Suit shopping for men is not as simple as it looks. I assumed that buying an off-the-rack suit was as simple as just walking into a shop, grabbing a suit in your size and forking over the cash. I was so very wrong!
It turns out that suit shopping requires a fair amount of skill. You need to know what colours suit you best and how to accessorise them. You need to have an idea of the best cut for your frame and you absolutely need a clear idea about shoes.
There is so much more to think about than I could have guessed!
These are the main things I’ve taken away from suit shopping with my husband:
Have a clear idea about which colours suit you
Although a grey suit can look really smart, it can clash with certain skintones and may not do you any favours. Very pale skin can looked washed out against certain shades of grey, while tanned skintones can be complemented by the very same colour.
There is also no consensus on what navy blue looks like in the suit world. Some navy fabric can look very sober and demure, while others can have an almost electric feel to it.
If you’re not sure what suits you, it’s always best to try lots of variations on. Buying a suit can be a big spend (even you plump for a budget one), so it needs to be something that looks great – anything less than great is a waste of money.
Measure your waist ans inside leg
It’s easy to assume you’re a certain size without actually checking it, only to be disappointed with the fit when you get the item home.
Trousers are one of those garments that are so easy to get right with only a little effort. Trousers that are too short can look silly, while trousers that are too long can leave you looking like you borrowed your granddad’s suit for Sunday school.
Waist size also needs to be measured regularly – think we’re all guilty of lying to ourselves about that one!
There’s a great selection of men’s trousers from Chums so if you’re got something in mind, it’s worth checking there first.
Get the right accessories
An ugly tie or a misguided pocket square can completely ruin the look of even the most classiest of suits. Make sure that your accessories are a good ‘fit’ for your chosen suit and they don’t make a fancy suit look cheap.
A simple tie will usually complement any suit. Bold pattern can look amazing, if carefully chosen, but if you’re not confident in your choice, then it shows when you wear it. Garish patterns are a hard no.
Shoes are more important than you think
Cheap shoes are a huge no-no. Cheap-looking shoes can ruin your whole look from the moment you put them on. Your shoes don’t need to cost the earth, it helps if they look like they do.
It can be helpful to keep a pair of ‘best’ shoes to wear with your suits for when the occasion calls for it.
Keep your shoes in good condition, polish them regularly and disguise scuffs with perfectly matched shoe polish.
Whatever you decide on, the best thing you can do is wear your suit with confidence!
You might enjoy this other post on men’s fashion.
