Whether you’ve been invited to a formal event or have an office job, it’s important to know how to choose a suit that flatters you.
For example, the renowned designer and image consultant recommend not ignoring small details such as the color of the sock and the belt, or the length of the shirt sleeve. The stockings must be the same color as the shoes, and the strap must be the color of the suit.
Among his advice, he also highlights that “if the suit has a vest as an accessory, when you take off the jacket, you should also take it off. The use of this, without the jacket, is only allowed if it is a uniform and the company you work for imposes it”.
To help you more in Prom tuxedos regard, we have collected some of the main tips from a guide prepared by the famous magazine GQ.
1. Adjust
No matter how much your suit costs, what fabric it is made of or whether it has 2, 3 or 4 buttons, the priority is the fit. You can buy the most expensive suit, but if it’s too big, baggy, or shapeless, it’s going to look bad. Instead, you can have a cheap one, but one that fits you so perfectly that it looks like it was made by a great designer.
To choose the right one, you must first make sure that it “hugs” your shoulders and that it does not protrude from them. Most men think that going one size up is better, but ideally it should be just the right fit. It is perfect if when you stretch your arms and then cross them you feel a certain firmness. If the jacket doesn’t fit your shoulders, don’t buy it.
As for the sleeves, make sure they are not too wide. Also, these should end just above the wrist joint so that 1 centimeter of shirt can be seen. “It’s like a picture frame, an elegant touch,” they say in GQ.
As for the pants, they should look straight when looking at them from the front and not bunched up at the bottom; they should be just above the ankle because this gives a clean and elegant look.
2. Character and style
Now that you know how a suit should fit, you can choose a style. If you want a look with character, go for thin lapels, which are no more than 5 centimeters at their widest point. “It’s modern without looking like a rock star,” they point out in GQ.
As for buttons, the most comfortable jackets are those with 2, regardless of shape or size. Generally these have a longer flap, giving the appearance of a longer and slimmer torso.
In relation to the back, those jackets with a center cut look better. Also, if you’re at a formal event, keep your wedding suit buttoned up and don’t wear a t-shirt under your shirt.
Another important aspect is to always wear long-sleeved shirts, no matter if it’s summer. Also, it should not have buttons on the neck.
3. Adapt it to your anatomy
Most Chilean men are not very tall and not very skinny either, so they should keep a few things in mind:
- You should not wear very wide suits because even if they are expensive, you will look disheveled.
- Avoid long jackets because they will make your legs look shorter.
- The excess fabric at the bottom of the pants makes you look thicker than you are.
- Use square scarves, so you keep the focus on the chest and not the abdomen.
- Let a little bit of shirt show through the sleeves to make your arms look longer.
- Choose firm shoes with a considerable sole, so you can add a few centimeters.
5. Is it better to go to the tailor or buy the suit made?
It is always better to go to the tailor, because tailored suits, regardless of whether they are expensive or cheap, feel better. Plus, if you know what works best for you, you can ask to have it done your way.
If you’ve bought a suit, it’s always good to take a look at the sleeves, which are usually too wide and long. Also look at the legs, when the pants are too baggy, it also looks bad.
6. Less is more
Most men wear their suits too long, on the sleeves, on the shoulders and on the legs. The truth is that, as we have already said, that excess fabric does not look good. Therefore, dare with the new trends, which involve shorter adjustments. For reference, if you can easily get your hands into the suit’s pockets, the sleeve length is fine.
7. Cleaning
Don’t wash your suits too often, because it can be fatal to the fabric. On the other hand, if it is wrinkled, you should iron it with steam, as it stretches them more easily. If you’re in a place where you don’t have an iron, you can hang the suit in the bathroom for 10 minutes while you run the hot water in the tub, so that the steam in the room does its job.