How to Wear a Suit Like a Pro: 15+ Tips to Make it Look Better

It is every man’s dream to suit up like a pro, but what often goes unnoticed in the pursuit of sartorial perfection is the nuances of suit etiquette. Suit styling transcends eras; it gives the wearer a sharp, crisp look and elevates confidence.

It is a fact that a well-tailored suit can go a long way, be it the grandeur of your wedding, a critical job interview, the anticipation of a first date, or a funeral. However, suit etiquette rules go beyond just “wearing the suit .” You need to follow the suit etiquette to truly stand out while wearing one. After all, it’s an extension of your persona.

Well, we all agree that a suit is an expression. The way you style it shows how you pay attention to every detail and appreciate the art of suit tailoring. The secret to unlocking the true potential of suit styling is how you wear the suit and carry it.

Tip 1: Unbutton the Bottom Button

The mantra of wearing your suit correctly is: never button the bottom button. It’s a simple rule but one that can make a world of difference in your overall appearance. When wearing a suit jacket, it’s normal to button only the top button, leaving the bottom button open. This small adjustment adds a touch of flair that instantly elevates your look and also ensures a comfortable fit.

Tip 2: Find the right Shoulder Fit

When you are investing in a tailor-stitched suit, the fit, especially in the shoulders, is usually perfect. However, when you opt for a generic, ready-made suit, the key to looking sharp is selecting the right fit, particularly in the shoulder area.

Ill-fitting shoulders often pull down your entire look. To avoid this fashion faux pas, pay close attention to how the shoulders of your suit jacket fit. Shoulders that are too wide or too narrow can throw off the entire look of your suit.

Tip 3: Vents Matter

Here’s a fashion tip you might not be aware of: the stitches you find on the vents of your jacket? They’re not there for style; they are actually meant to maintain the jacket’s shape while it’s hanging in a showroom or during transportation. You should remove those stitches before wearing the suit. These vents also give you a perfect silhouette once you wear the suit.

Tip 4: Perfect the Pant Length

Did you know that the length of the pants can make or break the entire look? To strike the right balance, let your pants break on the top of your shoes. A single, small crease where the pant leg meets the shoe is perfectly acceptable and adds a touch of sophistication. However, when your pants pool excessively over your shoes, making multiple creases, it creates an unappealing look that can quickly put you in an awkward spot.

If you’re custom-making your suit, make sure the pants are the correct length. When trying them on, wear the shoes you wish to pair with the suit. This will provide an exact measurement for your pants, ensuring they break perfectly at the top of your shoes.

Tip 5: Elevate Your Suit with Quality Shirts and Proper Buttoning

The beauty of a well-put-together suit lies in the shirt you choose to wear beneath it. Your shirt’s color, pattern, and material have the power to transform your suit into a professional masterpiece.

When investing in your wardrobe, go for quality shirts, even if they come with a higher price tag. Think of it as an investment in your own experience.

You can go for breathable, durable, and soft materials for purchasing shirts. On the contrary, cheap, ill-fitting shirts can deteriorate the overall appearance of your suit.

Tip 6: Button up before Suiting up

Now, let’s discuss the often-overlooked art of “buttoning” shirts. Shirts are designed to be buttoned from top to bottom, and this is not just a formality; it’s a part of proper suit etiquette. You should be able to button the top collar button with ease; if it doesn’t, it’s a sign that you need to update your shirt collection.

Further, ensure that the shirt cuffs are of the right length. It should allow you to slip a finger underneath the cuff. These small details might look unessential but can up your suit styling game.

Tip 7: Choose Suit Colors Wisely for the Occasion

A well-curated suit collection consists of five must-have suits: Black, Navy, Grey, Brown, and tan. These timeless colors add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wardrobe.

However before choose suit, the key to mastering etiquette is selecting the right suit color for the occasion. Select vibrant and dark colors for daytime parties and weddings and a more subtle and sober color for a wake or a funeral.

Tip 8: Mastering the Art of Tying a Tie

Don’t know how to style a tie with your suit? Worry not; we’ve got you covered. When selecting a tie, the fundamental rule is that the color of the tie should be darker than the color of your suit. Conversely, if the color of the suit is dark, the tie should be in a lighter shade. This creates a balanced & flattering look.

