Savvi Formalwear’s Guide to Buying a Suit
A suit can say a lot about a man, so choosing the perfect one is an investment. Like all investments, you want it to produce a desired return. The ROI of apparel occurs in the form of confidence and compliments. If you want to find a suit that makes a positive statement well worth the investment, you must put some thought into your choice. Color, style, detail, finish: these are all things you’ll need to be aware of in order to find a suit that works for both you and the occasion. Follow the tips below and you’ll be sure to find a suit that speaks highly of your style and sophistication.
Material
The most important aspect to consider when purchasing a suit is material. The make of a suit displays the quality of the garment and can make all the difference between looking classic or looking cheap. Make sure the fabric you choose is of high quality and proper for the season. A seersucker suit is an ideal material for summer wear, while a cashmere blend is a top pick for the winter.
Color
This may seem obvious, but color is crucial to choosing a proper suit. Certain colors are more appropriate than others depending on the occasion. For example, a dark blue suit is perfect for an interview and a light gray suit is wonderful for every day at the office during warmer months.
Style
Once you have considered the purpose and color of the suit, you should try on a couple different styles. Make sure to pay attention to detail. Take notice of the intricacies of the garment; everything from the lapel to the buttons. For example, the peak lapel is the most formal option and could be worn on your wedding day or for another very special event. If you need your suit for an interview and you are trying to play it safe, look for only one or two simple buttons down the front of the suit. Keep in mind that you should always leave the bottom button unbuttoned.
Detail
Don’t forget to examine the back of the suit. You only want about half an inch of the shirt collar showing on the back of your neck. The suit should have side vents or a center vent. Be sure to cut the string holding the vent together once you have purchased your suit. The strings are simply there to keep the material flat and looking nice on a hanger.
Accessories
Once you’ve chosen the perfect suit, it is time to consider all the accessories. You will need a tie and possibly a pocket square. Other accessories include a belt, shoes, socks, cufflinks, tie bar, and undershirt. All of these items are just as important as the suit because the accessories make the look complete. The accessories should not all be worn at the same time, but try on different combinations to decide what you prefer.
Maintenance
Once you have chosen a fabric, ask for instructions on how to take care of your suit in order to maintain its original quality. A well-tailored suit will make the difference between a call for a second interview and a rejection letter. As you try on your suit, button the front of the jacket and check for the fit in the waist and shoulders. Make sure your suit is not too tight nor too bulky. Your trousers should always be slim and the shoulders on the jacket must be narrow. If the sleeves or pant legs are too long, have them hemmed. To check that you have the proper sleeve length, confirm that about one-half inch of your shirt cuff is showing from underneath the jacket.
Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect suit to match your character, style, and occasion!