-stripe and twilled styles--often rendered Ton Sur Ton with contrasting wavy backgrounds and such. While the Exclusive line starts at around $2,000 at men's specialty retailers nationwide, this snappy-looking window pane in gray wool runs $4,200 off-the-rack at Saks Fifth Avenue.

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Bottega Veneta $3,800

Long the designer for over-the-top accessories, including superbly crafted woven leather bags, Bottega Veneta has lately been making quite a splash with elegant women's wear and, apparently, the same for men. Part of the Gucci Group, the Italian firm's Fall 2005 ready-to-wear men's suit line runs $3,000 to $4,000, including this Ebano Glen Check suit for $3,800. Looks great right off the peg, especially amply accessorized with such items as the Ebano Riga Ombra shirt ($450), Nero VN belt ($350), Punta Ebano Brunissable Calf York shoes ($760) and Anthracite felt hat ($350).

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Giorgio Armani $3,595

Ah, drama! Sleek, sophisticated and reliably sexy, Giorgio Armani's Fall 2005 collection makes a statement--whether you want to be heard or not. While the eternally bronzed designer began expanding his made-to-measure line last year, he obviously hasn't taken his eye off the rack. This gray deconstructed two-button peak lapel suit in wool viscose and nylon blend runs $3,595--$400 less than the starting price for the made-to-measure line and just as striking. Available at Giorgio Armani boutiques nationwide.

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Ralph Lauren $3,295

Purple is still the label--if not the color--for the top-of-the-line collection from Ralph Lauren, even if it does come off-the-rack. This three-button suit in charcoal window pane cashmere has the natty presence and the all-American yet suspiciously British air we've come to relish from Lauren. And at $3,295 off the peg, it also has the expense we've come to expect from the Purple Label line. Available at select Ralph Lauren stores nationwide.

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Oxxford Clothes $3,000

With its legendary attention to detail and made-in-America pedigree, Oxxford Clothes enjoys a well-earned reputation as the one suit to have when you can afford as many as you want. You'll pay for them, too, with custom suits starting at $3,500 and "Ready for Wearing"--aka, off-the-rack--starting at $3,000. Like all Oxxford suits, this navy alternating stripe of 100% Super 120s wool is made largely by hand in the same Chicago workrooms the company opened way back in 1916. It's sharp, conservative and just right for those who fit the mold--or are hoping to squeeze into it.

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Jay Kos $2,800

From traditional looks to "natural shoulders" to the finest fabrics crisply tailored by "the oldest suitmaker in Italy," New York clothier Jay Kos does a fine job--albeit for a price. Sharp, comfortable and smartly fitted suits run $2,800 to $3,500 off-the-rack, including this single-breasted version. That's a bit of a discount over Kos' made-to-measure line, which starts at $3,800, but without sacrificing the ample quality that will look and wear well for years. Long a pillar of Upper East Side style, one of Jay Kos' many fans is rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs.

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Issey Miyake $2,800

Downtown sensibility meets Uptown prices at Issey Miyake. Born in Hiroshima in 1938, the Tokyo-/Paris-based designer is all about striking a balance between tradition and innovation, handicraft and technology. And what a balance he strikes, too. Sleek and stunning suits from Miyake's Fall 2005 men's collection start at $1,500, with standouts, including this wool-blended, cupra-lined pinstripe design with hand-stitched detailing, running $2,800. Available at Issey Miyake boutiques in New York.

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