So you’re in the market for a stylish suit that won’t leave you penniless? You’ve come to the right place.
There are many things to think about when looking for a suit: fit, style, fabric, color, etc. Sometimes it may seem a bit overwhelming, which can lead people to buy any old suit off the rack. In those cases, suits may end up looking too big or too small on you.
Nowadays there are plenty of stores like H&M, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, and J. Crew that have suits that are dapper yet budget-friendly. If you know what you are looking for, you can score a great looking suit that can last you for years to come without breaking the bank.
Choose the Right Fit
Bigger is not better, in this case. Suits that are too big tend to overshadow the person wearing them. A suit should make you look good.
Try a suit that is a size below what you would normally wear. Your shoulder pads should not be extending past your shoulder, either. Some clothing brands offer “slim fit” or “athletic cut” suits that are perfect for those who are in shape.
These suits will highlight the strong V-shape of your torso. You can tailor it later to make it fit even better.
Fabrics & Brands
You will get many choices ranging from the more inexpensive polyester to the high-end cashmere. A cashmere suit is nice but if you aren’t making a zillion dollars, then you have to consider your options.
Some brands like Kenneth Cole will offer both synthetic and wool alternatives which are generally less expensive. Synthetic suits just don’t have the natural and classic look that wool does. Plus, wool is more breathable, perfect for summer and spring weather. Go with wool.
As for brands, they are not all the same. If you are a specific size in a certain brand, you might be a different size in another one. There are different brands that cater to different people. You want to choose brands like DKNY, Calibrate, Alfani Red and Hilfiger, which cater to a younger demographic.
Their suits are usually sleeker and thinner than old classic cuts for your old man. If you can afford $250-$500 then you might want to try the custom suit site Indochino. They offer you $75 dollars in alterations along with a trusty guarantee that if you don’t like the way you look, they will make it right.
Get it Tailored
After choosing your new best suit, head straight to a tailor to have him chisel your suit to fit you even better. Most suits will need to have the sides cut in to follow the shape of your body. Sleeves should have ¼ inch of shirt cuff showing.
Before even heading to a tailor, make sure that your shoulder pads are the right thickness and your suit isn’t too long. Shortening a suit can get a bit complicated.
Proper Care for Your Suit
Place your suit in a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust, bugs, and anything else that might damage it. A wide shoulder hanger will protect your suit from the mighty curse of gravity. Godspeed, if you use wire or plastic hangers to hang your suit. Gravity will cause the shoulders of the suit to crease, pinch, and droop. Use wooden hangers if you want your suit to last for years.
Dry clean your suit as little as possible. More expensive suits will have a “canvas” in between their outer and inner layer. Cheaper suits typically are joined together by glue. The heat treatment from dry cleaners will melt the glue causing it to settle back in wrinkly form.
It helps to shop around and maybe hit up the more expensive stores in case they have a sale going on. Overall, you get what you pay for but you can get what you need with very little money if you know what you’re looking for.
