The Complete Guide to Men's Suits: Fit, Fabric, Style
A suit is an investment, and getting it right comes down to three things: fit, fabric, and color. Here is how to shop smart.
Fit first
- Shoulders should lie flat with no pulling or overhang
- The jacket should button without strain
- Sleeves should show a quarter inch of shirt cuff
- Trousers should break cleanly over the shoe
Fabric and color
- Wool is the most versatile year-round choice
- Navy and charcoal are the two essential colors
- Linen and cotton suits for warm weather
- Avoid black unless it is a formal event
When to wear it
A navy suit works for interviews, weddings, and dinners. A charcoal suit reads slightly more formal. Build from those two before adding patterns.
Tailoring is not optional. A $300 suit that is tailored will look better than a $1,500 suit off the rack.
