subject: Top 5 Things To Consider When Selecting A Suit [print this page] Yes, hard work and ingenuity are also important factors, but youve got to get someone to take you seriously before you can show them what youve got. How well your suits fit you plays an extremely large role in how others perceive you. You want to look like youre already successful, whether you are or not, and you cant do it in a suit that looks like you rescued it from your old roommates give away box.
So, to get you headed in the right direction, lets look at some things you should consider when you are shopping for suits. Try to account for as many of the following criteria as possible off the rack, then take your new wares to a good tailor to polish off the look.
Make Sure the Suit Fits
This means in general. You need to look professional, but not like you are stuffed into your suit. Make sure there is enough allowance in the cut of the garments so that you can bend, flex, and otherwise move without being restricted. At the other end, dont get too comfortable with baggy pants and jackets or youll just look sloppy.
A Look at The Trousers
Trousers of your suits should be form fitting but not tight. They should also cover the length of your leg without extending past your shoe. To make sure you have the right waist size, try on the trousers and insert 2 fingers in the waistband. If you have to suck in your stomach or can fit more than 2 fingers in there, you need a different size. Favor pleated fronts if you are a bit heavy and steer clear of them if you are very thin.
Selecting The Shirt
Whether you plan on keeping your jacket buttoned or not, you must have a good dress shirt. Sizing shirts is a topic all on its own, but the general idea is to have the cuffs touch the base of your thumb and make sure the neck is the right size. Choose several colors that will complement your suits rather than detract from them.
Respect the Jacket
Your suit jacket may very well be the first thing others notice about you, so you better make darn sure it fits well. Your sleeves need to fit so that a small portion of your shirt cuff extends past the jacket sleeve. Your jacket should also be tailor fitted to your waist, whether you are using 2, 3, or 4 buttons. A tailored fit makes the suit look more expensive and makes you look more put together.
Get The Right Fabric
You may have a suit that fits you perfectly, but if it is made of the wrong fabric it will still look ill fitting. Wools are best for suits as they are hard wearing and resistant to wrinkling. If the weather is warmer, you may choose a linen shirt for your suits, but linen does wrinkle very easily. Keep these pointers in mind when selecting your next set of suits and youll have a wardrobe that is custom made to impress.
