Here Is What You Should (And Shouldn’t) Do When Buying A New Suit

As much as fashion is about following rules, it’s also about breaking them. Still, it’s always good to have a foundation. And it is with that in mind that we give you this list of some basic do’s and don’ts when it comes to suits:

Don’t buy a style that isn’t right for your body type

No matter how stylish short jackets are right now, for example, they will simply never be flattering to certain body types. For the lowdown on how to buy a suit that fits you like a glove, have a look at this for more details.

Don’t pass up tailoring

If a bespoke suit isn’t in your budget, that doesn’t mean you can’t still look great. It’s perfectly okay to buy a suit off the rack, making sure it’s reasonably within your size range (that is, the shoulders fall where your shoulders are, and it’s not too tight or short anywhere), and then take it for tailoring. A tailor will make any necessary adjustments for a reasonable price. Even if your budget is tighter than an ill-fitting suit, don’t be afraid to at least ask how much they charge. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised…and soon you’ll have a suit that fits you perfectly.

Don’t buy a suit with sagging shoulders

Even if you go to a tailor to fix the way the suit fits, there may not be not much they can do if the shoulders don’t fall where yours do. If there’s only one thing you check when you try on a jacket (and actually, there are a few more—again, feel free to check out our suit-buying guide for more info), make it the shoulders, for the love of all that is good and right in the world!

Do try to vary materials

If you can afford more than just the basics, why not change up the material your suit is made of? Tweeds and even certain stylish corduroys are great for winter, and a linen suit can be a godsend in the summer heat.

Do consider the gray suit

Although black is the most common color choice for suits today, consider dark gray, at least as the color of your second suit. Dark gray has a timeless feeL—think of how many men in classic movies and TV shows are decked out in it.  It will make you stand out in a crowd of black-suited peers, and at the same time, you’ll show impeccable style.

Do accessorize

No matter how sharp you look in your suit, the right accessories can make you look even sharper.  Pay attention to the color of the tie you choose, or why not add a pocket square? Colorful or patterned socks can also be a fun touch—Just make sure you don’t look ridiculous. Stick with geometric patterns, not motifs like cartoon characters or little hearts or such.

In fashion, some rules are made to be broken. But these should generally give you a good foundation that will help you look great any time you put on your suit!

And since I’m a hardcore pocket square lover…

I will not let you go before I share with you the two main tips when it comes to wearing a pochette, as we like to call them here in France. So here we go:

Contrast when wearing a pocket square

There really are no rules when it comes to your personal style, but it is important not to match your look completely. You want to add a different element with your pocket square, so it is best to contrast this fabric with the rest of your look. This means that you should not choose a pocket square that is identical to your tie.

Try to have a little more adventure by matching a striped blue tie with a polka dot pocket square pattern in a contrasting color. It is also important to not pick a pocket square color that matches your suit. If you have a navy suit, you should opt for a bold pocket square like an emerald green. You can be subtle or over the top, but always remember that contrasting is your goal. Remember also not to over-accessorize: if you choose a tie pin, for example, you should probably forego the pocket square.

Be creative, my friend…Be CREATIVE! 

The best part about wearing pocket squares is that you have the ability to be playful and try out different looks. You should not be afraid to wear bold colors or fun patterns. Silk pocket squares often are made of the highest quality and look the best in formal suits, but you can purchase pocket squares in a variety of fabrics. There are even fabric pocket squares that are designed for more casual wear. With so many different options to choose from there is no excuse not to join in on this reoccurring timeless trend.

Here’s to your success!

Read Next: 8 Ways To Look Great In A Suit