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How to choose the perfect suit
Finding the right suit is an essential
task for any modern man, and can
be the difference between looking
like a dapper gent or a fashion fail.
Elliot Suiter, director at online tailor,
InStitchu.co.uk, goes through the top
ten tips for buying a new suit
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE
LOOKING FOR
The most important thing to
think about when buying a
suit is to have in mind what
you want it for. Will it be
for work, a wedding, general
leisure, or a combination of
all three?
If you are looking for an allpurpose suit, go for a charcoal
one as it’s the most versatile
colour across the board.
LOOK OUT FOR THE
QUALITY OF THE
MATERIAL
The difference in price for
suits is usually down to
the fabric you choose. The
quality of wool is measured in
super (S) numbers. Anything
from a super 100 to 140 will
be durable, and suitable for
wearing all year round.
Wool is a breathable fabric,
so aim for 100% if possible.
Try to steer away from
polyester as it doesn’t breathe
as well, especially in the
summer months.
WHAT STYLE WOULD
YOU LIKE?
There are many variations
in the style and cut of a suit,
so deciding what you want
the suit for will determine
its design.
For example a peak lapel
is a more formal design for
weddings etc., whereas a
notch lapel is for work and
everyday use.
Adding a ticket pocket is
also a fashionable choice
This may sound obvious, but many
men do not know what a well fitting suit
looks, or even feels like
at the moment, so do your
research and see what suits
are the best fit for your
personality.
MAKE SURE THE SUIT IS
WELL FITTED
This may sound obvious but
many men do not know what
a well fitting suit looks, or
even feels like. The idea is to
have the fabric drape to the
contours of your body, not
pull everything in.
Perhaps the most important
measurement is the shoulders
as this is where the suit will
hang from.
Make sure that you try
to have a bit of shirt cuff
on display, and don’t have
your trousers too long. They
should be just long enough to
touch the heel of your shoe.
A HANDY FITTING TIP
Many men are unsure about
what the correct length of
a suit jacket should be. As
a guide, when you let your
arms hang by your side, you
should be able to cup the
bottom of the jacket.
BE ON THE BUTTON
The number of buttons you
have on a jacket is dependent
on your height. Two buttons
are the norm today but taller
men may wish to opt for
three. However, the golden
rule is that you never do up
the bottom button.
It is also a good piece of
advice to have only one button
for tuxedos and sports coats.
MAKE SURE YOU GET
THE RIGHT CUT
There are three major styles
of cut - American, British and
Italian. Their use is dependent
on what shape body you have.
We prefer a British cut. That
means two vents at the back
of the jacket. It will hug your
waistline yet still give you
freedom when walking.
TRY THE SUIT ON
CORRECTLY
It is surprising how many guys
do not know how to try a suit
on. It is far easier to tell if a
suit looks good when wearing
a proper shirt and shoes.
Don’t try the jacket on with
jeans or trainers, this will not
give you the right idea of how
the complete package will look.
STAY AWAY
FROM PLEATS
Avoid pleats as they lo