5 Things To Consider When Buying A Suit
Buying a suit can be confusing and very difficult at times. Here is five things to consider when buying a suit.
5 things to consider when buying a suit
1. Budget
The first thing you should always do when buying a suit is set your budget, you can spend £10 in a thrift store or £5,000 on Oxford Street. But your own budget is important. Try to be as generous as possible with it as a good suit will help you to feel more confident and will last you a lifetime.
Once you have your budget set out, you need to decide whether you’ll be shopping online or in store. If you’re unsure of your size you can always use a size guide to measure yourself. If you’re in a rush, heading into a shop is often a better option, as you can try on options. If you have a bit of extra time on your hands, a showroom appointment may be the way to go.
2. Fit & Style
Fit is Key. A £50 suit that fits you will look much better than a £2,000 suit that doesn’t. Don’t a buy a suit that doesn’t fit you unless you know it can be tailored.
Jacket shoulders
The shoulders are your starting point and absolutely crucial - they must fit perfectly off the rack. Shoulder alterations are complex, costly, and often compromise the suit's structure. The jacket shoulders should lie flat with no dimpling or pulling, following your natural shoulder line precisely.
Jacket length
For jacket length, perform the 'fist test' - if you can fit more than two fists between your body and the buttoned jacket, it's excessively large. While a tailor can adjust the fit, anything beyond a two-inch reduction will disrupt the jacket's proportions and pocket placement, ruining its aesthetic. The ideal length should reach your knuckles when your arms are relaxed at your sides, and the back should fully cover your posterior.
Sleeve length
Sleeve length requires precision - with arms naturally at your sides, the jacket sleeves should end at your wrist bone, allowing roughly 1.25cm (half an inch) of shirt cuff to show. This creates the perfect balance of proportion and sophistication.
Waist band
The waistband is crucial for both appearance and comfort. It should sit snugly without pulling when buttoned, allowing comfortable movement throughout the day. A properly fitted waist creates a clean silhouette and prevents the discomfort of constant adjustments during wear.
3. Colour
When selecting the colour of a suit, start with versatile options that will serve you well across different occasions. Navy blue and charcoal grey are considered the most adaptable choices, working seamlessly for both business and formal events whilst flattering most skin tones.
A medium grey suit offers similar versatility but with a slightly more casual feel, making it excellent for daytime events or less formal workplaces. Black suits, whilst classic, are best reserved for very formal occasions like weddings and evening events, as they can appear too severe for regular business wear.
For those building their first suit collection, it's wise to begin with navy or charcoal before expanding to lighter greys or more distinctive colours like deep brown or olive. Consider your existing wardrobe when choosing, as your suit should complement your shirts, ties, and shoes, and think about the primary settings where you'll wear the suit to ensure the colour is appropriate for those contexts.
4. Function over Fashion
Buttons
When shopping, you’ll notice the range of buttons on suits can be anywhere between one to five button suits. For 95% of buyers, the two button suit will be the best choice. It’s a classic look. A more formal look will be the three button suit. Or you can pick something between the two. Yes, there is such a thing as a two and a half button suit. This is a three button suit where the top button is meant to be left undone.
Vents
Jacket vents serve a crucial functional and aesthetic purpose, originally designed for horseback riding and now essential for modern movement and style. The single vent, though commonplace, is perhaps the least flattering option - when you reach for your pocket, it tends to splay open unflatteringly, exposing your posterior.
Double vents, positioned on either side of the jacket's back, represent superior tailoring. They create an elegant, streamlined silhouette when walking and maintain their clean lines during movement. This classic design allows unrestricted access to pockets while preserving your dignity, whether you're seated, walking, or even mounting a horse (as per their original purpose in equestrian wear). The double vent's practicality and sophistication make it the preferred choice for a well-crafted suit, offering both enhanced mobility and a more polished appearance.
5. The Dress Shirt
Choosing the right dress shirt is JUST as important as choosing the right suit. The classic white shirt is crisp and perfect for any occasion. However, light pink, blue and lavender are all acceptable colours. A good fit on the neck is key since majority of the time you’ll be doing it up with a necktie.
Choose your next suit House of Cavani
Remember, a well-chosen suit is an investment in your personal presentation, and House of Cavani's blend of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary styling makes us an excellent choice for anyone!