There will be a moment you will need to get your first suit.
Your first job interview, your best friend’s wedding. Or being invited to some ballroom event.
A well-fitted suit with correct details will generally do the trick. With the correct rules to follow, getting your first suit isn’t hard at all.
Details
You are buying a suit for the first time. So not only does it have to fit you well, it has to.
You are confused by the many details you can choose at your tailor.
By definition, a suit is a combination of a jacket and a pair of trousers in the exact same fabric. If both pieces are closely similar and not identical, it is not a suit. To others, it is sloppiness on your part.
Colour and Pattern
I would recommend sticking to a classic color without any pattern. This will provide you the ease of matching easily with most shoes and accessories.
– Charcoal is for guys that are young and hope to look more mature
– Navy is for guys that are old and hope to look younger
I strongly do not suggest following flamboyant patterns, colors and styles you see actors wearing in movies. Unless you are a fashion genius, not many guys can don that flashy look well. You really just want to be presentable, not flashy or prominent.
If you are adventurous and really want something, I will suggest choosing subtle patterns. However not many first-timers can pull this off.
Fit
Never be contented with a suit that do not fit you. We will suggest buying a suit only if you feel comfortable with a tailor.
Only with trust and communication, can you and your tailor produce a suit with optimal fit.
Below some some points to help you get the small but important details right.
Shoulder Fit
The shoulder fit is the most important aspect of a suit. The suit should usually be half and inch beyond your shoulder.
Good tailors would usually add a small piece of canvas at the edge of the shoulder pad so the sleeve fall naturally. If you have muscular shoulders, I will suggest finding a tailor that do this to avoid ugly creases at the shoulder edge.
Torso Fit
Always do the fist test during fittings, the front of your suit should always have enough room to fit a fist comfortably.
For guys with pot belly, the most common mistake many tailors make is not measuring the front part of the belly.
By not doing so, your suit will be too loose in the front and too tight at the back. In some extreme cases, your jacket will appear too short.
Jacket Length
All you need is to stand straight and keep your hands to your sides. The length of the jacket should reach about the knuckle of your thumb.
Make sure the jacket also cover the lower curvature of your butt. However, for shorter guys, this rule does not apply if your jacket is looking too long. So do make sure you consult your tailor on the optimal length.
Points to Highlight
Even good tailors are humans and might occasionally miss out on some details. Do highlight to them the following for them to deliver a better suit.
– Uneven shoulders: This is especially so for people with prior surgery on their shoulders.
– Shoulder bones protruding from upper back
– Caved in inner-chest
All these information should be sufficient for a first timer. Yes, the entire process is a game. You have rules to follow and if you are following this article, you are in to win the suit game.
