Suit Yourself: A Basic Guide To Suits

A gentleman always looks better in a suit, don't you think? Here, we give you some style advice to help you suit up properly.

One common misconception about style is that it is synonymous with fashion or that you have to follow trends in order to look good. The truth is that, dressing well is not about fashion or trends, but about making smart choices to fit your personality. Recently, menswear has become more experimental so you don't have to be afraid to try new things. However, when in doubt, look back at your fundamentals.

The biggest mistake men make today is trying too hard. Cally Blackman, author of 100 Years of Fashion, paraphrasing Le Corbusier, said of the suit, “[It is] a machine for living in, a close-fitting but comfortable armour, constantly revised and reinvented to be, literally, well-suited for modern daily life.”

Here are some tips to help you look your best:

Above Suit by Ermenegildo Zegna

THE FIT

In a suit, fit is everything. As of late, the slim-cut suit has become increasingly popular. Unfortunately, not every body type is meant to wear a slim-fitting suit. Quite possibly the most common mistake out there is wearing an ill-fitting suit. While a tailor can fix things like sleeve length, body fit, and even the length of the jacket, there’s not much that can be done if the suit jacket or blazer doesn’t fit the shoulders properly.

Jacket Length

The top button of a two-button suit or the middle button of a three-button suit should sit above your navel and not below.
Lay your arms to your side and check if your knuckles are level with the edge/bottom of your suit jacket. This is how to tell if the suit is the right length for you.
The length of the jacket sleeves should end at where the base of your thumb and your wrist meet.
Make sure to show a quarter, to half an inch of your shirt’s cuff.

Above ON HIM: Suit by Ermenegildo Zegna; ON HER: Top by Vina Romero from Comme Çi; Trousers by Maison Margiela available at Distinqt

Jacket Fit

Remember that 'slim-fitting' should not be confused with 'tight'.
The sleeves' seams should sit right where your arm meets your shoulder as they attach to the body of the suit.
You should be able to cross your arms over your chest without feeling the material tug or pull.
When you button your jacket, there should be no wrinkles or snugness to cause folding in the fabric as that would indicate that the fit is too tight.
When standing, close the jacket buttons. When sitting, open the buttons.

Above ON HIM: Suit by Ermenegildo Zegna; ON HER (L -R): Dress by Maison Margiela, Suit by TIBI, all available at Distinqt; Accessories (L-R): Earrings by Stockton Row from Comme Çi, Pearl necklace from Tiffany & Co.

Pant Fit

Make sure you are not swimming in your pants; tailor them to fit you.
You should be able to pinch half to one inch of fabric per side of the pant leg.
Pants should not bunch up over your shoes.
For a classic fit, have the hem of your pants meet the top of your shoes, where the laces or buckle would be, in order to achieve a quarter break.
A trendier approach is to crop the pant leg shorter so that the hem ends right where the shoe begins.

Above Long sleeves shirt by Ermenegildo Zegna; Tie from Dunhill

Above Long sleeves shirt by Ermenegildo Zegna

ACCESSORIES

Vary up your suit collection by purchasing some greys, browns, and stripes; if you are feeling more adventurous, try wearing brighter blues or maroons.
Accentuate a dark suit or monotone outfit with pops of colour, like a bright, eye-catching necktie or fun pocket square.
Add more detail by selecting creative cufflinks.
Choose socks that are colourful or have unique prints that can peek out of your pants.

Above Sweater, suit jacket and pants from Ermenegildo Zegna

Above Suit by Ermenegildo Zegna; Bowtie by Hackett

DRESS FOR THE OCCASION

A classic black suit is a safe bet but remember to dress for the occasion. Playing with texture and colour or mixing and matching suit pieces can go a long way.
If you are going to a lunch, a garden party, or an outdoor event for example, try wearing lighter colours and different fabrics.
Warmer climates and more casual events are the perfect time to try out that breezy linen suit.
To jazz up any casual or plain outfit, you can throw on a suit jacket, blazer, or sports coat.
Try going for the no-tie look by either leaving a few buttons of your polo open, or wearing a plain v-neck shirt under your jacket.

Above ON HIM (L-R): Suit by Ermenegildo Zegna, Tie from Bvlgari; Suit and tie from Ermenegildo Zegna; ON HER (L-R): Sequined dress from TIBI, available at Distinqt; Dress by Two Chic, Necklace from Stockton Row; Black dress by Two Chic, all available at Comme Çi

Style is all about the fundamentals, altered only by the character of the man and the times he lives in. Invest in classics and well-made items as the core of your wardrobe and you can stay relevant and elegant for decades. Have fun and express yourself by adding on playful accents, new silhouettes, and by adapting fashion trends to your liking.

Suit up with the best designer brands at The Shoppes at Solaire. For more information, visit solaireresort.com.

Credits

Words

Franz Sorilla IV

Photography

Mon Mangila

Styling

Shauna Jay Popple Williams & Isabel Martel Francisco

Production

Lucky Guerzon & Elaine Nuestro

Hair

Eponine Sindayen & Johnson Estrella

Make-Up