Want to power dress for less in the workplace? Introducing the £20 women's suit from Asda...
Asda's £20 suit allows career women to dress to impress on a shoestring
As prices crash around us, it was only a matter of time before someone introduced the £20 suit.
Asda is launching its ‘City suit’, designed for the businesswoman who wants to dress to impress – even on a credit crunch budget.
Available in sizes eight to 22, the design includes a black single-breasted jacket, trousers or skirt, which the manufacturers boast is chic enough for any workplace.
Anthony Thompson, of George at Asda, said: ‘In 2009, women will need to make very considered decisions when they shop for clothes. In some cases they can’t afford to get anything new at all.
‘Classic items like the £20 suit are offering customers real value for money on what they consider as absolute wardrobe essentials.’
And, when money is tight, a suit that rings in at under £20 should be the answer to every working woman’s prayers. But is it?
Aside from the obvious ethical concerns – how exactly have Asda managed to make a full suit for less than the price of an average round of drinks in the pub? – the most important thing is what it actually looks like.
Made up of 64 per cent polyester, 32 per cent viscose and 4 per cent elastane, this was never going to be an outfit designed for all weathers.
In its favour, it is machine washable, and the design is good – the jacket has some nice stitching detail around the waist that is also echoed at the top of the trousers.
However, the finishing leaves a lot to be desired, resulting in a crumpled lining and slightly lumpy seams in several areas.
When it finally comes to trying on the suit, however, I was very pleasantly surprised. Both the jacket and the trousers fitted quite well.
The proportions were flattering – although large-chested women might have problems with the jacket’s small cut – and the trousers hung nicely.
Seeing as they are not lined, however, a pair of long johns might be advisable in this cold weather.
But my main concern centred around how well the suit would actually wear. It might look chic during the first wear, but I couldn’t help but think that after a go in the average washing machine, it’s not going to come out looking quite so smart.
And if you are forced into buying one every other week, where’s the economy in that?
Also, the trousers come with a crease down the centre of each leg that you know will only be possible to recreate with the help of a protractor, set square, some origami
training and a lot of ironing.
And as most women know, ironing and polyester are not a good mix – unless you are going for the shiny cheap look, that is.
In conclusion, the ‘City suit’ is never going to win you – or Asda – any style prizes, nor is it the kind of work wear you should choose if you are planning to take on the Alan Sugars of this world or are angling for a promotion.
That said, if you are looking for a bargain, or if this really is all that you can afford, then you could do a lot worse.
To give the suit more longevity, I would recommend keeping the pockets stitched shut in order to avoid any gaping or sagging, buying more than one pair of the £8 trousers, and leaving it to drip dry rather than ironing it if at all possible.
Asda last year produced a women's suit for £24 and a men's suit for £15. Its new season £19 'Perfect Fit' men's suit was launched last week.
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