When it comes to buying a suit it’s important to find one that not only fits the occasion you will be going to, but also looks good on you. There are a number of things to consider, to make sure you look great in your suit rather than a crumpled mess. 

You need to consider the fit, the style and never buy a suit off the rack without trying it on first. You also need to make sure you have all the right accessories which go with the suit and also go together. You don’t want the wrong coloured shoes or a bad tie to spoil your overall look. 

Here are 10 steps to help you look good in your suit: 

Think about patterns

Don’t go for a plain solid suit if you want to stand out from the crowd. Think about patterns such as a light pin stripe where the stripes are in a pale blue rather than white, to create a more subtle and interesting look. You can match your shirt to the colour in the stripes, and pick out the colours with your tie and pocket square, making this suit very versatile. So don’t be afraid to go for patterns. 

Think single vs double-breasted

Choose the right suit style for your build. A double-breasted suit can make you look bulky and large so if you have a slim frame this might work well to add some bulk. On the other hand a very slim fitted single-breasted suit won’t work on someone with a strong, muscular frame or larger build so consider your body shape when choosing which style will make you look good. 

Look at the suit quality

A cheap suit will never make you look good no matter how carefully you choose your accessories so always check the way your suit has been made. Is it all hand-stitched or have any of the elements been glued as these are likely to come apart. Check for loose buttons, loose threads and ill-fitting seams. You want your suit to be high quality before you even put it on. 

Choose the right fabric

Just as a badly stitched suit will look cheap, so will a poorly chosen fabric. You want to make sure your suit is made of a high quality fabric which drapes well and doesn’t crease, such as a nice quality wool, which helps to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 

Think about your shirt choice

To look good in your suit make sure you have a really good dress shirt choice. Nowadays you are not limited to plain colours there are plenty of patterns and styles to choose from including stripes, checks and floral options to wear. 

Choose your tie

You can pick out your tie colour from your shirt pattern to create a clean and put together look which can be incredibly smart for business or for a formal event such as a wedding reception. The most important tip is to make sure your tie and shirt don’t clash. 

Think about trouser length

Check that your trousers are sitting just over your shoes, covering your socks. This is the ideal length for suit trousers to look good. You don’t want your socks showing and you don’t want to be tripping over them if they are too long. 

Keep your suit clean

Invest in a suit brush and make sure you brush down your suit after every use, and hang it up properly to help it to last and stay fresh. You should only get it cleaned a few times per year as the harsh chemicals will damage the fabric if carried out too often. 

Check your jacket length

You want the bottom of your jacket to line up with the tips of your fingers when your arms are loose by your sides. If the jacket is longer than this you might need a shorter option, whereas if your arms are hanging way past the bottom of the jacket you need a longer version. 

Make sure your sleeves are long enough

When it comes to your jacket sleeves they should end at the wrist joint so a small element of your shirt can be seen underneath the jacket. If you can see too much shirt cuff then you need to have longer sleeves, whereas if the jacket is covering your hands the sleeves need to be taken up. 

These top 10 tips will ensure you are looking your best when it comes to wearing your new suit whether it’s for a wedding reception, a business event or just out for casual drinks with friends you will be looking sharp and well-dressed for every occasion.