Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Most men's suits just don't suit me ...

I really think this should go without saying, but every man should have at least one good suit in his closet. You never know when you may need to go to the closet and be ready for a grand occasion. For a woman--and a growing population of men--there is nothing sexier than a man in a well-fitted, good suit. Men, we just look better when we are suited up. No matter what your size. A suit is like snow: a magical blanket that hides what's ugly, and makes everything beautiful.

Unfortunately, most men turn what should be a simple look into something tacky, bulky, and generally unflattering without even thinking of it. Think of how many men you have seen in a suit too big for their bodies, or too small. Most men don't care how they look. And that is tragic. This blog will help any man select a perfect-fitting suit. As I sit here in one of my tax classes, I noticed that the professor is wearing a suit that is all wrong for his body. It really makes him look like a homeless man who just bought a suit at the Salvation Army for an interview to get himself off the streets. A mean picture, yes; a true picture, hell yes.

A nice, properly worn suit looks good everywhere from the office, to the opera, to dinner, and on the way to bed. It is the equivalent to the little black dress for women. It's a closet staple for any man. Just choose the right one, or you'll lose style points that are very easy to pick up. If you follow these simple rules, I am certain I will make you a GQ Man of Style:

1. Choose the right fabric.

Let me be clear about one thing men: there are only three basic fabrics to choose from, so no need to go any farther unless you are an advanced dresser--wool, polyester, and cotton (yes, there are cotton suits being made). I cannot give a preference between one of the other. You need to be aware of the feel of the suit on your skin. Some people maybe allergic to wool, or polyester. Remember that you have to be comfortable in the suit. Hives do not equal comfortable.

2. If the pants don't fit, your suit ain't shit.

The waistline of your pants needs to be at a comfortable fit. Pants should sit comfortably on the waist, just above the hips. As far as pleated pants are concerned, it depends on your body type. If you are a little chubby in the stomach area, then you can get away with wearing pleats since it will help cover it up. If you are thinner, then stay away from them. Pleats will only make you appear skinnier. Pleats should not open. If you are wearing flat front pants, be careful that the pockets do not gape. Both indicate that the pants are tight.

As far as the hem of your pants, pant length should reach the heel in back and allow for a break in the front. Pleated pants can be worn with or without cuffs. Be careful on the cuff / uncuff issue. A cuffed pant makes you look shorter. On the other hand, cuffed pants show maturity. It's a judgment call. If you are wearing flat front pants, plain and uncuffed bottoms are the way to go.

3. Stop wearing your Dad's shirts.

The sleeve length needs to be exact. Stop wearing shirts too big for you. Remember that this is your "good suit." Everything should fit just right. Tailoring is not just for the rich and fabulous. Sleeves should come to the base of the palm when arms are at your sides. Once you put on your suit jacket, the cuffs of your shirt should show 1/2". Be aware that it is common for arms to be different lengths. Tailoring will keep everything properly even.

4. Choose your jacket wisely.

The suit’s jacket needs to fit easily across your stomach in order to appear professional. It should not be overly tight, but rather allow for some play when the jacket is buttoned. A two-button suit is an American classic. However, I am a fan of the three-button, or four-button for some people, suit jackets. The key is to know your waistline and what flatters it. For a thinner man, I would recommend the classic two-button. For a larger-framed man (not fat necessarily, but an actual large frame with broad shoulders), I like a three-button. I reserve the four-button for a taller man, or a man who could use the extra length of a four-button. Get to know you, and what you need to look your best.

5. Get it together ... you're suit should not "taste the rainbow."

Colors has always been a problem for men. Steve Harvey is not the authority on suits. A red suit only looks good on women, and Prince. That's it gentlemen. And the same goes for violet, and the rest of the ROYGBIV spectrum. Black, charcoal, gray, midnight blue, brown, tan, slate, do you see where I'm going guys? These are colors that work. This suit must be multi-functional. Save a red suit for Halloween, or the Player's Ball. And please....PLEASE...choose one color. Men should only wear a suit with one color jacket, and a different color pant when they are in prep school. It is tragic, and a waste of material. Segregate the colors of a suit. It's okay....the Supreme Court won't come after you for it.

I hope this has been helpful for you. I want to see hot, sexy men of all shapes and sizes in their suits blowing these women's minds (and the booming population of men who like it too).

Here's to style. Cheers!

1 comment:

The Love Collective said...

You had me at one good suit. Sooo true.

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