A well-fit tailored suit is an excellent option for most formal occasions, whether it be a wedding, an anniversary, ora celebration of life. Finding the perfect suit can be a challenging task, especially for those who are not as familiar with shopping for formalwear. 

For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of key factors to consider when shopping for the perfect suit.

Fabric

One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a suit is the fabric that is used in the construction of the suit. Many fabrics are available when it comes to suits, including wool, linen, and silk. With that being said, suits made out of 100% wool are the golden standard for this formalwear, as wool is an expensive material that depicts a high quality look. A lightweight wool suit is an excellent addition to your wardrobe, as it can be worn year round since the fabric is quite breathable and has excellent moisture-wicking properties. 

Cost

Finding the perfect suit can be a daunting task for some, as many suits carry a high price and can be intimidating for those who are newer to shopping for formalwear. However, it is very possible to find the suit of your dreams at a reasonable cost. Most suits will range from $200 and can go all the way up to $5000 or more. With that being said, the cost is not indicative of how well the suit will look on you, so you can easily get away with wearing an affordable suit that will still make you feel like a million dollar man.

Fit

Finding a suit that fits you correctly is the most important factor when shopping for a suit. First, be sure to check that the seams of the jacket’s shoulders line up with your own. This is crucial to check, as tailoring a suit jacket’s shoulder is very difficult and should be avoided if possible. Whereas, tailoring the length of the trousers is a much easier task. 

Next, check how the suit jacket fits over your chest. You will have to take measurements of your chest size and ensure that the suit jacket drapes nicely over your chest and does not have too much excess space. The length of the jacket and sleeves will be dependent on your height, but overall, the suit jacket’s sleeves should go to about your wrists, and the back of the jacket should drape nicely over your rear end, but not any longer than this. The lapels on a suit are the fabric that is found below the collar. There are three different types of lapel styles, including notch, peak, and shawl. Notch will be the most common option you come across and is the most versatile and timeless of the three. The latter two options are reserved for more formal occasions. You will also have to decide whether your suit jacket includes a front pocket or not, as well as the style of the vents, which are the slits at the back of the jacket that allow for better movement and breathability. Lastly, the trousers should fit well around the waist and hips, and fall nicely over the thighs, with the option to have the pants tapered in closer to the ankles for a more sleek look. The length of the trousers should cut off right before they hit your shoe, or if you prefer to have more length, you can opt for a ‘break’ that allows for the fabric of the trousers to fold just over the shoe.

Accessories

The accessories you choose to pair with your suit can easily make or break your look. Decide whether you want to wear a tie, a bow-tie, or no tie at all. If you wear a tie, you can pair it with a matching handkerchief to tuck into your suit jacket pocket. Other accessories include cufflinks and any minimal jewelry that may complement the suit, like a watch or necklace. For shoes, you can choose between lace-ups or loafers, with the most popular colors being black or brown. Ensuring you choose a nice leather belt that will match your footwear is crucial to tying the whole look together. For example, if your dress shoes are brown leather, make sure your belt is the same color. For socks, you can choose to show some personality with something patterned and colorful or go classic with plain black dress socks. If you plan on shopping for a suit in the coming days, be sure to consider these tips we have compiled for you to help you find your perfect suit. Dressing to the nines in a well-fitting suit can convey confidence and power, and will help you feel like your best self.

Arnav Khosla | Contributing Writer