How To Buy The Right Suit

Mark Twain once famously stated that “clothes make the man”. Fast forward a century or so and his words still hold true. Today, a well-cut suit remains a symbol of professionalism, good taste and individual style.

Choosing the right suit can be a potential minefield. However, there are a couple of rules which can help make the purchase a little less stressful. First of all, much will depend on the occasion. If it’s for an interview or for work, it’s probably best to stick to classic colors such as charcoal, navy or black. Buying a suit for a social activity is even trickier: perhaps avoid a style that is currently at the height of fashion, as six months down the line it could start to look dated.

Of course, it is perfectly possible to invest in one suit that will see you through every occasion. Wear it with a crisp white shirt and a bold tie for an interview, for example. For a formal dinner party, you could even ditch the tie altogether and opt for a colored shirt. For a night out, simply team the jacket with a T-shirt and a smart pair of jeans.

When you’re ready to start shopping, head to a large department store where you can view a selection of brands and styles. It’s important to realize that while you can spend a fortune on a suit, but if it doesn’t fit properly then it will look cheap. A snug shoulder fit is imperative. Shoulder pads should never protrude beyond the shoulders, and if your suit doesn’t fit across the top of your back, it’s not going to fit anywhere else. Sleeves should reach the base of the thumb, allowing for about one centimeter of shirt to show. Trousers, meanwhile, should be long enough for the hem to brush the top of the shoe at both the front and the back when standing.

The fabric itself is also very important. Try giving the material a good squeeze: if it bounces back with little sign of wrinkling, then the material is of decent quality. And remember that if you need any alterations made to your suit, you should always try it on again when you pick it up, as it may need another couple of tweaks.

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