Suits are timeless clothes. It’s stylish and classy, and can be worn during important events or activities such as for business, formal gatherings, or even casual daily wear if you feel like looking dapper. But good suits aren’t always easy on the wallet. This is why it’s important to choose the right one for you.
How to know which suit is the right one
You can’t just buy any suit, wear it, and expect it to look good right off the bat. If you’re going for the cheapest ones, you can end up with something that looks unflattering on you and falls apart after a few uses. In this case, going for the most expensive ones doesn’t mean it would fit you perfectly.
Choosing the right suit is intentional.
It’s all about finding one that fits you well, and fits the purpose of the suit. Think of the following things:
- Why are you buying the suit? Is it for daily wear? Is it for a special occasion?
- How long do you want the suit to last? How often do you intend to be wearing it?
- What is the weather like when you’re likely to be wearing it? Especially if you will be wearing a suit outdoors or in unconditioned rooms.
Finding the fit that works
Off the rack suits won’t fit everyone perfectly. Even when it does, there are still alterations that can be made to make sure your features are being emphasized well. Pay extra attention to details and look for a suit that isn’t too big, or too long. This means a good amount of room in the chest and shoulder area to accommodate your frame. The stomach area should also be fitted and not tight. The length of the jacket and sleeves should be just right.
If you’re having a hard time looking for one that fits from what is available, you can focus on the jacket shoulders first. This is because alterations to the jacket shoulders are very complex and can be expensive. In this regard, it’s also better that the length of the sleeves are longer. There are no alterations to make the sleeves larger or make the overall suit bigger. Most tailors can bring down a suit size of up to two inches. Any more than that and the proportions of the suit will look off.
Don’t forget about the pants
The pants should fall smoothly against your shoe. The most ideal appearance is a gentle break at the front of the pants, and not at the rear. Shorter pants without a break and a cuff are also fashionable, although this design fits thin and slim builds better.
Thread and fabrics
When shopping for a decent suit, one of the things you should consider is the fabric quality. Thread count is a significant factor in determining the fabric’s quality. The S-count indicates the fineness of the yarn — the finer, the softer and smoother the suit will be. The ideal thread count for daily wear is between 120 and 140. Anything more than that can make your suit more delicate and not apt for daily or long-term use.
Cheap fabric doesn’t breathe well, and can cause discomfort especially on hot days. Sweating can also cause the cloth to discolor. Additionally, polyester suits do not drape nicely, which means you will not look your best. Your best choices would be: wool, cotton or linen. Wool is a natural fiber, which means it breathes well. As a result, it is suited for use in both hot and cold climates. If durability is a priority, use worsted wool. It is a silky, compact textile but can be expensive and heavy. Suits made of cotton or linen are light and still breathe nicely and are an excellent choice for hot or warm weather. A drawback for cotton suits is that it is prone to creasing.
