The suit is a timeless piece in any man’s wardrobe. When styled correctly, it elevates our fashion game, giving us a suave and sophisticated look for any occasion that demands it. However, simply owning and wearing a suit isn’t enough. Many men mistakenly believe that just putting on a suit does the job. Today, we’re going to explore the most common mistakes men make when wearing a suit and how to correct them. By following these simple rules, we can step up our suit game from sloppy to sharp.
Rule #1: Our Shirt Matters Just as Much as the Suit
Too often, we see men in crisp suits but wearing wrinkled, worn-out shirts underneath. A creased, tired shirt pulls down the overall look and diminishes the elegance of the suit. Here are a few easy steps to ensure our shirt stays sharp:
- Keep it clean and ironed – Investing in a quality iron or setting aside time to batch iron our shirts ensures we always have a fresh one ready. If time is an issue, many dry cleaners offer a service where we can get five shirts cleaned and pressed for a reasonable price.
- Use metal collar stays – These keep our collars firm and well-structured, unlike the plastic ones that bend and curl over time.
- Upgrade our cufflinks – A simple pair of brushed steel or metal cufflinks adds a polished look. Avoid novelty cufflinks and those elastic knots that come with some shirts.
A sharp suit starts with a well-kept shirt, so let’s make sure our foundation is solid.
Rule #2: Rotate at Least Three Suits
Wearing the same suit daily leads to excessive wear and tear, which distorts its shape and quality. Instead, we should aim to have at least three suits in rotation. This allows for variety and gives each suit time to breathe between wears. A good starting point includes:
- A navy or dark blue suit
- A light grey suit
- A black or charcoal grey suit
These three options provide versatility and help us maintain a fresh, polished look at all times.
Rule #3: Details Make the Difference
The smallest details can significantly enhance our suit game. Here are three key accessories that add a refined touch to any suit:
- Tie Clip – A simple, practical accessory that keeps our tie in place and prevents it from flapping around. If we’re not wearing a waistcoat, a tie clip is a must.
- Pocket Square – This classic addition instantly elevates our suit’s sophistication. A well-folded pocket square gives off a refined, stylish vibe.
- A Good Belt – If our trousers have belt loops, let’s use them! Matching our belt to our shoes is a golden rule for maintaining a sleek appearance.
Including these accessories every time we wear a suit will take our style to the next level.
Rule #4: Always Leave the Bottom Button Undone
A well-fitted suit can be ruined in an instant if we button up incorrectly. Here’s a quick guide to buttoning suits properly:
- One-button suit: Button when standing, unbutton when sitting.
- Two-button suit: Button the top button, leave the bottom one undone. Unbutton when sitting.
- Three-button suit: Button the top two or just the middle button, but always leave the bottom button undone.
This rule also applies to smart coats. For waistcoats, always leave the bottom button undone. These small adjustments make a big difference in keeping our suit looking sharp.
Rule #5: Experiment with Colors and Textures
Many of us assume that suits are rigid in terms of style, but the truth is that they offer endless possibilities. By experimenting with different fabrics, colors, and accessories, we can create a personal and unique look. Here are some simple ways to add variety:
- Try a knitted tie instead of a regular one
- Add patterned shirts for a modern touch
- Play with different pocket square colors
- Explore suit patterns like checks or pinstripes
By embracing variety, we can inject personality into our suits while maintaining a sophisticated look.