#1. Understanding your skin tone.

Most men would fall heavily to one of the basic skin types: Dark Skinned, Medium Skinned or the Light Skinned. Knowing which fabric colour is able to complement your skin tone is an essential step to bring forth your perfect suit. Navy Blue gives a sense of power to the fair-skinned and a clear contrast to those in the medium range. However, it is not recommended for darker skins as it can give off a bruised appearance. While the most versatile colour that can actually work with any skin tone happens to be grey - a simple rule to follow is the darker your skin is, the lighter your grey should be.

#2. What’s in your wardrobe?

For practical reasons, it’s important to take note of the colour scheme of your shirts and accessories to fully optimize your suit. Shirts of the pastel tones do very well with dark-coloured suits or if you’re starting from the beginning – have your suit in mind when choosing the shirts to pair with.

#3. Do you know your body well?

Sloping Shoulders? Uneven Shoulders? Longer arms? Slightly-hunched back? Getting an Off-The-Rack suit might hide these issues well but at the same time, compensating on giving you the flattering fit that sings the exact same tune of your body. Head over to a local tailor who would be able to point out these issues and measure your body accordingly to give you a suit that listens to your body.

#4. The occasion you’re wearing for matters.

Is it for a school presentation? A new job that requires you to dress smartly? Or the day where you’ll get to see the love of your life walking down the aisle? The occasion matters as colours send across a strong visual message. The typical corporate colours like Black, Navy Blue or Grey would fit well for the presentation look or that job interview you are eager to nail it. If you are thinking of wearing the exact same suit at your wedding, play it up with accessories like a unique tie and pocket square to stand out from the crowd! If not, feel free to let your imagination run wild and go for that unique-coloured suit you’ve always wanted!

#5. Planning your schedule.

If you are thinking of getting a tailored suit, be prepared to set aside ample time before your actual event where you would need the suit for. Schedule an appointment with a tailor as soon as possible! Get it settled and be contented knowing that you have a well-fitted suit before your big day! Unless, time is not on your side and you only have a few days left in your purse which you would need to make do with an Off-The-Rack suit for now. In this case, lookout for the size that is closest to your body and ensure that the shoulders fit nicely. All other areas like the jacket length, sleeve length or back width are not that important as they are much easier to alter at a local seamstress within a few days.

#6. Choosing of Jacket Lapels.

The most common lapel for suits would be the Notch Lapel, commonly identified by a “v-shaped’ indentation and can be worn for various occasions. The Peak Lapel is rather different from its common cousin - defined by the lapel edges pointing up and towards the shoulder, this particular lapel is to be worn if you are thinking of standing out! Lastly, not forgetting the Shawl Lapel – characterized by a rounded edge that can be commonly found on tuxedos which are mostly worn for an Oscars night or to bring that wedding theme to a whole new level.

#7. One-button, Two-button or Double-Breasted?

A one-button jacket is mainly for casual occasions and is pretty straightforward – buttoned when standing and unfastened when sitting down. The two-button is the most common among suits, stick to this if you want something basic. Take note that for two-button suits, the top button should remain buttoned while the bottom one is to be left undone. If you ever happen to button both, you’ll realize that not only the bottom button restricts your movement, but you will notice that it looks rather strange too. A double-breasted suit is perfect if you ever want to spice things up, simply button all buttons except the bottom one and leave the buttons fastened until you take the jacket off. Otherwise, the extra fabric at the front of the coat will tend to look sloppy.

#8. Single-Vent or Double-Vents?

A vent is a slit that can be found on the back of suit jackets and has a functional necessity to provide comfort by easing the buttoned jacket from bunching which would lead to unattractive creasing of the fabric and constricting of the body while being seated. The single vent is more mainstream and all-purpose as compared to the more formal and refined double-vent. If you have a protruding bum, the back flap of the double vent can end up kicking out from your bum while the single vent would be the best in covering your rear end. The single vent is also perfect in bringing out flattering curves especially if you’re in great shape and eager to show off your physique. On the other end of the spectrum, men with a wider body shape would realize that if the suit is not carefully flown along the form of the body, the single vent would split apart like a drawn curtain. Hence, the double vent is highly recommended for heavier men as it happens to give off the slimming down effect through the vertical lines along the back flap that portrays an illusion of length.

#9. Belt Loops or Side Adjusters?

Belts are a great way to add on visually to your suit, just be sure to match your shoes and belt to pull it all together. If your pair of trousers happen to have belt loops, avoid leaving your house without a belt as it might send across the wrong impression that you forgot to dress properly. If you are looking for a change and happen to have a fluctuating waistline, try giving side adjusters a go! Side adjusters are undeniably more polished-looking than belt loops and it draws less attention to the waistline especially if you’re slightly overweight.

#10. Cuffed Pants or no Cuffs?

Pants cuffs are the bottom edges of the pants folded outside where the ankle is at, giving a more casual suiting and extra weight due to the cuffs which allow your pants to drape better. Cuffed pants are also able to flatter taller man by balancing the proportions, but if you’re towards the shorter side, be wary as cuffs might make one look bulkier. No cuffs fall under the common attire of formal wear, making the pants look clean, crisp and simple. If you’re looking to look taller and leaner, a pants without cuffs avoids breaking up your height with horizontal lines.

10 Things to Know Before Getting a Suit