How a suit should fit

Your guide on how a suit should fit and the do’s and don’ts of wearing it

This month we’d like to offer some expert advice on how a suit should fit. Here are a few tips regarding certain ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of wearing a suit!

Finding the right suit size

• Measure, measure, measure! Don’t simply go with the size you think you are. Get professionally measured.

• Try suits on! It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised at the number of gents who think they know their size and just grab a suit and go. We can’t stress the importance of trying on several suits before you buy. 

• Forget the numbers! Body measurements vary between manufacturers, so when looking at how a suit should fit, it’s vital you disregard the numbers and try a range of sizes on (once you’ve been professionally measured!)  

• NEVER do “Mummy arms” to see if a suit jacket fits you! Extending your arms and lifting them away from your body will always make a sleeve rise which means it will always look short! Simply stand in a neutral position, ie. standing straight with your arms relaxed by your side.

• When it comes to wearing a suit jacket, there are some things you can do while wearing it, and some you can’t. Busting out your moves on the dancefloor definitely demands that you remove your jacket!

• Make sure the end of your trousers touch your shoe laces. Ankle swingers are fine if you’re wearing chinos and going for a relaxed look with loafers, but best avoided for formal events like weddings or job interviews. 
• Avoid too much bunch on the leg. If you have reams of material sat on your shoe, it makes you look shorter and tends to look a bit shabby. You can instantly ruin a great looking suit with trousers that are far too long! 

• Don’t look down to check your trouser leg length. Always look at yourself in a full length mirror to get a true reflection of the length and fit.

General Do’s and Don’ts

• If you’re wearing a three piece suit, please, we implore you, don’t do your jacket up! It’s unflattering on every body shape and simply isn’t how the suit is designed to be worn. Allow the jacket to sit open. This creates a panel between the jacket ending and the waistcoat, which elongates the body and helps hides any lumps and bumps. 

• Suits aren’t meant to offer blissful comfort. Don’t get us wrong, your suit shouldn’t cause you pain or be digging in here and there, but the structure should encourage you to embrace a good posture and look your best. It shouldn’t feel like lounging in your pyjamas! 

• Always tie a double Windsor knot. No excuse. If you’re not sure how to, take a look at our video. Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be tempted to tie a school boy or single Windsor knot, these just won’t do. They slip easily and look messy and unprofessional. 

• Avoid novelty cufflinks to job interviews! What you might consider funny or playful may be considered inappropriate or offensive to someone else. Always best to keep it plain and simple.
   
• Making a statement! Remember, if you’re making a statement with one item of your clothing, be sure to keep the rest of your outfit simple unless you want to end up looking like a jumble sale. Aim for understated class. A great option is to wear a fabulous suit with a subtle pattern jacket and keep the tie and shoes simple and understated. 
• White shirts are always the best option. Ensure it’s clean and ironed with every wear and always replace  if and when it begins to look a little grey…

If you’re lacking ideas or not sure where to start when it comes to suits, we’ve put together a handy Look Book to offer outfit inspiration.

Here at Astares, it’s our business to make you look and feel your best. It’s out passion and we’re very good at it (if we do say so ourselves.) Don’t just take our word for it though, check out our numerous Google Reviews and hear what our delighted customers have to say! 

We’d love to help you find your perfect outfit so why not get in touch and book your free consultation today?