A well-fitted suit is a wardrobe staple for any man. Whether it’s for a business meeting, a wedding, or a casual evening event, knowing how to wear a suit properly can significantly elevate your style. While trends in men’s fashion may evolve, certain rules about wearing a suit remain timeless. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to wear a suit, from choosing the right fit to pairing it with the perfect accessories.
The Importance of Fit: How to Wear a Suit That Flatters
When learning how to wear a suit, one of the most important factors is ensuring it fits correctly. No matter how expensive your suit is, if it doesn’t fit you well, it will fall short. The fit determines whether your suit looks sharp or sloppy.
How To Wear A Suit: Get the Shoulders Right
The shoulder fit is critical. The shoulder seam should sit right where your shoulder naturally ends. If it’s too wide, the suit will look oversized and sloppy. Too tight, and it will pull across your chest.
Tailored to Perfection
Tailoring is key to a suit that fits properly. Whether it’s an off-the-peg or custom-made suit, a good tailor can make all the difference. Even a budget suit can look luxurious when it is perfectly fitted to your body. It’s worth investing in alterations for the best results.
Length Matters
The length of your jacket and trousers are crucial. The jacket should cover your seat, while the trousers should break just above your shoes, allowing them to slightly touch without pooling. When it comes to how to wear a suit, mastering these details will keep you looking sharp and modern.
Comfort and Style Go Hand-in-Hand
Looking stylish in a suit doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort. How to wear a suit comfortably starts with understanding that a little room is essential.
A Little Extra Room
Suits that are too tight can be uncomfortable and unflattering. You want to ensure that you have enough room to move freely without feeling restricted. A little extra space in the chest and waist can make a huge difference, allowing you to wear your suit for extended periods without discomfort.
Balancing Fashion and Comfort
While fashion trends can dictate certain suit styles, your comfort should always come first. Slim-fit suits may look trendy, but if you’re constantly fidgeting, it’s not the right style for you. Choose a cut that complements your body shape and feels comfortable for everyday wear.
Classic Suit Styles: A Foundation for Your Wardrobe
Understanding how to wear a suit involves knowing the different types of suits and which one is best for you.
Single-Breasted Suits
A single-breasted, two-button jacket is a timeless classic. It works well for most occasions, from work to formal events. Opt for side vents and a moderate fit in the jacket and trousers. This style suits most body types and is a safe choice for anyone building their first suit collection.
Versatility is Key
Your first suit should be your most versatile. Opt for a fabric like Italian wool, which can be worn year-round and is suitable for various occasions. Once you’ve built a foundation of classic, versatile suits, you can expand into seasonal fabrics like linen for summer or tweed for winter.
Fabric Choices: How to Wear a Suit for Every Season
When deciding how to wear a suit, the fabric plays a significant role in how you look and feel. Fabric choice can determine how well a suit fits into the occasion or weather.
Year-Round Fabrics
A four-season wool suit is your best bet for versatility. Wool offers breathability and comfort in both warm and cool climates, making it the ideal material for your everyday suit.
Seasonal Fabrics
Once you have your basic suits, you can start experimenting with fabrics like linen for summer or flannel for winter. Each material has its own unique look and feel, so choose what suits the season and the event.
Double-Breasted Suits: A Bold Choice
While single-breasted suits are considered the standard, double-breasted suits are making a comeback in men’s fashion. Learning how to wear a suit that’s double-breasted can set you apart.
Formal and Casual Approaches
A double-breasted suit doesn’t always have to be formal. For a sharp, formal look, button it up with a spread collar and a tie. Alternatively, you can pair a double-breasted jacket with jeans and a T-shirt for a more casual yet polished appearance.
The Trousers: Essential to a Polished Look
Your suit trousers should always complement the jacket, but they have their own set of rules for fit and styling.
The Right Break
The trouser break, where the fabric meets your shoe, is an essential element of how to wear a suit. A full break may look dated, while no break at all is too fashion-forward for most men. Aim for a slight break, with the trousers gently touching the tops of your shoes.
The Crease
The trouser crease adds a refined touch to your look, creating a leaner, taller silhouette. This small detail can make a big difference in how polished you appear.
How to Wear a Suit Casually
Suits aren’t just for formal occasions. Learning how to wear a suit casually opens up many more opportunities to look sharp in your everyday life.
Casual Suiting
Wearing a suit casually is all about fabric and fit. Choose a relaxed-fit suit in a softer fabric like cotton or linen for a more laid-back look. Pair it with a simple T-shirt or polo, and swap the formal shoes for loafers or even trainers.
Separating the Jacket and Trousers
A suit jacket doesn’t always need to be worn with its matching trousers. Pairing a suit jacket with chinos or jeans is an easy way to dress down your look while still maintaining a smart appearance.
How to Choose the Right Shoes for Your Suit
Shoes can make or break your outfit. When learning how to wear a suit, knowing which shoes to pair with it is crucial.
Formal Shoes
For formal occasions, lace-up shoes like Oxfords or Derbies are ideal. Black shoes should be reserved for more formal events, while brown or oxblood can be worn for both formal and casual settings.
Casual Shoes
Loafers or even clean trainers can be paired with a suit for a more relaxed look. Just be mindful of the occasion and fabric choice when opting for a more casual shoe.
Accessorising: The Final Touches
When it comes to how to wear a suit, accessories can make all the difference in refining your look.
Ties and Pocket Squares
While ties are optional these days, they remain a classic way to elevate your suit. Pocket squares, on the other hand, are an easy way to add a splash of personality without going overboard.
Belts
While matching your belt to your shoes is a traditional rule, don’t stress over an exact match. As long as they’re in the same colour family, you’ll look cohesive.
Keeping Your Suit in Top Condition
Knowing how to wear a suit isn’t just about styling; it’s also about maintaining your suit.
Regular Steaming
Regularly steam your suit to keep it looking crisp and fresh. Avoid ironing directly onto the fabric, as this can flatten the fibres and give it a shiny, worn appearance.
Dry Cleaning
Only dry clean your suit when necessary. Too much dry cleaning can damage the fabric. Instead, opt for spot cleaning and airing out the suit after each wear to maintain its longevity.
How to Wear a Suit with Confidence
Learning how to wear a suit is a process that involves understanding fit, fabric, and styling. Whether you’re dressing up for a formal occasion or dressing down for a casual event, following these guidelines will help you look and feel confident. Remember, the key to wearing a suit well is finding a balance between classic style and your personal flair. With the right knowledge, you can make every suit in your wardrobe look timeless and tailored.
