It starts with the understanding of one’s own body shape (if you are purchasing a suit for someone else, get those measurements & proportions right). Take note of the proportionality between upper and lower body, and the width of the shoulders and back in relation to the hips & waist. With body shape considered, one moves onto the next variable.
Getting acquainted with fashion trends will help keep one’s look relevant and timely. “That old brown suit your dad gave you” is not gonna cut it. Learn the terminology and the trends/meanings behind certain cuts and shapes. Pair your research with your knowledge of your body shape. This is especially important if you are purchasing a suit from a department store like Woolworths or Edgars or Markhams. These suits are relatively affordable when compared to the creation & purchasing of a custom-tailored suit (The suit is made for you exclusively). Suits in this latter category fetch more interesting price tags, but the benefit is … well its custom!
Next up is colour. Black is for formal do’s and church, while grey and blue are more universally useable. Light coloured suits in tan and brown hues are tough to purchase. One must take skin colour into account as well. A red man in a red suit or blazer will undoubtedly be a little sore on the eyes. A white suit belongs in the 80’s. You sir, are not from Miami Vice…
Another thing to consider is the quality. A bespoke tailor – having mastered the craft – will to tell you that a well-made suit is not just about looking good; it should be hardwearing and durable. The right combination of suit fabrication and maintenance will ensure you have a clothing item that will last as long as you do.
On the issue of fabric, know this: certain fabrics are meant for certain functions. You’ll die in a polyester suit in summer, or be frozen to death in winter with linen in your suit. Some materials’ density ultimately plays apart in the comfort factor of the suit. Remember that. Coming through in a suit borne from poor decision-making, is immediately recognisable. This makes you immediately dismissible. In the purchase mode, one should note that the goal of every man should be to have a few suits. Having more than one suit also makes the decision-making process a little easier as well – not putting pressure on one suit to fulfill multiple responsibilities.
Below is a primer on fabric choices and the benefits of each kind. Last to point out is that suits often come in blends of fabric – chiefly all carrying some kind of cotton in ‘em. This gives you the benefit of good ventilation of one kind of fabric, with hard-wearing qualities another for instance. Good luck dear gent-in-training.
Cotton
If you want your suit to have a pleasurable and comfortable fit and feel, this is the material of choice. It is considered to be light and well ventilated
Polyester
It is one of the less expensive fabrics in its class that is not susceptible to to shrinking or wrinkling. For those who are trying to get the best quality but for a far more reasonable price, this type of fabric is the best choice for you.
Tweed
The material is another type of wool but only heavier. Tweed is great in creating a suit for those European winter travels. Aside from the fabric being thicker, warmer and water resistant, it is also a preferred fabric because of its acclaimed durability.
Wool
One of the most versatile of all fabric types. A suit made from wool can be worn in the summer or winter. Aside from its versatility, wool is also known to be durable and wrinkle resistant.
Cashmere
An extremely popular type of fabric, which is known to be extremely comfortable and soft.
Linen
In the summer seasons, linen is the material of choice. Light and moisture-resistant, this would be a perfect choice for your summer suit. It is also easier washing machine friendly
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