10 Basic Rules For Wearing Suits

You can’t expect to look all dapper and gentlemanly without knowing Suiting 101. They say that “clothes maketh the man,” but that might only be true if you know the rules of wearing suits. You can look super cool when in your casual gear, but nothing makes a statement like a suit. Whether going to the office, impressing your special date or meeting your partner’s parents, the same rules of wearing suits apply. Is there anything better to look at than a man in a really nice suit? Rules for wearing suits all men need to know. A really well-fitted and carefully thought-out suit can make any guy instantly look hotter.

Here are the Top 10 Basic Rules for Wearing Suits. If you’re new to the suit wearing game, or if you’re a seasoned suit-wearing veteran but want to make sure you’re doing things right, then you need to take a look at this list, because there are suit sins that are possible to commit.

So, take a look and make sure that you’re rocking that suit as hard as you can, because all women know the truth of this statement:

1. The Overall Fit – One of the most important rules of wearing suits is having your suit fitted correctly. This is the thing you need to have in the forefront of your mind when you are purchasing a new suit. You don’t have to go with tailoring if you don’t want to, but if you can afford it, this is definitely the option to go with as it will ensure that your suit fits as nicely as possible. Tailoring pays for itself in comfort and longevity.

2. The Tie – A bold tie should be paired with a subtle shirt. Your tie bar should never be wider than your tie. Tie bars are one of the most popular suit accessories – especially for formal wear. The key here is not to go with a tie bar that stretches beyond the width of your tie. Don’t be afraid of polka dots. If you’re not going to wear a tie, then you should go with a shirt that has smaller collars. Bigger collars look naked and silly without a tie. This is one of the most obvious rules of wearing suits. Always go with the classic windsor knot for your tie, but use the size of your head to determine whether you should go half or full windsor.

3. The Pocket Square – A pocket square adds an extra level of polish, but make sure it doesn’t match your tie in either pattern or fabric choice. Do NOT over-accessorize. A pocket-square, a tie bar, and a lapel pin is too much at once. Never pair a sports watch with a suit. Ever. Get yourself a proper watch. When wearing a light-colored suit, a dark pocket square can provide a visual anchor

4. When Sitting – Always unbutton your suit before sitting down, or you risk ruining it. The bottom button of a double-breasted jacket should never be fastened

5. The Shoulders – When buying an off-the-rack suit, the number one thing to check is how the shoulders fit. Shoulder pads should end at the shoulders. The shoulders are the hardest to tailor, so make sure they don’t stick out or stick up.

6. The Jacket – There should be enough room within your jacket (with the buttons fastened) to fit your fist between the fabric and your chest. Any more room than this is too much. Any less room than this means your jacket is too tight.

7. The Pants – Your suit pants should be fitted so that you can get a finger into the waistband without too much effort. The pants should sit around your waist and not your hips. To find the right length, you need to focus on how the pants fall over your shoes. When you have the right length, there should be one fold in the fabric where the pants rest on the shoes.

8. The Material – Your choice of material should depend on the look you want to achieve, and how often you’ll be wearing the suit. Some fabrics are softer and more luxurious, while other fabrics are more durable and suitable for regular use. When looking at wool for example, check the yarn fineness; a higher yarn fineness means that the wool is softer and more delicate, while a lower fineness is more suitable for more intensive use. A patterned over coat is a great compliment to a neutral suit.

9. The Vest – If you’re wearing a vest, always keep the bottom button unbuttoned. A three piece suit can look dreary, unless the waistcoat is well-fitted and tapered close to the waist. A vest is best worn with single-breasted suits (so it’s actually visible). if you’re going to be wearing your suit in a cold climate, a vest can add a lot of warmth. It also adds a formal touch to your suit

10. Sleeve Cuffs – Sleeve cuffs should be exposed about half an inch. For a harmonious look, try to match the visible cuff length to the amount of collar that is visible at the back of the neck.