How to Determine a Quality Men’s Suit
Now here’s a dilemma a lot of men face in this day and age – trying to pick up a suit that not only fits them, but actually suits them. Suits should compliment a man aesthetically and professionally. Throughout the course of this article I will be aiding you with some easy to follow tips that are sure to help you on the hunt to finding the perfect suit. Remember, a suit is an investment and this article will try to provide you with the information to make a proper selection.
Rule number #1
Decide if you want a ‘READY TO WEAR’ or a ‘CUSTOM’ suit. If you’re unsure, let me explain the pros and cons of both:
Ready to wear suits – These are the standard suits that you find in the department stores. They are usually based on templates and are in accordance to the most popular sizes in the retail market. The options are endless, but sometimes finding the proper fitting suit can be difficult. If you have a particular fit in mind, a custom suit might be an easier and more fashionable option. Ready to wear suits are more accessible and more affordable but sometimes harder to size. If you are open to styles and fits, ready to wear suits are the best option for you.
Custom suits– Custom suits are professionally tailored to fit your body in the fabric and fit that you request. You work directly with a tailor and design the suit from scratch. Custom suits allow you to have complete control over every design decision. Custom suits are much more expensive and time consuming than ready to wear suits. You have to have a clear, concise idea of the fit and fabric you want so that you can work directly with your tailor. Now, you’ve selected your style of suit. Now how to actually pick one?
Select a jacket style
You have a few options when it comes to jacket styles. There is the double breasted jacket and the 2,3,4 button combination suit jackets. Double breasted jackets are more traditional whereas the three button suits are more modern. Try on a few different styles and find the style that suits you best. Larger men seem to prefer the double breasted jackets for more room and an easier fit. Slimmer men prefer the 3 button suit because it is lighter and sleeker.
Select a color and pattern
Menswear fabric is typically neutral and comes in blacks, greys, browns and navys. There are a number of patterns like pinstripes, tweeds and houndstooth. Keep an eye out for patterns that you like but remember that it is completely acceptable to have a solid colour suit. If you decide to go with a pattern, keep it small, subtle and neutral. Decide on whether you want a cotton, wool or linen suit. Wool suits are the most universal choice.
Check the fabric quality
Allow yourself the courtesy to properly feel the fabric and see how it moves with your body. Make sure that it’s comfortable next to your skin and that it doesn’t irritate you. The fabric shouldn’t be too stiff. A proper suit should be very comfortable to wear.
A Final Note
Try the suit on for size and check the fit. You can decide whether you want shoulder padding or not. Modern slim fitting suits don’t have padding and have a sleeker fit. It is up to you whether you want a traditional or modern suit. Make sure the collar lays flat on your neck and isn’t to low or too high, and manages to show the right amount of shirt collar which is around 25%.
Button the jacket, move around to ensure comfort, and sit down to check that it doesn’t crumple and isn’t too tight. Congratulations, you’re ready to buy a suit. Happy suit hunting!
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