Wearing a suit... Any tips?

I have never had the need for a suit before and wanted to ask some opinions, get some feedback before sharpening up my wardrobe.

Im definitely looking at more of a 'smart casual' suit rather than an 'executive style' but would love to be able to mix and match it with t-shirts, jeans, casual shoes etc. Be able to dress it up or down depending the requirement.

Any tips?

Make sure it's black. Blacker than the blackest black times infinity. You will then match everything.

Black is good like that, especially for hiding those hard to withdraw blood stains after that chainsaw accident...

Although I was probably thinking a charcoal / grey would be a bit more versatile.. Being a little on the pudgy side of the scales 'dark' is given.

A very dark blue suit is about the most versatile you can buy. You can match it with almost any color shirt. Just a tip though: should you ever need to wear it as an "executive style" make sure you get it dry cleaned AND pressed. Ironing a suit is a pain in the ass and a risky proposition.

Wear a collared shirt and your dress shoes to the store when buying the suit.

Get a wool suit. The type of wool depends on the season.

You button one button when you wear a suit, so remember that when you are trying it on for fit.

You need a mirror behind you to make sure that only a small bit of your shirt is showing above the collar of the suit, there are no bulges, wrinkling, caving, or other issues of fit with the suit behind you. You can change some fit issues with suits, but usually not high. And most people forget what a suit will look like behind them.

When a suit is buttoned, the button should not be too tight or too loose. You choose your suit based on chest size and waist size. If it is too loose or too tight, the cut is not right.

Make sure you have mobility under your shoulders (not to play basketball, but they should not scrape or cause you discomfort). Depending on your body makeup and the cut you choose, you may be limited in your armhole choices.

Your sleeves should not go all the way to the wrist, but should stop about half an inch (when you are mobile with your arms). Your shirt needs to show through to traditionally the cufflinks or just about to them.

The suit should totally cover your butt.

If your butt is flatter, you can pull off any vents. If you have bubble butt, you should go side vents (slits in the jacket below the waist). Make sure you don't flap as you walk. Also make sure you don't show pants when standing (the suit should overlap at vents).

A Standard Cut suit is a 6 inch difference between Chest and Waist. An Athletic Cut suit is an 8 inch difference between Chest and Waist. A Portly Cut suit is a 4 inch difference between Chest and Waist.

Bend your legs and squat when trying on the pants. Check to make sure there is no phantom boner in them when you sit (or antiboner when you stand). The little man needs comfort too.

In the US, they assume you hang left and leave a little more material there.

If you are tall, go for fat cuffs on the pants, if you are short, go for skinny ones.

If you have a bit of a belly, get pleats.

Choose a pattern that flatters you.

The main difference in suits are cut, the area from your collar to the first button, material, and patterns.

Your socks should be the same color as the suit (or slightly darker).

Your belt should match your shoes.


For my first suit I went Ralph Lauren and I was able to use it both for Interviews/Weddings and for slightly more casual dress up (coat only).

Underwear first, THEN pants.

i

You learn something new everyday.

Always/sometimes/never, right?

1. Double-breasted is no longer in fashion.
2. Go with a blue or gray...black is usually too formal.
3. You get what you pay for..a cheap suit LOOKS like a cheap suit.
4. Go with classic style over the latest trend...or else you'll have a ridiculous looking suit in a few years.

Apply plenty of lotion in the creation of your suit, or it may crack when you put it on.

Pretty much always, I think because of the drop/cut (difference between the chest and waist measurements and the little hug around the lower rib area that tends to flatter). But I am assuming no vest for this.

good shoes help aswell

Dark sunglasses are a must, especially indoors. I recommend an under arm side holster and the classic styling of a .45 cal 1911, glocks are trendy and on their way out.

Thanks for the tips...



What are our thoughts on this jacket... Retro or Repugnant?



Its a Ralph Lauren houndstooth wool jacket (a bit more subtle than granddads' houndstooth) , pairing with some slightly darker charcoal grey pants.

Go to a place that is well recommended that tailors suits, or at the very least a place that sells suits where they will make adjustments so it fits you just right.
Cuffs on your pants are fucking ridiculous. That's right, I said it.
Do not worry about what is in style, worry about what looked good today, looks good yesterday and will also look good tomorrow.
Be prepared to spend a significant amount of money.

Colors:
Charcoal Grey
Navy Blue (dark as possible)

Patterned fabric seems like a great idea at the time, but if you like patterns that is what your shirt and tie are for. A solid color provides you with more options.

Get good shoes and socks.

Do not get black, unless you happen to be an assassin, undertaker or maitre'de.
Stand up straight when you're wearing one.

You're 25, try something a little less elderly looking (doesn't mean you should get an orange velvet suit) The jacket ain't all bad but I think it really depends on the occasion and can't think of many where I'd wear that one.

AngelDevoid has given you very good advice, I would only add do try more than two, and while it's OK to watch people on TV to get an idea of what to look for, don't assume because James Spader wore a certain colour it will automatically look good on you. Comfort is essential because you may get one that looks great on a doll or is beautifully tailored. If you feel awkward in it, you will look bad.

Also, try something that looks good against your skin. In your case I would try a darker blue tone, maybe with some thin stripes. Cash is also right, classic will always last longer and.

Get a good tie as well.

I was referring to the rule of thumb for buttoning. Always the top button, sometimes the middle, never the bottom.

yeah, stay away from meatball sandwiches.

*flips open his steno book, takes notes*

Make sure you get one of these to go with it.

Sweet jesus, man.