In the world of men’s fashion, few clothes exude sophistication and timeless style quite like a well-fitted suit. Whether you’re preparing for a job interview or a wedding, or simply prefer the smarter look, investing in the right suit is essential. However, looking through the huge number of options available can be daunting. So here is where this guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure you purchase the perfect suit, including the increasingly popular made-to-measure option.
Understanding Suit Basics
Before delving into how to buy the perfect man’s suit, it’s crucial to understand the basics of a suit. A standard suit comprises a jacket and trousers made from the same fabric, typically wool, with matching colour and pattern. Key elements to consider include the jacket’s lapel style, the number of buttons, trouser fit, and overall look.
Determining Your Fit
The foundation of a great suit is the impeccable fit. When trying on suits, you need to pay attention to the shoulder fit – it should lie flat without any puckering or pulling. The jacket’s length should cover the bottom area and the sleeves should end at your wrists, allowing a quarter to a half-inch of shirt cuff to peek out. Trousers should sit comfortably at your waist without sagging or pulling.
Off-the-Rack vs. Made-to-Measure
Traditionally, men have had two options when purchasing a suit: off-the-rack or bespoke. Off-the-rack suits are mass-produced in standard sizes and offer limited customisation options. While this can be a cost-effective and convenient choice, it may not provide the perfect fit for everyone, especially those that aren’t an ‘average’ height or weight.
On the other hand, bespoke suits are entirely custom-made to your measurements and specifications. However, this level of craftsmanship often comes with a hefty price tag and lengthy production time. Fortunately, there’s a middle ground: made to measure suits.
Made-to-measure suits combine the convenience of the off-the-rack options with the personalised fit of bespoke tailoring. Instead of starting from scratch, made-to-measure suits begin with pre-existing patterns that are then adjusted to your measurements. This allows for greater customisation in areas such as fabric, lapel style, buttons, and pocket placement. It can also allow for those that are short, tall, thin, or larger than average.
Steps to Buying a Made-to-Measure Suit
Research and Select a Reputable Tailor
Look for tailors or companies specialising in made-to-measure suits with a track record of quality craftsmanship and satisfied customers. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and explore their portfolio of previous work.
Schedule a Fitting Appointment
Once you’ve chosen a tailor, schedule a fitting appointment. During this initial consultation, the tailor will take detailed measurements of your body, discuss your style preferences, and guide you through fabric options.
Choose Your Fabric and Design Details
Selecting the right fabric is crucial as it determines the suit’s overall look, feel, and durability. Consider factors such as seasonality, occasion, and personal preference when choosing between wool, linen, cotton, or blends. Additionally, discuss design details such as lapel style, pocket type, lining material, and button options to tailor the suit to your taste.
Participate in the Fitting Process
Unlike off-the-rack suits, made-to-measure garments require multiple fittings to ensure an impeccable fit. Be prepared to attend several fitting sessions where the tailor will make adjustments based on your feedback and evolving measurements.
Finalise and Await Completion
Once all adjustments have been made to your satisfaction, finalise the details of your suit and await its completion. While made-to-measure suits typically have a shorter turnaround time than bespoke options, it’s essential to be patient as quality craftsmanship takes time. When your suit is ready, pair it with a smart pair of cufflinks, tie pin, silver ring or watch, to complete the outfit.
Conclusion
Investing in a suit, whether off-the-rack or made-to-measure, is an investment in both style and confidence. By understanding the basics of suit construction, prioritising fit, and exploring made-to-measure options, you can ensure that your next suit purchase is a perfect fit for both your body and your lifestyle.
