There are certain times that arise when you'll need to wear a suit. Whether you're attending a wedding, job interview, graduation or any other formal event, a suit is a must-have outfit for men. Unfortunately, though, some men take the wrong approach when wearing them, resulting in a lackluster appearance. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to improve the look of your suit, which we're going to reveal in this blog post.
Choose Trousers that 'Break' Your Shoes
When choosing trousers to wear with a suit, make sure the bottom "breaks" the top of your shoes. In other words, there should be a small amount of excess fabric at the bottom of your trousers, creating a distinct crease when worn over your shoes. If your suit trousers are too short, they may stop just shy of your shoes. And if they are too long, they may bunch up around your shoes. Ideally, your trousers should create just a small, single crease at the top of your shoes. This "break" is indicative of a proper length.
Match Trousers with Suit Jacket
In addition to choosing trousers that break your shoes, you should also check to make sure they match your suit jacket. The golden rule of wearing suits is to match your trousers with your jacket. If you're wearing a black-colored suit jacket, your trousers should also be black. Or if you are wearing a pinstripe jacket, your trousers should feature the same pinstripe design -- you get the idea. Don't make the mistake of wearing mismatching trousers and a suit jacket.
High-Quality Dress Shirt
While technically not a part of a suit, a dress shirt is a key component of this outfit. Don't just choose any dress shirt, though. Make sure it's comfortable, durable and flows cohesively with the rest of your suit. A high-quality dress shirt is essential when wearing a suit. Some guys try to cut corners by wearing low-quality dress shirts, only to discover that it sticks out by creating a messy, unkempt appearance. If you're going to wear a suit, make sure you pair it with a high-quality dress shirt. A name brand, 100% cotton dress shirt is always a great choice. Just remember to choose a color that doesn't clash with the rest of your suit.
Choose a V-Neck Undershirt
Following that same principle, it's also worth mentioning that you should wear a v-neck undershirt with a suit. Keep in mind that there's no rule -- written or unwritten -- stating that you must wear an undershirt with a suit. On the contrary, many guys prefer to go without one, especially when it's hot outside. However, a v-neck undershirt can still offer some benefits, such as keeping you warm during the otherwise chilly fall and winter months as well as concealing perspiration. For these reasons, some guys prefer to wear an undershirt with their suit. But if you're going to wear an undershirt, choose a v-neck cut so it's not visible. Traditional crew neck cuts may "poke" out from the top of your shirt, resulting in an awkward appearance. This is easily avoided, however, by sticking with v-neck cut undershirts.
Watch the Wrinkles
You can wear a premium, name brand suit, but all your efforts are for nothing unless it's wrinkle-free. Wearing a wrinkled suit is perhaps the biggest fashion faux pas made my men today. So, always press or otherwise de-wrinkle your suit before wearing it. You can refer to the care label for specific instructions on how to de-wrinkle your suit. Normally, though, most suits require dry-cleaning, in which case you should have your suit dry-cleaned before wearing it.
Wear a Thin Belt
Even if your suit trousers stay securely around your waist, it's still a good idea to wear a belt. A belt helps to define your waistline wile breaking up the otherwise monotonous color of your trousers and suit jacket. There are two things to remember when wearing a belt with a suit, however. First and foremost, choose a color that contrasts with your outfit. If you're wearing a charcoal-colored suit with a white shirt, for instance, try wearing a black belt. Secondly, stick with a thin belt, as this creates a slimmer and more complete appearance than a wide belt. Following these two simple rules make a world of difference in your appearance.
Choose the Right Fit
Perhaps the most important thing to consider when choosing a suit is the fit. If it's too big or too small, it's not going to help you in creating an attractive appearance. The problem, however, is that most stores sell off-the-rack suits, meaning they use standard sizes that don't always fit. Sure, you may get lucky and find an off-the-rack suit that fits just right, but this rarely happens. So, how do you get the perfect fit? One option is to take your suit to a professional tailor, though another option is to buy your suit here at StudioSuits. We offer custom sizing on all suits at no additional charge. You provide us with your body measurements, and we'll use those measurements to create the perfect fit.
Wear a Necktie
Although there are a few exceptions, you generally need to wear a necktie with a suit. When choosing a necktie, however, stick with a thin cut that stops at your belt. Wide neckties look awkward and unattractive, but a thin necktie will help to create a slimmer and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Complete Your Look with a Pocket Square
Finally, place a pocket square in your suit jacket to complete your look. This otherwise simple accessory helps to define your appearance by adding new color and style. Best of all, pocket squares are inexpensive and readily available at most suit stores. However, the color of your pocket square should be darker than your shirt; otherwise, it's not going to offer any real benefit to your appearance.
