How to Look Good in a Suit
Putting on a suit isn’t just about wearing a shirt, a pair of pants, and a blazer. It is more of a style statement that needs an understanding of the appropriate size, colors, and accessories. 5-Minute Crafts has a precise guide on the dos and don’ts of how to look good in a suit.
Here’s what you need to get right when wanting your suit stitched the correct way:
Jacket length
The length of the jacket always depends on your height. But when you put on the jacket, make sure that your top knuckles line up with the bottom of the jacket or it should end below the hip bones.
-
If your height is 5’9″ or shorter, then the jacket should end just below the hip bones. If you are taller than 5’9″, then the jacket length can be just a bit lower.
Arm holes
The armholes of the jacket should be even with your armpits. Make sure that they don’t crunch into your armpits. They should be comfortable enough for your arms to move up and down.
Shoulder seams
The shoulder seams should always lay flat, there should not be any wrinkles or divots on the shoulder part. The seams should end at the ends of your shoulders.
- If you have rounded shoulders, ask your tailor to insert some padding to lessen the rounded effect.
Hems and cuffs
You may also want to hem your pants so that a slight break is visible at the bottom. The break here refers to the part of the trouser that touches the top of your shoe when you are standing in a regular pose.
- Cuffing is only necessary if your pants are too long and you want to shorten them.
Sleeve length
When you bend your wrists while wearing the jacket, a tiny part of your shirt sleeve should be visible outside. In other words, your shirt sleeve should reach above your wrist. So, your jacket sleeve should end about 1/4th of an inch from the top of your hands.
Jacket body
The jacket should hug your torso a bit, but not too much. It also shouldn’t tug at your button. It is always recommended to have a jacket slightly bigger than to have one that is too small and tight.
Collar
The collar of the jacket should always rest against the collar of your shirt. If there are any gaps, then chances are your jacket is too loose. If it bunches under the back of the collar, then it’s too tight.
Button stance
If you have a 2-button jacket, the top button on the jacket should always be above the navel. In the case of a 3-button jacket, it’s the middle button that should be above the navel.
Pants: waist and seat
The pants should always fit your waist perfectly without a belt. Also, when it comes to break, going for at least an inch is the most classic choice. The modern choice calls for no break, to show off a little ankle or sock.
The seat of your pants should not be too tight or too loose, it should just feel perfect when you try to sit.
Accessorizing
Accessories add the finishing touches to your suit which makes you look more dapper. Here are a few you should consider putting on:
- Tie: The tie should never drop beyond the waistband. The color of the tie should always be darker than the color of your shirt.
- Tie clip: The tie clips should never be wider than your tie and you should to put it between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt.
- Cufflinks: Cufflinks are mostly worn when you are wearing a suit with a white or a black tie.
- Watch: The watch should always be worn underneath the cuff, and should only be visible when your arm is bent.
- Pocket square: If you’re wearing a patterned suit, then go for a toned-down or neutral pocket square. If you’re wearing a plain suit, then go bold with the pocket square. Balance is the key here.
- Belt: This is an optional accessory that helps you hold your trousers in place. If you have a custom-made suit, then you don’t need the belt at all, as it will fit you perfectly.