By Sholom Sandler, Founder and Director of tailored suit specialists, TheSuitman&Co
A suit is a statement piece, an outfit you put on when you want to feel your best in the boardroom, when you want to look fantastic at a special event, and even on arguably the most important day of your life: your wedding day.
Yet we’ve all had the experience of trying on, or perhaps even purchasing, a suit which just doesn’t quite feel right. It might fit poorly, it might not be comfortable, it might not make us feel confident and empowered when we look in the mirror.
With literally millions of choices, it can be difficult to whittle down the range of suits out there to the one which is perfect for you. So, many people end up settling, opting for something which isn’t 100%: maybe due to time pressures of buying a suit before a specific occasion; maybe due to sheer desperation of having put in so much effort and tried on so many options; maybe a lack of hope that there really is a perfect choice out there.
When it comes to a suit specifically tailored for you, it’s even more of an unhappy experience to end up with something that you think could have been better. So, what are the three main things to look out for when ordering a tailored suit?
Fabulous fabrics
Opting for a lower quality fabric is like a restaurant choosing the cheapest ingredients they can find and then expecting to create Michelin quality meals. There is only so much a great design and cut can do if the basics aren’t right, so starting off with the right choice of fabric is essential.
The best fabrics sourced from skilled merchants from Italy and the UK will allow a tailor to create a garment which is comfortable to wear, which fits beautifully, and which gives you the range of movement necessary to go about your day feeling at your best – whether you’re on stage giving a presentation to hundreds, or waiting at the top of an aisle ready to say your vows.
Where and when you’ll be wearing the suit is an important factor when it comes to the fabric, and something you’ll want to talk through with your tailor. The heaviest fabrics aren’t going to be ideal for an outdoor summer event, and a more durable option will be ideal for a suit you’re intending to wear many times over the years.
Don’t be afraid to ask to examine the fabrics on offer: looking at them up close and actually feeling the material will give you a much better idea of the quality of the finished product. This process will also enable you to get an exact idea of the colour and pattern, without any distortion from camera lighting or editing that may happen if you’re just looking at a photo of a suit made using that fabric. This also means you can be sure that the shirt, shoes, socks and accessories you’re pairing it with will definitely match.
Suitable style
The beauty of a tailored suit is that you don’t need to stick to a handful of styles, you can create a design that aligns exactly to the vision you have of the finished outfit. Whether you’re looking for more of a traditional style, add in details which show off your personality, or you want the design to flatter your body shape, your initial consultation with your tailor should see you able to have a real input into the style of the suit as well as the fabric.
With so many people reporting difficulties in finding a suit that fits them perfectly, this is the beauty of tailoring: no “cookie cutter” suits taken straight off the rack that might be slightly too short in the arms or legs, slightly too wide on the shoulders, or slightly tight around the waist.
Wearing a suit shouldn’t be about opting for a standard size that’s nearest to your own size and making do; it’s about a style and fit that suits your exact body shape, as well as the event it’s being worn at, and your personality too. Plus, adding a little flair to the suit can be a fantastic way of making you feel like you, but on your best day!
Attention to detail
The thing that differentiates a great suit from a perfect suit is the attention to detail. Every stitch should be in the right place, every pocket and lapel finished beautifully, and every button chosen to complement the overall look.
These aspects are what elevate a suit, giving it that real quality look and ensuring it feels just as good the fiftieth time you wear as it did the first. Again, this is where tailoring comes into its own when compared against buying a ready-made suit, because you’re the one in control of the process. Until you’re happy with every single detail of the garment, it shouldn’t be handed over to you. Until you’re beaming in the mirror when you see yourself wearing it, it simply isn’t the perfect suit for you!
Whether we’re talking about the fabric, the style, or those finishing touches, making sure that all the ingredients are right during the process is the only way to guarantee you end up with the suit of your dreams, not just the suit you settled for. So, ask questions, be particular, and get ready to wear the best suit of your life.
