What if you could win over an entire room full of people just by walking into it?
It sounds like a dream goal for every man. And you can make that goal come true by wearing a suit that makes a statement.
Unfortunately, most men don’t know how to buy a suit that makes a statement. And even worse? They end up paying way too much and getting a suit they’re unhappy with.
Don’t worry, though. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to buying the perfect suit!
Beware the Salesman
When you first start shopping for a suit in a store, there will be plenty of sales professionals that want to help you. Here’s the thing, though: you don’t need their help!
No matter how nice and helpful he is, the salesman has a simple bottom line. He’s there to make sales! That means he’s likely to insist that a suit looks good on you, even when it doesn’t.
There will also be limits to how much suit knowledge he has, and you have no way of knowing his sense of style. Ultimately, you’re better off figuring out the suit you need by doing your own research.
Keep reading to learn more about what you need to know!
Know Your Suit Types
As you might imagine, there are plenty of different kinds of suits. You can break these down by either national influence or the actual design.
For instance, Italian suits are known for their padded shoulders and full chests. With their trademark “V” shape, these look best on those who have a slim build.
British suits also have padded shoulders, and they feature double vents, while Italian suits have no vents. These suits have a pinched waist and feature plaid or stripe patterns, so they are best for men with athletic builds who want to make a bold impression.
Then, there are the American suits. These have more natural shoulders, one vent, and lines that hang straight, making them better for men with a larger build.
Alternately, you can shop for suits by their different designs. And there are three basic suit designs: two-button, three-button, and tuxedo.
Which suit you buy is typically determined by your build, your style, and where you will be wearing the suit.
What To Look For
When you’ve narrowed things down to a handful of suits, your final decision will hinge on the little details. Here are a few of the details you should pay attention to.
First, examine the shoulders. Any shoulder pads shouldn’t go past your shoulders, and the shoulder seams should meet the sleeve seams so that it sits right and looks good.
Speaking of sleeves, be sure to check their length. You don’t want it going past the base of your thumb, and a good sleeve length will show about half an inch of the shirt underneath.
Jacket length is also very important. The jacket should hang comfortably over your bottom while extending no further down than your knuckles. If the suit is too long, it will look sloppy and sag.
How the suit closes is quite important. You want the suit to be form-fitting (or even better, tailored), but you don’t want the buttons to be obviously straining. Ideally, you can comfortably fit your hand beneath the jacket after it’s buttoned.
Now, we’re going to shift to the suit trousers. Like the jacket, it should be form-fitting without looking or feeling too tight or too loose. Check the fit in the mirror and make sure the material doesn’t look strained or sagging.
The Right Suit for the Right Job
This may be obvious, but different suits are better “suited” for different purposes. It’s important to know how you’ll be using a suit before you select the suit you wish to buy.
Someone going to a job interview, for instance, wants something that looks nice but isn’t overly expensive or glamorous. No need to risk dressing better than the person conducting the interview!
Are you going to an event that is important or formal but doesn’t require black tie? In that case, you may want to wear a double-breasted suit, as it adds some extra pizzazz to your look without going overboard.
Finally, are you going to a truly formal event where you need to dress to the nines? In that case, there’s no replacement for the tuxedo!
Once you know why you need a suit, you’ll be able to shop for the best custom suits.
Different Types of Fits
Different types of suits may identify themselves with labels such as “slim fit.” But what do these labels mean, and how does it affect what you should wear?
Slim fit suits cut out the excess fabric to give you a slimmer appearance. They make you look nice and sleek, but you may need to shop up a few sizes to find the best possible fit.
There’s the “classic” fit that most suits fall under, and most men look good in such a suit. The generous cut makes it easy and comfortable to wear.
The “modern” fit is like a compromise between slim fit and classic fit. It’s not as thin or constricting as a traditional slim fit, but it’s also not as boxy as a classic fit. This is also a good choice for someone who couldn’t find the slim fit that was best suited for their body type.
Finally, there’s the “athletic” fit. As the name implies, this is a suit that was designed to give a man plenty of freedom of movement.
That means the chest, body, and legs offer more room, and the shoulders are typically broader. This is a great fit to show off your body while still remaining comfortable!
How to Buy a Suit: The Bottom Line
Now you know the secrets of how to buy a suit that makes a statement. But do you know how else you can stand out as a man?
At IzzyWeb, we have hot tips for everything from the latest games to male grooming. To see how you can upgrade your style today, check out our articles devoted to man stuff!
