When youÕre in a business meeting, going on a job interview or wining and dining clients, what you wear instantly defines you in the eyes of those with which you interact. And more often than not when youÕre in those situations, youÕre wearing a business suit. Here are five important tips to utilize when buying a business suit. These tips are time tested and corporate savvy.
Jacket styles come and go but for the most part youÕre going to consider either a single-breasted two-button or three-button suit jacket. The two-button jacket is preferred.
A four-button, double-breasted jacket can look good on a small or average size guy but if youÕre on the beefy side, the style will make you look bulky. If you do go with this look, the jacket should always remain buttoned.
When buying a business suit, you want one thatÕs made from a fabric that will rebound well from being crumpled. Linen wrinkles easily and should be avoided. Stay away from polyester. It will look cheap and the fabric doesnÕt breathe well.
The best choice is 100% worsted wool. It can be worn in every season and holds its shape well, resisting wrinkling. Wool simply looks good.
Your best choices are those traditional colors that look sharp on most guys—blue, black and grey. Loud colors and prints that will attract attention should not be worn. A pinstripe or subtle design are both appropriate.
In choosing a color, take some time to pick one that looksgood on you and is appropriate for your field. Some men look great in everycolor, while others tend to wear only specific ones well. Remember, youÕrebuying a business suit that will complement you, reinforcing your positiveimage.
There are various styles from which you can choose. Flatfronts are slimming, straightforward and simple, while pleated fronts look stylishand allow for movement.
Cuffs are optional. A cuffed leg has a more formal feel,while the uncuffed look is a tad more casual. As far as body type goes,uncuffed legs give the illusion of length and can make someone on the shortside look a bit taller. Cuffs do the opposite, creating a terminus and making aguy look a tad shorter.
Fit is important when buying a business suit. If youÕrewearing a suit thatÕs too big, youÕll be swimming in it, and it will overwhelmyour body. On the other hand, a business suit thatÕs tight will bind up andrestrict your movement.
The jacket should fit smooth across the back of theshoulders and the neck should leave about ¼-inch of shirt collarexposed. The shoulders should appear to be slightly cushioned. Your jacketsleeve should ride five inches above the tip of your thumb, revealing½-inch of your shirtsleeve.
Button the jacket when you put it on. If one side of thejacket is fighting against the other, tight and pulling apart, itÕs too small;if it hangs down or blouses out, itÕs too big.
The trousers should fit to your waist and not your hips.When standing naturally, your pant leg needs to break slightly on thetop-middle part of your shoe. If your pants are too short, your socks will be exposedwhen you walk and youÕll be wearing Ōhigh waters.Ķ
A stylish, business suit that sits well gives everyone youmeet a positive first impression. When buying a business suit follow theguidelines in this article and youÕll be the image of success.