The next event is around the corner and all of us are rushing to get a new outfit made for us, aren't we? Get a new men suit for the next celebration or new office job. But make sure to wear your suit right!
There are also some insider tips, only a few are aware of.
Here are our top 11 unspoken rules of
How to Wear a Men's Suit
1. Never ever button the bottom button of a suit jacket
No matter if you buy a suit at a store in your size or a custom men suit at our online shop. Suits are made to have only the button in the middle be closed. Keep the very last one open, ALWAYS!
Read more about suit buttons, everything you need to know here.
2. Never forget to unbutton the jacket when you sit down
Don’t ruin the shape of your suit. Make sure to unbutton the suit jacket to feel more comfortable and prevent button popping during dinner or business lunch.
Find the perfect fitting custom blazer here.
3. Always keep the top button of your shirt buttoned
Shirt buttons are made to be closed. Yes, all of them. If you cannot close the top button, you ought to get a new men's business dress shirt. Keep the lines of the shirt collar matching and make sure, that you have the right length of shirt cuffs.
Find here our men shirts collection.
4. Don’t let the shirt cuffs go over your hands
Shirt sleeves are integral for making you look well-groomed and sharp. This is why you should make sure that they are the right length and fit. Ideally, a quarter of an inch of the cuff of your shirt sleeve should appear from beneath the jacket sleeve.
5. Never look like you choke yourself
A shirt collar is particularly important as it should never make you look choked. You should be comfortable in your Christmas suit so place two fingers between your skin and collar to make sure that it fits well. Also, take note that shirts sometimes shrink and you will have to have a broader collar if you want to wear this shirt after Christmas is over.
Read more about the best shirt collar for you here.
6. Wear only a jacket that fits
The jacket, like in these beautiful grey suit, has to be tailored in a way that it does not look too loose or tight at the chest. A nice tip is to place three fingers perpendicularly between your jacket and stomach. You should be able to slip your hand between your chest and your buttoned jacket such that it feels snug, but with room to move.
Read more about how a men's blazer should fit here.
7. Never let your socks be seen
Find trousers that fit you well. Neither too short or too long give your look a benefit. Let your trousers sit on the top of your dressing shoes.
Here is our socks collection.
8. More about socks
Make sure your socks are long enough. No one wants to see your hairy legs between trousers and socks when you sit down. Especially if you wear fancy socks.
9. It's a match: Belt and shoe color
There are no exceptions. Color-mixes are not needed when it comes to dress shoes and belt. Same with your watch. The leather strap needs to be the same as the belt and shoe color. Find here our belts.
10. Let your tie end at your belt
Hide shirt buttons behind your tie.
Read more about men's shirt and tie combinations here.
Are you considering wearing a bow-tie? Then read this article to know how and when to wear a bow-tie.
11. Never wear a pocket square that matches your tie
A pocket square adds an extra level of polish, but make sure it doesn't match your tie in either pattern or fabric choice.
Find our collection of pocket squares here.
Are you already an expert? What do you think about sharing your knowledge with your friends by giving them a Hockerty Gift Card as a present?
Bonus track!
20 Rules about Suits
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Button Position: The top button of a two-button, or the middle button of a three-button, jacket should fall right above the navel. Pro Tip: This helps in achieving a balanced silhouette.
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Lapel Width: Generally speaking, wide lapels are more old-fashioned and thin ones are more modern. None of them are right or wrong; they both work with your style. Pro Tip: Choose lapel width according to your body type. Broad shoulders? Go for wider lapels.
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Collar Fit: An ill-fitting jacket will have a gap between the shirt collar and jacket lapels. Also consider turtleneck and suits.
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Color Coordination: Your belt and shoes should be the same color.
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Pants Storage: Utilize “The Savile Row Fold” to keep your pants from falling off the hanger.
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Pocket Square Selection: Your pocket square should compliment the colors of your tie and shirt, adding a stylish touch, not match them.
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Tie Length: Your tie should be long enough to reach the tip of your belt, but not longer.
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Socks Length: Wear long socks to avoid exposed legs when sitting. However, you can opt to go sockless if you are following a new trend.
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Suit Maintenance: Always unbutton your suit when sitting down to avoid ruining it.
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Jacket Sizing: To make sure your jacket is the right size, slip your hand between your chest and jacket - it should feel snug but with some room to move.
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Vest Button: Always keep the bottom button unbuttoned when wearing a vest.
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Tie Color: Your tie should always be in a darker color than your shirt.
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Summer Wear: In warmer weather, wear an undershirt to combat sweating. Pro Tip: Opt for a moisture-wicking fabric.
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Sleeve Exposure: The sleeve cuffs should be exposed for about 1.5 cm (half an inch).
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Double Vents: Stay trendy by adding double vents in the back of your jacket for extra style and comfort.
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Tie & Lapel Proportion: Match the width of your tie with the width of your lapel for a balanced look.
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Classic White Shirt: Invest in one. It's versatile and can be paired with any suit or tie for a polished look.
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Tailored Pants: Opt for these to ensure the perfect fit. Pants should be slim through the leg and only slightly break over the shoe.
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Patterns and Textures: Use subtle patterns and textures to add depth to your outfit, but avoid anything too bold.
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Timeless Classic: When in doubt, go for a timeless, classic look. Trends come and go, but a well-fitted suit in a neutral color with the right accessories is always in style.
With these 20 rules and pro tips, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of suiting up. Remember, confidence and a smile are the best accessories you can wear.
