10 Rules for Wearing a Suit

A suit that fits precisely is the foundation of an elegant appearance. The correct size should allow comfortable movement while visually shaping your figure. Remember that a suit should fit across the shoulders, waist and hips without being too loose or too tight. The ideal length of the jacket should reach at least your hips or a little lower. This creates a harmonious and balanced impression while also visually lengthening the figure. Also make sure that the trousers sit high around the hips; worn too low, they will look careless.

With both single-breasted and double-breasted jackets, it is important to remember that the last button always remains undone, which helps prevent the unnatural "X"-shaped pull. If you have a single-breasted jacket with three buttons, it is customary either to fasten the middle button or the first two, according to your personal preference and fashion sense.

Quality material is the foundation for long-term wear of a suit. High-quality wool, with an admixture of cashmere or cotton, is an ideal choice for a suit. These fabrics not only look good but also wear well and are easy to maintain.

The colour of a suit should be chosen with regard to the occasion, the season and your own personality. Classic dark colours such as navy, grey or black are ideal for formal events and the working environment, whereas lighter shades such as beige or light blue can be an excellent choice for daytime events, summer weddings or more informal occasions. Remember that the right colour of suit can emphasise your personality.

A three-piece suit creates an impression of confidence and taste. For a perfect look, it is important that the waistcoat hangs just above the belt or a little longer, and at the waist it should fit closely and firmly – without any unnecessary volume or loose sections. A properly worn waistcoat is fastened so that it lightly follows the figure, while the last button is usually left undone in order to preserve a certain freedom of movement.

Approach the sleeve of the suit with the intention of showing a glimpse of the shirt cuff – but no more than 1 to 2 cm. To achieve this, measure your suit sleeve so that it reaches just above the point where the cuff meets the wrist, and make sure it does not protrude or fall too long.

Appropriate footwear is essential for completing the overall look. Classic men's shoes, such as leather or suede Oxfords and Derbies, create an elegant and professional appearance. For a smart casual look, the suit can also be complemented by quality leather sneakers.

When finishing off the elegant look of a suit, fitting accessories are important – a leather belt that matches the shoes, a tie or bow tie and a pocket square of suitable pattern and colour, together with tasteful cufflinks.

Limit the contents of your suit pockets to prevent the fabric from deforming and stretching unnaturally. Instead, consider carrying lighter items in a briefcase or backpack, while the jacket and trousers should remain as empty as possible. In this way you will keep your elegance and the cut of the suit in the best possible condition.

Regular maintenance of a suit is essential for preserving its quality and appearance. Regular cleaning, pressing and storage on proper hangers help keep the suit in perfect condition for a long time.