When it comes to dressing up, a suit is often the go-to option for men, whether it’s for a wedding, a business event, or any occasion that calls for a sharp, polished look.
But, let’s face it—finding the perfect suit isn’t always as easy as picking one off the rack.
This video breaks down everything you need to know to make sure your suit fits like a glove and makes you look your best.
This video is packed with practical advice that’ll help you elevate your suit game.
Summary of the video:
The video begins with the host mentioning that he doesn’t wear suits often—just three to four times a year when necessary. He emphasizes that when you do need a suit, it should be a proper suit, not an improvised attempt. The importance of getting the right suit for those rare occasions is highlighted.
The host stresses that the fit of a suit is critical. Even an expensive suit won’t look good if it doesn’t fit properly. He uses the example of comparing a $500 suit with a $5,000 one. Despite the high price tag and potentially better fabric of the $5,000 suit, if it doesn’t fit, it’s wasted money. The key is a well-fitting suit, which looks better than one that doesn’t fit correctly, even if it’s more expensive.
The host talks about the importance of the shoulder seam fitting correctly. The seam should end at your natural shoulder, not too short or extended. If the shoulders are too big, it will look like you’re wearing someone else’s clothes, which is a common mistake among men who wear suits that are one size too large.
Moving on to the fit of the body of the suit, the host advises to button the top button and check how it fits around the stomach. The jacket should gently touch your body, with a slight gap around the stomach. However, it should not be so tight that it pulls the fabric or so loose that there’s a large gap. The host also points out that the bottom button of a suit jacket should never be buttoned, a classic rule that should be followed for the best look.
The host discusses the correct sleeve length, which should expose about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch of shirt cuff when your arms hang naturally by your sides. If the jacket sleeves are too long and cover the back of your hands, they need to be adjusted by a tailor to achieve the proper length.
The jacket should be long enough to cover your backside but not excessively long. Additionally, the video talks about the vents, which are small slits at the back of the jacket. These are typically sewn shut when you first purchase a suit and need to be opened. The host prefers double vents over a single vent as they help the jacket keep its shape when sitting and improve the overall fit, especially around the butt.
The host describes how his experience with suit pants fitting revealed that his pants were sitting too low on his waist. He suggests using three fingers to measure from the belly button to find your natural waistline, which is where your pants should sit. The pants should fit snugly around the waist, not requiring a belt, and a high-quality suit will often lack belt loops. For better comfort, the pants should also have side adjustments for slight waist fluctuations.
The video moves into discussing pant break styles. A no-break or half-break is recommended to avoid excess fabric bunching up on top of the shoes. Anything longer can result in a baggy, unflattering look. The host prefers flat-front pants over pleats for a cleaner, more modern silhouette but acknowledges that pleats may still work for some men if done properly.
The host talks about the personal style choice of having a cuff at the bottom of the pants. A cuff adds a little weight, helping the fabric drape better and look more polished. He emphasizes that this is a stylistic decision, and it should be done with care to avoid excessive bagginess.
When choosing suit colors, the host recommends charcoal gray as the most versatile option for your first suit. Charcoal gray works for most occasions, including weddings, business meetings, and formal events. The next suit should ideally be navy blue, as it’s equally versatile but not suitable for more formal occasions like funerals. After these two, lighter colors and patterns, like light gray or pinstripes, can be considered.
The host suggests choosing traditional button-up dress shirts, avoiding button-down collars, which are more casual. Preferred shirt colors include white, light blue, dark blue, or striped patterns. He emphasizes the importance of getting a shirt that fits well, just like the suit. The host also mentions the addition of a vest in his suit, describing how a well-fitted vest adds to the overall look. The vest should not have a cheap adjustment strap on the back.
Finally, the host talks about pocket squares as a finishing touch. He advises against buying matching sets (where the tie and pocket square are the same) and instead suggests picking a pocket square that complements your outfit in tone, without matching exactly.
*Summary created by AI and edited by author
Shop: https://www.suitdirect.co.uk/suits
