Published by Allen Brown
At first glance, going suit shopping may not seem like a big deal. After all, you’ve probably spent your whole life seeing men wear suits, whether it’s on your dad, in ads, or even on your block as they go to work. The time has come for you to step up your game, whether it’s for a job interview or your first day on the job when proper office attire is expected. With so many options and factors to consider, the selection process can quickly become overwhelming.
It’s a lot like buying groceries. Buying a suit is an important life choice that you will have to live with for quite some time; it is also an expensive and subjective matter. If you want to look your best in a suit, it’s important to know exactly what you want before you go shopping. Follow this guide to find the perfect men’s business suit for you.
1. Choosing the Right Suit Style
There are two main designs of men’s business suits—the single-breasted suit and the double-breasted suit. You should choose one that best suits your demands and expectations.
A single-breasted suit is characterised by a small cloth overlap and a single collar. This style is great for both professional and social settings, since it is conservative and adaptable. A double-breasted suit, on the other hand, has two rows of buttons that are joined by a wide overlap on the sides. This style is also quite popular and is ideal for achieving a formal, business-like appearance.
2. The Right Fabric Matters
There are two layers of cloth in a suit: the outside layer and the inside lining. The exterior fabric is what people can see and feel. It enhances the suit’s overall appearance and determines how well the suit operates in different climates. To put it simply, it can be the deciding factor between a hot, sweltering suit and one that’s cool and pleasant to wear.
The outer layer is typically made from materials such as cotton, wool, linen, microfiber, or a blend of these. For the lining, the interior fabric layer, the best materials are either silk or Bemberg. Different materials provide varying degrees of formality, affordability, breathability, wrinkle resistance, and durability, among many other features and performance levels.
3. Fit is King
A perfect fit is important when selecting a business suit. The key is to never feel uncomfortable. Wearing a suit that is too constricting can make a person seem ugly. You can tell whether a suit is a good fit by looking at how it falls about your shoulders and hugs the chest and waist.
A fitting suit should have the correct sleeve length. The sleeves should fall just below the wrists. Shoulder straps shouldn’t cross over your shoulders; a properly fitting jacket should touch your shoulder bones. The chest should have enough space to breathe, and the waist shouldn’t be too snug.
4. Colour & Pattern Choices
Men should dress conservatively for the workplace and avoid anything too showy. Keeping your style modest and subtle is key to looking professional. Typically, business suits come in dark colours, such as dark grey or navy blue.
You should consider a few factors before settling on a colour for your work suit. Different skin tones look better in different colours. Suits with lighter shades, such as blue or green, complement men with fair complexion, while those in deeper shades, like navy or black, go better with darker skin.
Take into account the specifics of your work as well. If your calendar is packed with client meetings, it’s best to wear more muted colours like black or navy. However, if your job description calls for greater creativity, colours like brown or light grey can be more appropriate.
Conclusion
A man’s business suit is all about the man. The outcome and your emotional investment in your suit should originate from inside, even if these guidelines provide a framework of the essentials to grasp. Get expert guidance, spend hours in fitting rooms, and never stop searching. Ensure that the final product reflects your personality and style.