Are you looking to buy a new suit jacket? There's no denying the fact that a suit jacket is an essential component of a two- and three-piece men's suit. However, you need to choose the right type of jacket to ensure it matches and flows cohesively with the rest of your outfit. With dozens of different styles, however, finding the "perfect" jacket can be difficult. So, consider the following things when choosing a suit jacket to find the perfect type.
Jacket, Blazer or Sports Coat
There are three different forms of outerwear that can be worn with a suit: a suit jacket, blazer or sports coat. While all three may look similar, they are some stark differences distinguishing them from one another. A sports coat, for instance, is the least formal of the three, making it a poor choice for a truly formal suit. A blazer, on the other hand, is dressier than a sports coat but still less formal than a suit jacket. So, stick with a suit jacket if you want to create a completely and formal appearance.
Is It Sold with Trousers?
Something else to consider when choosing a suit jacket is whether or not it's sold with matching trousers. When shopping for a suit jacket, you'll probably discover that many styles and brands are sold with matching trousers. Known as a two-piece suit (or three-piece when a waistcoat is also included), this takes the burden of trying to find the perfect match off your shoulders. Rather than scouring countless different retail and department stores in search of matching trousers, you'll have them included with the jacket. On the other hand, if you choose to buy your suit jacket separately -- as a single item -- you'll have to find a pair of trousers to match, which may or may not be difficult depending on the style.
The Shoulders
Don't forget to check the shoulders when choosing a new suit jacket. Why is this important? Well, many jackets feature shoulders that are either too big or too small, depending on the person who is wearing them. If they are too small, you may not be able to fully extend your arms, which can make the jacket uncomfortable to wear. On the other hand, if the shoulders are too big, it will look awkward and unflattering, creating what's known as the "clothes hanger effect." The oversized jacket will appear to hang off your body, like your body is a clothes hanger. To prevent these and other problems from occurring, make sure the shoulders of the jacket lie flat.
The Length
Of course, you should also consider the length when choosing a suit jacket. Granted, some suit jackets are naturally longer than others -- and that's okay. Some men prefer wearing these long jackets as opposed to shorter jackets. But if your suit jacket is excessively long while the rest of your outfit is short, it's not going to look right. A good rule of thumb is to choose a suit jacket that stops about 6 to 8 inches past your waist. This offers a balanced level of comfort and style that most men prefer. With that said, it's perfectly fine to experiment with different jacket lengths. Just remember that you usually have your jacket tailored to make it shorter, but you cannot have it tailored to make it longer.
The Material
What material is the suit jacket made of? As you may have guessed, suit jackets are made of a variety of fabrics and materials. One of the most common and popular fabrics in which suit jackets are made is 100% cotton. Cotton jackets are soft, lightweight, comfortable and easy to maintain. However, for winter weather use, many men prefer wool jackets. Wool is heavier and more durable than its cotton counterpart, making it a particularly excellent choice for the winter weather. Cotton and wool are just two of many materials in which suit jackets are made. Others include corduroy, tweed and linen. Familiarize yourself with the different materials and their respective pros and cons to determine which one is right for you.
Off the Rack or Made to Measure?
Suit jackets are often sold as either off the rack or made to measure. Retail and department stores typically only offer off the rack suit jackets. As the name suggests, off-the-rack jackets are sold "as is" and without any customization to the size. Made-to-measure jackets, however, are customized based on the customer's body measurements. If you're interested in buying a made-to-measure suit jacket, check out our selection here at
StudioSuits. Unlike most retail and department stores, we offer customization on all of our jackets at no additional charge. You tell us your measurements, and we'll use those measurements to create the perfect sized jacket. This means you get the perfect fit every time, so long as you provide us with your correct body measurements.
Quality
Don't assume that all suit jackets offer the same level of quality. Some jackets are made with higher quality materials and craftsmanship than others. And while you can expect to pay more for these higher quality, this is usually an instance in which you get what you pay for. Yes, you'll have to pay more for a high-quality suit jacket, but it will last longer and offer greater comfort and better utility than its lower quality counterparts.
Color
Perhaps one of the most important things to consider when choosing a suit jacket is the color. Normally, black suit jackets are classified as the most formal, making them a popular choice among businessmen. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that black is the only color from which to choose. Navy and other forms of blue are also popular choices. Moreover, you can find suit jackets available in white, green, gray, taupe and various prints. These are just a few things to consider when choosing a new suit jacket.
