Finding The Perfect Suit

A great suit will feel like a suit of armor – it gives you a whole different level of swagger. Nothing makes you feel more like a confident man than when in a killer suit.So read on to make sure you know exactly what to look for to ensure that your next suit is one of the best of your life.

Step 1: Know Why You’re Buying A Suit

A suit is kind of a big purchase for a man, so this means you need to know as much as you can about choosing the right one before shopping. Otherwise, you may end up with a suit that won’t look or feel right, and end up in your closet rack for decades without use.

Step 2: Deciding What You Want

Do you know if you want one button, two buttons, or three buttons? Do you want a peak lapel? Do you want side vents? What kind of fabric and color do you want?

 a.Choose Your Fabric

If this is your first suit, then stick with a wool suit because it can be worn year-round. Cotton suits should only be worn in the spring, summer, and fall. There are even more choices out there like linen suits which are best for summer days or flannel to keep you warm during harsh winter chills. A wool suit will give you the most for your money, so start there.

b. Choose The Number of Buttons

Three-button suits- If you’re going to get a three button suit, instead of opting for one of those high-cut versions, look for one with a roll-over lapel—one in which you button the middle button, encouraging the soft lapel to roll over the top button. 

.Two-button suits-The two-button suit is what most guys should wear. Every fashion label imaginable is designing two-button suits, except they’re making them more streamlined and modern, so you’ll see a lot of these around. .

One-button suit-The one-button suit exists, but it’s not for everyone. It’s something you should buy only if you’re in a creative job where the environment is less conservative. If you can pull it off, it’s a sleek look.

c. Choose Your Lapel Type

Avoid narrow and extra wide and keep it somewhere in the middle. Also consider whether you prefer a notched lapel – which is customary – or a more dramatic peaked version.

d. Do You Want Single or Double-Breasted?

The single breasted suit should be your default choice for both work and play. The double-breasted version is a dashing, continental choice that’s chic, but not for men on the shorter or heavier side as it adds fabric to your midsection.

e. Cuffs or No Cuffs?

Cuffs add weight to the bottom of your pants, helping it to hang properly. They’re better for taller guys, but not for shorter guys because it shortens the silhouette of the legs.

Step 3: Know Your Exact Measurements.

A suit jacket size is determined by measuring the thickest part of your chest in inches.

1. Begin by measuring just under your armpits and across the chest and over the shoulder blades. Just relax and don’t flex. Make sure you keep the tape measure parallel to the floor when you do this. This will help assure you’re measuring the thickest part of the chest area.

2. You should take an overarm measurement where you place the tape measure over the outside of your arms at your sides and across the thickest part of your chest. Once you have this measurement subtract 7 inches to receive a corresponding chest measurement. Then compare this measurement with the chest measurement and take the larger of the two.

3. Trouser sizes are determined by measuring the waist at the belt line. In most cases, the belt line will be found just on top of your hip bones.

Step 4: Purchasing The Suit

If you’re not used to buying suits, a good place to start looking is a department store, for example Barney’s, Bloomingdales or Saks has a vast selection. Step into the store and take a look at the different styles and types of suits they have. See what grabs your attention. Look at prices. Ask for a salesman when you’re good and ready.

Step 5: Take It To The Tailor

After choosing a suit that’s an exceptional fit, you may want to take it to a tailor for some final touches. You will always have more versatility with a suit that fits you well (a bit on the slim side) because it gives you the option to dress the jacket down with a pair of jeans.

If your pants are an inch or too wide or too tight, a tailor can usually fix them, but don’t buy ones that are more than an inch too big or small (it will look bad even after alterations).

After you have had it altered, don’t forget to try it on again before leaving.