Breaking Down the Perfect Suit

For the question on how to get swagger like Jagger, the answer is the perfect suit. A suit that fits great and looks good screams confidence, and is bound to get you noticed. Just think: how many men have you seen walking in a killer suit, looking like a CEO? While you may not need a suit every day, you will need one for certain occasions in your life. When that occasion arises, you don’t just want a suit that’s average, one that “will do.” Whether the event is an important business meeting or a dinner on Valentine’s Day, you want your suit to make a statement for you. When you’ve found The One, that perfect suit, you’ll know. Has the man in your life found The One? Here are some key elements to look for: 1. Dress for the Occasion Begin by asking if your suit is going to meet the event standards. You don’t want to wear a heavy, pinstriped getup to a casual day at the office. Here are some general guidelines: office wear should be more classic styles, wool and darker hues are best. For special occasions, it can be black or navy, but if it's a summer suit, lighter colors work best. 2. Measure by Measure This is the most crucial part of finding your perfect suit: a good fit will drastically change what your suit says. Suits that are too baggy and don’t fit properly make you look frumpy and unhygienic. Keep in mind: jacket size is determined by the thickest part of your chest, and pants need to fit at the waist and in length. If you’re uncertain, always take your suit to a tailor. 3. Material World To ensure you don’t have embarrassing sweat stains, make sure you’re getting the right fabric for the occasion. Wool suits are a classic blend that breathes, enabling you to wear them year-round. Cotton and linen suits are more lightweight, and meant for warm weather; flannel and heavier wool blends are made to be worn in the winter. For color, blues and greys are the most versatile for occasions. Black is actually the least versatile, since it brings an air of formality that may be inappropriate for the occasion. 4. Fit Choices: Single-Breasted or Double-Breasted? The single-breasted suit is a go-to choice for suit styles, since it’s appropriate for both the workplace and happy hour. If you’re looking for a chic look, go for the double-breasted suit. But be cautious: double-breasted suits are more suited for tall and slender body types and may not as be flattering on shorter, heavier body types. 5. Choose Your Lapel Medium, notched lapels are a classic, default choice. Peaked lapels can be used for a more dramatic look, if the occasion is appropriate. 6. Buttons, Buttons The most versatile and timeless look is the two-buttoned front on the jacket. Taller men may want to try three buttons, while one button is uncommon and generally not recommended. 7. Need to Vent? Again, the most common and timeless look is a center vent. Double vents are commonly European, and may make the suit more expensive. Ventless jackets provide a clean look, but they also make access to pockets more difficult. 8. Wearing the Pants The most important parts of suit pants are the pleats and the cuffs. Current styles are shifting away from pleated pants, although they can still look clean and fresh. Cuffs should be relatively short, and are more recommended for taller body types. Cuffs too large, or cuffs on pants for shorter body styles, can shorten the overall appearance of the suit. 9. A Unique Fit Chances are your suit isn’t going to meet all of these requirements right off the rack. Do your research and find a fantastic tailor you can trust, because most likely your suit will need a few alterations. Don’t think you can skip this step simply to save—your suit will show your shortcuts! In the long run, one or two suits that have a perfect fit are better than a closet full of average, ill-fitting suits. To begin, stick with classic cuts and styles in midnight blue. Your second suit investment should be in a charcoal gray color. Once you have the basics, feel free to branch into other colors and styles to see what you may like best. If your man has the above elements working for him, he just might have The Perfect Suit!