Most Common Suit Mistakes Made by Brits

Let’s face it, few things make you feel sharper than a well-fitted suit — but pulling off the polished look isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. From fiddling with ties that never sit right, to wondering how on earth you’re supposed to fold a pocket square, formalwear still manages to trip plenty of us up.

And, it turns out we’re not alone.

Every month, thousands of Brits are quietly turning to Google for a bit of “suit support”, asking everything from “how to tie a tie” to “what’s the difference between a blazer and a suit jacket?” Clearly, looking the part is something we’re all keen on, but the finer details still confuse many of us.

It’s no surprise, really. Unlike casual wear, there are unwritten rules around suits, from button etiquette to matching accessories, and unless you’ve been taught (or had a very patient relative on hand), chances are you’ve had to muddle through at some point.

So, just how many of us are struggling with the staples of suiting up — and what are the biggest head-scratchers? House of Cavani took a closer look at Britain’s most-Googled suit questions and have revealed which cities are struggling the most.

The Most Common Suit-Related Queries in the UK

Across the nation, the single biggest challenge remains one of the simplest: tying a tie. With a huge 40,500 searches made every month, “how to tie a tie” outpaces every other suit-related query by some distance.

In fact, it’s over 40 times more popular than the third most-searched query, “how to measure for a suit” (1,000 searches). The second most common question is “how to fold a pocket square,” which racks up an impressive 9,900 searches monthly, showing that attention to detail is something many Brits still aspire to.

One particularly interesting outlier is the query “what is business casual attire?” which attracts 50 monthly searches. Despite being one of the most common dress codes in modern workplaces, many people are still unsure what it actually means.

The trend suggests that while most people own suits or formal clothing, it’s the finer details of styling — from knots and folds to dress code definitions — that continue to cause the most confusion. Video-led platforms like TikTok and YouTube may be driving curiosity, as people look for visual tutorials to get the details just right.

But now we know the most prominent searches, do they peak at particular times?

When looking a little closer at the data, we found that searches for suit-related queries surge in June and September. Particularly June, where total searches across the key UK cities, increased by 119% compared to February. With Summer being one of the most popular times for weddings and racing events, it’s no wonder searches increase as Brits have a need to smarten up and put on their best attire.

Searches for “how to tie a tie” reach their highest point in London during September, with 9,900 searches in just one month. This spike likely coincides with the return to school and work, as well as the tail end of summer events, when many people need quick, last-minute guidance.

Meanwhile, searches for “how to fold a pocket square” peak here, along with in Manchester and Birmingham in June. This trend suggests that as residents prepare for formal occasions where pocket squares are a must, many find themselves in need of a refresher. Our handy guides are always on hand to help people understand when they are stuck.

The Cities Needing the Most Suit Help

*Please note this data is ranked by the number of searches per population

Regionally, some cities stand out for needing more help than others. Newcastle upon Tyne tops the list, with residents making an average of 600 searches every month for suit queries — equivalent to 3.12 searches per 1,000 people. This makes Geordies the most likely in the UK to seek suit-related advice online. Inverness follows in second place with 2.55 searches per 1,000 people, while Manchester comes third at 2.15 searches.

Perhaps the most striking comparison is between Newcastle and Nottingham: people in Newcastle search for style advice more than 17 times as often per capita as those in Nottingham. Even smaller cities like Derry (Londonderry), with an average of 130 monthly searches, appear in the top 10 — proof that questions around tailoring and fit aren’t confined to big metropolitan hubs.

These findings may be explained by culture. Cities with vibrant nightlife and social scenes, like Newcastle and Manchester, may prompt more residents to search for tips on how to look sharp for big nights out. Student populations could also play a role, with younger people turning to Google for fashion guidance more frequently than older generations.

The Sharpest Looking UK Cities

*Please note this data is ranked by the number of searches per population

At the other end of the scale, some cities appear far more confident in their sartorial skills. Nottingham ranks as the most self-assured city in the UK, with just 0.18 searches per 1,000 people — the lowest rate recorded anywhere in the country. Leicester follows with 0.33 searches per 1,000 people, and Newport in Wales comes third at 0.36.

Swansea provides an interesting wildcard in this category. With 0.70 searches per 1,000 people, it ranks towards the higher end of the “style confident” list but still falls well below the levels seen in cities like Inverness or Manchester. This could reflect a more balanced approach to fashion, where residents have curiosity but not necessarily uncertainty.

The difference is stark: Nottingham residents are searching for style advice 17 times less often than those in Newcastle. This suggests either a strong natural sense of style, a more casual culture where formalwear isn’t as essential, or perhaps simply less reliance on online guidance.

Get the right look at House of Cavani

At House of Cavani, our comprehensive suit range has you covered. From race days to proms and weddings, you’re sure to find something that shows off your best you.

Need help getting the right fit and accessories? Our bespoke Made-To-Measure service makes sure your suit shows off your best features and looks great.

Check out our range now or contact us today to find out how we can help you.