BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
Men’s suits are designed to be classic and timeless. Your body and build decide the proper style and fit. Before diving into the specifics of a good fit, it’s important to understand the basic types and styles of men’s suits. The most common types are the two-piece and the three-piece suits. A two-piece suit includes a jacket and pants. It’s versatile and fits well for many formal occasions. Meanwhile, a three-piece suit includes an additional waistcoat and is a common choice for formal events. When wearing a waistcoat, ensure your pants sit higher on your waist so no shirt shows between the waistcoat and slacks.
3-Piece Italian Suit – Barcelino
For formal occasions, a dark suit in navy blue, charcoal, and black is a timeless choice. Navy and charcoal suits offer a professional look suitable for business events. A black suit is perfect for the most formal occasions, providing a sleek and classic appearance.
Suits also come in single-breasted and double-breasted styles. Single-breasted suits are more common and feature a notch lapel. They can be worn with or without a tie, but a tie is preferred for formal settings. Double-breasted suits are more formal and have a peak lapel. They always require a tie and add a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe.
Taupe Suit in Light Super 150s Wool
When selecting a suit, the key is to find a style that matches the event and your personal taste. Understanding these basic types will help you make an informed choice and enhance your look.
According to Vardo.com, 36% of fashion-conscious men are now adding a double-breasted suit to their wardrobe, showing the resurgence of this classic style.-breasted men’s suits typically feature a notch lapel and offer versatility, allowing you to wear them with or without a tie. However, a tie is always preferred when adhering to dress codes. On the other hand, double-breasted suits are more formal, featuring a peak lapel and always requiring a tie. They have made a significant comeback in men’s fashion.
A well-fitted suit is essential for a polished look and comfort. Your suit jacket should fit smoothly in the chest, shoulders, arms, and waist without being too tight. Many men make this common mistake with modern suits. The jacket collar should lie flat against your dress shirt collar with no gaps, ensuring a clean, sharp appearance.
Double Breasted Suit in “4-2” Style
The sleeve length is also crucial. A small portion of your dress shirt should show below the cuff of your suit jacket. To achieve this, the body of the jacket should extend down to about the middle knuckle of your thumb when your arms are at your side. This helps maintain a balanced silhouette.
Shirt Sleeves Showing – Proper Fit
Dress pants should fit comfortably, allowing for ease of movement. Avoid slim-fit pants that hug your legs too tightly, as they can create an uneven look compared to your suit jacket. Instead, opt for pants that offer a smooth, streamlined appearance.
Knowing your measurements is key. For instance, I usually wear a 42 Regular or 42 Long in suit jackets, depending on the brand. For dress pants, my size is a 33 waist and 33 length. These measurements can help you find the right fit off the rack and make necessary alterations easier.
Tailoring is often needed after purchasing a suit. Common alterations include adjusting the sleeve length and the pant length to ensure everything fits perfectly. Jacket sleeves and dress pants are typically longer so a tailor can adjust them to your exact measurements.
Focusing on these details will help you find a suit that looks great and feels comfortable.
Only Button The Top Button
When buttoning your suit jacket, follow these simple rules: always button the top button and leave the bottom one undone for a two-button suit. For a three-button suit, fasten the middle button only. These simple rules keep your suit looking sleek and allow you to move comfortably.
The structure of your suit jacket is another key aspect. There are different types of canvassing, such as full canvas, half canvas, and unstructured. Full and half canvas suits have a layer inside that gives the jacket its shape and helps it drape better over your body. Unstructured jackets, on the other hand, have no canvas and offer a more casual look, which can be great for less formal occasions. However, they might not provide as much structure, which can be tricky for men with narrower shoulders.
Shoulder padding is another consideration. Formal suits usually have some padding in the shoulders to create a sharp, defined look. This padding helps balance the overall silhouette, especially for men who may not have naturally broad shoulders. Casual suits, often made from cotton blends, might have little padding, offering a more relaxed appearance.
Understanding these aspects can help you choose the right suit for any occasion. Remember, the right fit and structure will enhance your look and provide the comfort you need to wear your suit confidently.
Dress pants should fit comfortably to allow easy movement, much like your suit jacket. A bad fit in dress pants is a common mistake that many men make. They often choose slim-fit pants that hug the legs too tightly. This can create an uneven silhouette, especially with a well-fitted suit jacket. Instead, opt for pants that provide a smooth and streamlined appearance without being too tight or loose.
TOO SLIM – “Skinny Fit”
When styling your dress pants, it’s important to think about the overall look you want to achieve. The right shoes can significantly enhance the right suit. For instance, black shoes should always be worn with black suits. Brown shoes, however, are versatile and can be paired with navy and gray suits, offering a stylish contrast that’s perfect for both business and special occasions.
Proper “drape” of dress pants
Knowing your measurements is key to finding dress pants that fit well. For example, I wear a 33 waist and a 33 length. These measurements ensure that my dress pants fit comfortably at the waist and are the right length, hitting just above the shoe without bunching up.
When wearing a waistcoat with your suit, your pants should sit higher on your waist. Make sure your shirt never shows between the waistcoat and slacks. This creates a clean and polished look and ensures you adhere to formal dress codes.
Focusing on the fit and style of your dress pants can elevate your overall appearance and achieve a cohesive and stylish look.
Men’s Suits come in two main options: off-the-rack or custom-made. Most men buy suits off the rack and then have them altered by a tailor to ensure a good fit. Knowing your suit measurements can greatly improve how well your suit fits. For example, depending on the brand, I usually wear a 42 Regular or 42 Long jacket. For dress pants, I wear a 33 waist and 33 length.
A custom-made or bespoke suit offers a perfect fit, tailored to your exact measurements. This process often involves three to four fittings and starts at $3500. It might seem pricey, but the result is a suit that fits you like a glove.
“Made To Measure” Trial Suit – 2nd Fit
When buying off the rack, expect to make some alterations. Tailors usually adjust sleeve and pant lengths since these parts are often made longer for easy adjustments. Having your measurements handy helps the tailor make precise changes.
The right suit can look even better with a few custom touches. You can choose the type of canvassing for your suit jacket, such as full canvas or half canvas, which affects how the jacket drapes over your body. Another option is an unstructured jacket, which offers a more casual look without a canvas layer.
Unstructured Hopsack Jacket
Tailoring can make a big difference in how you feel in your suit. A suit that fits well allows for easy movement and enhances your overall appearance. By paying attention to these details, you can make sure your suit fits perfectly and looks great for any formal occasion.
Enhancing your style with patterns and fabrics can add a unique touch to your wardrobe. Patterns like houndstooth, pinstripes, and checks bring an element of interest to your suit. For instance, a gray suit with a subtle pinstripe can add sophistication while remaining appropriate for business settings.
Full Canvas Suit Jacket
Different fabric weaves also offer various textures and looks. Wool is a classic choice, known for its durability and comfort. It’s perfect for formal occasions and can be worn year-round. For a more casual appearance, consider cotton blends. These are lightweight and breathable, making them great for warmer weather.
When selecting fabrics, consider the event and your comfort. For formal occasions, choose high-quality materials like wool or cashmere. These fabrics drape well and provide a polished look. To stand out on special occasions, experiment with more unique patterns or blends.
Remember, the right combination of patterns and fabrics can elevate your style and make your suit more versatile. By understanding these options, you can build a wardrobe that suits your personal taste and keeps you looking sharp.