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Buying Your First Mens Suit

Of all the fashion purchases a man makes in his lifetime, few are as monumental as that first suit. Not only does this usually happen during prom season (with its own merits as a formative experience), but it also sets the stage for numerous big purchases later on. It’s not unknown for suits to last years – decades, even. Below is some advice on how to find a suit that not only lasts, but will stay in style.

The Tailor and the Size
It all starts at the very beginning of the suit – that is, at the tailoring stage. Even if you get a suit from the store rack, you’ll still most likely have to get a bit of work done because few are built exactly like the display mannequin.

This explains the indubitable importance of the tailor to the suit and the well-dressed man as a whole. He’ll show you the classic cuts you’ll want to wear frequently and the low-maintenance fabrics that you’ll need to wash infrequently. He’s also the one who’ll do all the adjustments to your suit so that it fits you exactly the way it should.

A skilled tailor offers more than needle and thread services. He’ll also offer you wisdom and tips that will help you get the most style out of your suit, which is why he and his skills are such good investments. Cost-wise, there’s not much difference between store-bought and custom-made. In comparison to a medium- or high-end suit from the store, the price difference from a tailor can be as small as 20%.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Even when you’ve found the perfect fit (or at least the tailor who’ll make it for you), the search for an investment suit is far from over. What style should you get? Should you take the advice of those trendy men’s fashion magazines?

There are only three basic colors to consider for the investment suit: gray, navy and tan. The ideal case would be for you to get all three right away; if you’re getting just one at first, however, you should first consider the purpose and setting for the suit. If it’s for a more formal boardroom-appropriate ensemble, gray is your best bet. Tan works best for casual settings or warmer places. Navy, meanwhile, lies somewhere in the middle.

A suit is one of the few pieces of men’s clothing where the number of buttons you have is of utmost importance. One-button suits are very fresh and edgy, but on the flipside also tend to look more casual than you might intend. Three-button suits, on the other hand, are a smidge more formal, but they tend to look dated or even ill-fitting on some frames. A two-button stance is the best middle ground for the first suit: very few men can’t wear it.

Suit, Etcetera
One thing a lot of men forget is that a suit, no matter how well-fitted or fashionable it is, can’t look good on its own. It’s crucial to find that first good suit, but it’s just as crucial to build the kind of wardrobe that will bring out the full quality and style of the suit.

A white shirt deserves about as much attention as the suit, precisely because it’s so basic. You can expect to wear white shirts on a lot of days and with a lot of outfits beside the suit, so you may as well get several sharp ones. The same rationale works for ties: if your job requires you to wear a tie most days of the week, you get considerably higher value for your money when you invest in quality neckties.

Don’t leave out the other accessories that will distinguish you from the average yuppie in a suit. Tuck a pocket square – preferably a colorful one to work with your tie – into that front pocket, learn to do up cuff links and wear a simple, practical watch. Remember, it’s these small things that remind everyone that you’re not merely an employee or some guy at a cocktail party; you’re a gentleman, and they’d better see it.

Other Suggested Articles:
Dress Tips for Mens Fall Fashion 2010
The Best Fabrics for Mens Suits

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