There are many situations where you may need a suit, but how can you wear one? This complete guide explains how to wear a suit.
When it’s time to suit up, you want to look your best. But do you know how to wear a suit — and wear it well? When you understand sizing and accessorizing, you can look dapper for your next event.
Read on to find the complete guide on how to wear a suit!
Understand How a Suit Should Fit
When you try on a suit, pay attention to the fit in the shoulders, sleeves, and torso. You don’t want to see fabric puckering at the shoulders, for instance. And you’ll look boxy if shoulder seams extend past your shoulders.
The average male is 5’9″ tall. If you’re shorter than that, you want to choose a suit jacket that is on the shorter side, too. This means that your suit shouldn’t drop beneath your crotch — or else you’ll look shorter!
On the other hand, if you’re taller, you can afford to go with a longer suit jacket. And that includes the trousers, too. You want your trousers to break when they hit your shoes.
Avoid trousers that are too short since they will shorten your legs. Likewise, avoid sleeves that reveal too much of the button-down shirt beneath your jacket. Whether you go with a double-breasted or three-piece suit, make sure it fits your body properly!
Learn How to Measure Suit Size
Getting a suit fitting is critical because it ensures a flattering appearance. A suit that bunches up around the buttons or armholes could indicate a suit that’s too tight. And a suit that’s too loose will look unprofessional and sloppy.
Measure your neck, waistline, and chest. Additionally, you’ll need to know the numbers on your back and sleeve length. Finally, be sure to measure the inside of your leg length so your pants fit well.
When you’re shopping and checking suit sizes, you may see a number like 38R. This means that the suit fits a chest measurement of 38 inches. And the suit jacket’s length is regular.
Beyond mere numbers, there are a few rules to keep in mind, too. For starters, avoid suits that are boxy in the torso. A good tailor can trim the cut so there is a flattering gap between your arms and torso.
You also want to make sure that your shirt collar fits snugly within the suit jacket collar. If it doesn’t, your jacket may be too big in the collar and chest area.
It pays to have a tailor adjust the fit of a suit you buy off the rack. Just remember that when it comes to suit fitting, it’s easier to chop off fabric than it is to add it.
Choose the Right Color
How do you choose the style and color of your suit? Some of this will depend on where you’re wearing it. And some of this boils down to personal preference.
For a more dramatic and polished look, choose a suit color that contrasts against your skin color. But stay away from a black suit if you have very fair skin since you may look washed out. Similarly, people with darker skin tones may lose out on contrast if they opt for a black suit.
Gray suits can strike a good middle ground — and they look good on just about everyone. Choose a deeper gray if you are paler, and a lighter gray if you have a darker complexion.
Other neutral tones like brown, burgundy, and navy can look crisp and professional. Test out some shirts, shoes, and ties to assemble the right look for your needs. Keep colors monochrome and simple for fancier events.
If you’re feeling bold, you can find suits in anything from pastels to bright primary colors. Pair a suit with a metallic shirt or some crazy socks to make a bold fashion statement. And regardless of suit color, make sure that you never button the bottom button on your suit!
Discover How to Wear a Suit with the Right Accessories
While the jacket and trousers are a vital part of your ensemble, accessories make the suit! From designer glasses to lapel pins, you can add detailed touches that will help you stand out from the crowd.
Add a watch for a touch of elegance. A leather band can warm up a suit, while a gold band will suggest wealth and call attention to itself. Cufflinks and tie clips can serve a similar purpose.
Why not add a lapel pin or pocket square for another touch of personal style? A lapel pin can introduce patterned fabric or a flower to the lapel of your suit. It should complement the colors and patterns of your tie since it will sit near it.
And a pocket square sits within your breast pocket — and it adds color, patterns, and texture. Think of it as an update on the handkerchief. Go for bold patterns if your suit is neutral, but stay with a single color if your suit is patterned.
You don’t need to stick with the traditional silk tie, either. If you know where to find a knitted tie, you can sport a unique twist on tradition that will soften your look. Reach for polka dots or retro patterns to stand out from the crowd!
Find the Perfect Suit
When you know how to wear a suit, you can dress to impress. And with the right tie, lapel, or cufflinks, you can make your suit work for any occasion. Spend some time trying on options — and find a tailor to help you make your suit fit perfectly!
For more tips to craft the perfect sense of style, check back for new and helpful articles.