One more thing that needs to be taken care of while suit styling is the tie dimple. It is advised to use a silk or cashmere silk tie that gives a widening look to achieve the perfect tie dimple.

Another aspect is finding the perfect tie length. Ideal tie styling includes the tie length to be near the waistband of the belt or hover above the top of the belt buckle. Wearing too short a tie can give an unfinished impression while wearing it too long disturbs cleanliness.

Tip 9: The Pocket Square’s Secret Impact

Well, well, this tip is a secret that often goes unnoticed in suit styling. Who would have thought about a pocket square disrupting the suit styling? It is a small but impactful accessory. A perfect suit styling includes a selection of pocket squares, too.

A thumb rule while including a pocket square into your suit styling: It shouldn’t match your tie color or fabric of the suit. Select a color that blends in a perfect contrast with the overall appearance of the suit.

Tip 10: The Art of Sleeve Length

The secret of great suit styling is to aim for just a hint of your shirt sleeve exposed from beneath your jacket sleeve. This exposure not only adds a touch of sophistication but also shows your attention to detail.

If you are having your suit custom-made by a designer, be sure to mention your desire for the perfect sleeve length. Request that the jacket sleeve ends approximately a quarter-inch from the top of your hands.

Tip 11: The Goldilocks Fit

Follow the Goldilocks principle while wearing a suit– not too tight, not too loose, but just right.

Excessively tight can make you feel choked and restricted, while one that’s overly loose may leave you looking ill-fitted and uncomfortable. The right fit never constricts your body movement, but an ill-fitted look will.

Tip 12: Harmonize Your Footwear

Do not forget to coordinate the things that you are wearing, be it shoes or belts. Dark brown shoes are a must-have in your footwear collection when it comes to styling. However, it’s equally important to align the color of your shoes with the shade of your suit. The rule is simple: opt for dark shoes when pairing them with light-colored suits, and consider light browns or tans when complementing dark-shaded suits.

For those whose daily routine involves suiting up, investing in high-quality shoes is a smart move. Navy blue, dark brown, black, and tan are versatile colors that can effortlessly get along with a variety of suit colors and styles.

Tip 13: Socks That Complete the Look

In the times when ankle-cut socks dominate the fashion trends, they have no place in suit styling.

The important rule is to wear white, knee-length socks. You may ask, Why? Well, the last thing you want is to have your long, hairy legs peeking through when you’re receiving compliments on your perfect suit. It’s a sight that can quickly turn a dapper look into an unpleasant one.

Our advice? Purchase socks that reach halfway up to your knees. This length not only ensures that your legs remain carefully covered but also offers you the flexibility to experiment with patterns and colors.

Tip 14: Buy Suits with Vests

A remarkable vest can transform the classic suit-and-tie look. Vests are the ultimate style hack that allows you to skip the tie while maintaining an impeccable, polished appearance.

Vests are emerging as a refreshing accessory, coming back in fashion, and it’s a statement in itself.

Tip 15: Buy Subtle Prints

Just like the five common suit colors in the wardrobe, pinstripe is the suit pattern that each one of us would have. While pinstripe offers a versatile and timeless choice, you should consider buying other patterns too. Variety of prints and patterns that showcase your sartorial power.

You can think of exploring windowpane, houndstooth, and glen plaid patterns, too. These prints are also a classic choice and allow you to experiment with your look.

Tip 16: Cover your Collar

Properly managing your shirt collars is a subtle yet crucial detail in maintaining a polished appearance throughout the day. When you are heading into meetings or any interview, it is essential to ensure that your shirt collar remains neatly tucked underneath your suit collar.

The attire usually looks impeccable at the start of the day, but as time passes and various activities unfold, shirt collars can gradually become misaligned.

Parting Thoughts:

We hope you have liked this little guide on suit styling. These invaluable suit etiquettes, when embraced, have the power to elevate your appearance in any professional or social setting. It’s time to step confidently into the world of fashion.

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