How to choose the perfect suit

Having one or two high-quality suits is a necessity for any man who takes himself and his fashion seriously.

Choosing the right suit to fit your body type and your style is tricky, as there are so many options available from men’s fashion shops.

If you are planning on buying a suit in the future, below is a helpful guide on how to choose the perfect suit.

The fit

Shoulders: According to men’s fashion trends of the ages, there is one tip that you should always remember: suit shoulders should ‘hug’ your own and look neat, with no excess material looking strained or bunching at the sides.

Chest: Your chest buttons should close easily, but should not be too loose. Once you have buttoned the suit, place your hand in between you and the jacket, it should fit comfortably inside. If it is too wide of a gap then you should look for a smaller size.

Length: The length of the suit can be measured like this: hang your arms down straight and cup the jacket hem in your hands. If you can reach easily, it’s too long. Many modern suit jackets sit only a centimetre below the cuff.

Sleeve length: Out of all the men’s fashion tips, having the correct sleeve length for your suit is vital. Place your arms by your sides, and see whether the cuffs fall where the base of your thumb meets your wrist. One to two centimetres of your shirt cuff should be visible.

Trousers: Your trousers should sit on your waist comfortably, not sliding down your hips or bunching your shirt material because they are too tight. The cut of your trouser leg should flatter your shape without being too tight or too loose.

Why are you buying your suit?

A suit is a big purchase for a man. It is a classic ensemble that you can wear to just about any function, but in order to choose one that is right for you, you will need to know why you are buying your suit.

Office suit: If you are planning on wearing your suit to the office, then you should keep it dark and classic. Avoid bright patterns and look for a classic, well-fitting cut. Dark colours are best as they are simple, classic and professional.

Special occasions: A suit for special occasions is best in black, navy or charcoal. Look for sharp lines and a cut that you can move around in comfortably. Be sure to wear a suit that is appropriate for the dress code of the occasion, as being too formal for a smart-casual event will look out of place.

Interview suit: This is a staple that you can keep in your cupboard for whenever you have an interview. You want to be well-dressed but not better dressed than the man interviewing you, so do not break the bank on this suit.

Once you have decided why you are buying your suit, you can look at the different types of suits there are for your needs.

Different types of suits

Top the novice, suits may all look the same, especially if you are looking at dark coloured suits. However, there are different types of suits that you can choose from when searching for the perfect match.

The different types of suits you will find are the skinny fit, the slim fit, the tailored fit and the classic fit. The classic fit is an easy, everyday look for all-purpose wearability, ideal for the office or for an interview. If you want to look dapper, opt for a tailored or skinny fit to stay fashion forward.

Look at the fabric

One of the most important aspects of a suit is the fabric. Worsted-wool fabrics are measured by the number of times the yarn has been twisted, ranging from 80 to 220 twists. If you are looking for a suit that is better for warmer climates, look for a worsted-wool fabric in the 80s, as this is  the best option for all seasons.

For areas that are cold, a suit fabric that reaches 100 or even 200 twists of the yarn is best, as these are heavier and often more durable. The lower the number of twists, the more expensive the suit will be, so be prepared to spend more on a summer suit than on a winter suit. Investing in a suit for both warmer and cooler weather will ensure that you are set for any situation.

Fine lining is the final touch

A uniquely patterned or coloured lining in the suit jacket is an effective way to inject some personality into your outfit without being too loud or flashy. Iridescent fabrics, intriguing patterns, or stripes can make a statement when you take off your suit jacket, while still maintaining a professional and formal image.

If you prefer to stay neutral, choose a single contrasting colour as the lining of your suit is equally as effective. Be sure that the lining will not be distracting in your office,  if you have a dress-code, be sure that it will fit with the guidelines. At special occasions, feel free to be creative and look for lining that stands out and shows off your fine suit.