If you’re like many men, your budget probably doesn’t allow you to own a closet full of custom-made suits. Luckily, it is possible to pick a near-perfect suit directly off the rack, if you know what to look for. The right suit help you give off the impression you want. As they say “it’s the suit that makes the man”.
Fabric
The first thing you should consider when choosing a suit is the fabric. Suits come in a wide range of fabrics, from wool to polyester to linen. Generally, 100 percent wool suits are the ideal way to go, as wool is a natural fabric that allows your body to breathe. Read: it won’t trap in moisture and make you smell bad. Wool suits are usually the highest priced off-the-rack suits. On the other hand, polyester suits are usually the lowest priced. While polyester can give you the look you want, keep in mind that it does not breathe well.
Linen suits may be ideal for a beach wedding, but that’s pretty much all they have to offer. A linen suit stains easily and will wrinkle the moment you strap on your seatbelt. Only choose a linen suit for specific, appropriate occasions.
Color
Once you’ve decided on a fabric, consider color. In addition to the wide range of fabrics available, suits come in a variety of colors: black, navy blue, brown, gray, and yes, even yellow. When choosing a suit for general purposes, go with a dark, but not too formal, color like navy blue or charcoal gray. Both colors are extremely versatile, and thus appropriate for most occasions. If you wear suits regularly, expand your wardrobe choices by including a black suit as well as a dark chocolate brown.
If you are just venturing into the suit-buying world, stick with a solid suit. Patterned suits, with the exception of pinstripes, are generally considered more casual than solid colors.
Jacket
Now that you know the fabric and color you’re looking for, it’s time to choose the right jacket. While you may think that the number of buttons is a trivial detail, it’s not. Jackets with one or two buttons are suitable for most men, although men with a little extra meat on their bones tend to do better with two buttons. If you’re tall, you can get away with three buttons.
Next, consider breast and vents. A double-breasted jacket contains an overlapping front, whereas a single-breasted jacket does not. This choice is a really a personal preference, although a double-breasted jacket is generally considered more formal. The term vents refers to the presence of slits in the back of the jacket. These slits should remain closed unless you are sitting down or bending over. If the slits open while you are standing straight, the jacket is too tight.
Pants
When choosing pants, your main goal is to find the right length. Pants should rest on your shoes, without exposing your socks. Choose pants that have a flat front with no pleats. If you are on the shorter side, avoid pants with a cuffed hem. This will only call attention to your shorter stature.
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