If you need nice, cheap men’s formalwear, go to the basement of the Bay Ridge Century 21. But be ready to run. The territory between the front door and the sneaker-scuffed staircase is crowded by customers driven mad by the deals, deals, deals. Serpentine past real estate agents from Sheepshead Bay and a German tourist threatening to bodyslam one another over a checkout-aisle beanie, then barrel-roll past the young mother whose brood has swarmed the fool who nabbed the last discounted pack of gym socks; try to ignore the agonized screams as the spawn keep time to the metronomic whipping of an iridescent beige necktie (also on sale). If it’s a fire sale, there is a nonzero chance you will encounter an actual fire. Reach the basement, though, and you’ll luxuriate in the wall-to-wall racks of tasteful navies and charcoals. While you’re at it, have a conversation with the beatifically calm tailor, who’ll help you find a suit as sharp as his shark-tooth necklace.
472 86th Street, Brooklyn
718-748-3266