The cold temperatures and dry air can only mean one thing: winter is officially here. Whether you live on the east coast, west coast, or somewhere in between, you're probably feeling the effects of winter right now. Not only does this seasonal transition bring bone-chilling temperatures, but it also requires a different approach when choosing your outfits. So if you're planning to wear a suit this winter, here are some tips to follow. Utilizing the advice listed below will help you find the perfect winter-weather suit that's both comfortable and stylish.
The Cut
One of the first things to consider when choosing a winter-weather suit is the cut. We've talked about this before on our blog, but it's worth mentioning again that men's suits are made in one of three different cuts: off the rack, made to measure, and bespoke. An off-the-rack suit is exactly what it sounds like. It's a suit that's made using a standard sizing template and without any customizations. A made-to-measure suit, on the other hand, is made using the customer's measurements to achieve the proper style, length and horizontal measurements. A bespoke suit offers an even greater level of customization, as it's made from scratch using the customer's specified measurements and is typically cut from an actual personal pattern. Generally speaking, it's best to avoid off-the-rack suits due to their sizing problems. You may get lucky and find an off-the-rack suit that fits just right, but this rarely happens. Instead, consider buying either a made-to-measure or bespoke suit, either of which will offer a higher level of customization while subsequently enhancing your appearance. For the price, made-to-measure and bespoke suits are a smart investment that's well worth the investment.
The Fabric
Of course, you should also consider the fabric when choosing a winter-weather suit. Why is this important? Well, men's suits are made in a variety of different fabrics and materials, some of which are lightweight while others are thicker and heavier. Linen, for instance, is often touted as being the lightest fabric from which suits are made. This isn't necessarily bad. On the contrary, thin fabrics like linen are ideal for the otherwise hot summer months. For the winter season, however, it's best to avoid linen and instead stick with a thicker and heavier fabric. So, what's a good fabric to choose for a winter-weather suit? Wool is a popular choice, thanks in part to its unique characteristics. Wool is soft, durable, warm and super comfortable to wear. All of these characteristics make it the perfect choice of fabric for a men's winter-weather suit. Don't take my word for it, though. Head over to our store to begin shopping for the
perfect wool suit. It's a smart investment that's all-but-guaranteed to pay off in the form of an improved comfort and style.
Tweed is another popular fabric choice for a winter-weather suit. Granted, tweed is thinner than its wool counterpart, but nonetheless it's still warmer and thicker than most fabrics on the market. Either way, both wool and tweed are excellent fabric choices for a winter-weather suit.
The Jacket
Don't forget to choose a jacket or coat that's appropriate for the winter weather. A men's suit typically consists of thee basic garments: a coat/jacket, matching trousers, and a shirt. You should still wear other accessories and items with it (e.g. shoes and a necktie), but this is the basics of a suit. Assuming you plan on wearing a suit during the cold winter months, you should choose a jacket or coat that's thick and well-insulated; otherwise, you may find it lacking the warmth and comfort needed for this time of year. This is particularly true when wearing a suit outdoors. If you work in a job that requires you to wear a suit outdoors, you'll need a jacket or coat to protect you from the elements. If you buy your suit as a "whole" and not individual, separate pieces, it will probably come with the jacket or coat. However, if you buy your suit as separate pieces, you'll need to selectively choose your coat or jacket, in which case you should stick with a warm fabric that matches and flows cohesively with your trousers. If your trousers are wool, for instance, it's probably a good idea to stick with a similar wool coat or jacket.
The Color
Something else to consider when choosing a winter-weather suit is the color. Granted, you should always choose an appropriate suit color, but this step is even more important when you plan on wearing it during the winter. If you're attending an outdoor event and it's snowing outside, white probably isn't the best choice. The combination of white snow and a white suit creates a lackluster appearance that does you no justice. Instead, consider choosing a darker color that contrasts with the snow. Black is always an excellent choice, simply because it's classic, formal, and goes well against white backgrounds.
The Shirt
When you're busy trying to match your suit jacket or coat with your trousers, it's easy to overlook the shirt. Besides, how much of an impact will your shirt really have? The answer: more than you may realize, especially during the winter. Much like the suit jacket/coat and trousers, it's best to choose a shirt made of a thicker fabric for the winter and a shirt made of a thinner fabric for the summer. Pique cotton is a popular choice for the summer. For the winter, however, you'll need to choose an alternative fabric. Some 100% cotton shirts are made extra thick to provide greater warmth, making them ideal for this time of year. Alternatively, you can choose a shirt made of a combination of both cotton and some synthetic fabric, which can be equally as warm and comfortable. These are just a few things to consider when choosing a winter-weather suit.
