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Suits you, Sir
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A good suit is the one thing every man should own. Get it
right and you can transform yourself into a swoon-worthy demi-god within minutes. Get it wrong
and you'll instantly look like a tramp.
Our step by step sharp suit shopping guide should point you in the right direction.
1. Choose the fabric
Yes, those suits may all look the same but have a feel and your fingers will soon tell you otherwise.
Without a doubt, the best fabric for a suit is 100% wool. It's natural, it breathes well, it's
durable and it looks good. Of course, it's good to consider all the options:
Non-wools
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Linen - lightweight but wrinkles and stains like nobody's business |
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Polyester - a cheap alternative but it can look a bit 70's |
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Microfibre - polyester in disguise |
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Teflon - yes, like the frying pans. Another word for microfibre. |
Wools
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Tweed - heavy and warm, favoured by the over 60s |
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Flannel - heavy, durable, better for a winter suit |
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Tropical - a bit Miami Vice, lightweight but prone to wrinkling |
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Worsted - durable, good for year round wear, ideal for a first suit |
2. The jacket
The jacket selection is critical but doesn't have to be complicated. Just bear a few simple rules in mind:
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Single or double breasted? - Single breasted just buttons up normally instead of folding over itself like the more formal double breasted style. |
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Collar - it should sit comfortably on your neck without pulling, leaving about an inch of your shirt on view. |
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Shoulder pads - you need enough to help the suit hang well, but be wary of the American footballer look. |
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Lapels - should lay flat and not buckle. Go for stitches that are almost invisible. |
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Arms and sleeves - it's all in the length. When your arms are hanging by your sides, your sleeves should end where your hand meets your wrist. Make sure you can move comfortably. |
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Buttons - 3 is the magic number, but 2 will do. It looks better to leave the bottom one undone. |
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Vents - slimmer builds should go for no flaps at the back, while the more portly should opt for 2. |
3. The trousers
For a good fit, use the two finger rule - No, not the V-sign, the one where you should be able to stick 2 fingers in the waist of your trousers and still feel comfortable.
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Pleats - ok if you're of a fuller disposition, but aren't great for skinny legs. |
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Cuffs (or turn-ups) - strictly for taller types but no bigger than one inch |
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Rise - taller men should go for high rise (longer length from crotch to waistband) while low rise is better for the vertically challenged. |
4. And the rest....
No, you're not finished yet. There's still the shirt, tie, shoes and belt to think of. White and blue shirts are always safe but there's no harm throwing in a splash of colour here and there. Choose your ties to match, and remember that shoes can say many things about a man!
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