As the Wedding Season approaches, it’s essential to have a good fitting suit that can see you through the copious amount of photos, toasts and dancing. There are so many different styles and fits available that it can be difficult to know which is right for you. Read on to find your perfect suit that will see you through many occasions.
What fits are available?
Regular fit suits
These suits are cut to have a full chest and this is evident through the arms too. They’re a timeless style that can be paired with numerous shirt-and-tie combinations. The trousers to these suits often are straight leg with a pleat down the front and a classic waist band.
Tailored fit
Opting for a tailored fit gives a little more shape to the suit than a regular fit. Tailored fit suit jackets are often cut closer to the chest and fit slightly tighter on the arms, with the trousers sitting lower on the waist. The trousers also have more of a modern slim-leg.
Slim fit
The most modern of suit styles is opting for a slim fit. These are slimmer on the leg, and the jacket for this style suit is often shorter than regular fit styles with darts sewn into the back.
Whichever style you opt for, you need to ensure it fits you correctly. Key areas to check are the shoulders, make sure they fit neat without too much excess – or too little – material. Your jacket should also feel comfortable around the chest, without it looking too slouchy. Do some stretching and pull your arms around you to check it feels comfortable. The cut of your trousers should also flatter your legs, however remember these can be altered to be made shorter if you can’t find the exact leg length.
What colour and material should I go for?
Colour
Black might be the first colour you think of when you think of buying a suit, however there are many other colour options available. Navy suits have seen a rise in the style stakes in recent years, with this colour working well with a slim-fit style. Charcoal and lighter grey options are also a great stylish alternative to black, whilst you could look to opt for a statement bold colour such burgundy or a deep purple.
Material
When thinking of material options for your suit, you need to consider whether you will be wearing it for travel. If so, or you’d like to pack it up for a weekend wedding, you would be best opting for a wool and polyester mix suit which will help to resist creasing. If you are looking for a summer suit, a linen option is a great way to keep cool, although this fabric is more liable to creasing – so it might require a steam if you’re thinking of taking this suit away with you.
It’s all in the detail
Buttons
You should consider the number of buttons that are on your suit as it will affect the fit, a three button suit is good for taller men whilst a one button suit is good for smaller frames. Remember to always unbutton your suit jacket when sitting down, this will help to maintain the silhouette.
Vents
Many suits have vents at the back of the jacket which aside from providing a practical element, also help to add shape to the suit jacket. Explore different options, some jackets will have one wider vent whilst other alternatives may offer double vents.
Lapels
You have three types of lapel options available on most suits, these are notch, peak and shawl. A notch is the most common variety with the bottom of the collar and the top of the lapel at a 90’ angle, whereas peak alternatives point towards the shoulders.
Keeping your suit in tip top condition
- Although you want to keep your suit clean and well preserved, don’t take it too the dry cleaners too often as it will only wear out the fabric. The best alternative is to buy two pairs of trousers for every one suit jacket.
- Bring new life into an old and commonly worn suit by pairing it with a bright coloured shirt or tie, this is something that can be changed with the seasons so you remain on trend.
- Add accessories such as cufflinks, belts, pocket squares and tie pins to give your suit a truly pulled together feel.
- Keep your suit on a large, thick jacket hanger and place it in a suit bag before hanging up in your wardrobe to help keep the shape of the jacket.
