Picking the Perfect Suit, Explained.

March 27, 2013 - PRLog -- The Perfect Suit, Explained
The perfect suit can give a man a whole new level of swagger. Nothing says confidence better than a great-fitting, killer suit. Some guys who know this wear suits as often as they can. They convey the look of a true gentleman, a class act.

The average guy may not see the need to rock a suit that often, but when he does, he wants to send a message. Whether the occasion is an important business meeting or dinner out with that special girl on Valentine's Day, The Perfect Suit is undeniable when it's there. Ladies, does your man have The Perfect Suit? Here are some key elements to look for:
1. What's the Occasion?
Start by asking if the suit fits the event. If he's at the office, he should lean toward classic styles in wool and darker hues. For special occasions, it can be black or navy. If it's a summer suit, lighter colors fit the bill.
2. Exact Measurements
This is crucial! A good fit is a key component of The Perfect Suit. Suit jacket size is determined by the size of the thickest part of your chest. For pants, they should fit his waist at the belt line and also be the perfect length.

3. Fabric and Color
Wool suits are classic and can be worn year-round. Cotton and linen suits are meant for spring and summer (and maybe early fall), while flannel is definitely winter fare. Midnight blue is the most versatile color, then charcoal gray. Believe it or not, black is the least versatile suit color.
4. Single or Double-Breasted?
In general, the single breasted suit is the go-to choice. It's suitable for both the workplace and heading out on the town. No doubt, a double-breasted suit is dashing and chic, but it's not a good choice on short or heavy men.

5. Lapel Type
The default choice here should be medium width and with a notch. However, a peaked lapel can be more daring, dramatic and stylish.
6. Number of Buttons

In general, most guys should go for two buttons, as it is the most versatile and time-tested look. Taller guys might try the three-button style. One button is less common and can offer an edgier look if that's what he's going for.
7. Jacket Vents
Center vents are always a good bet here. Double or "side" vents are more European and "suave," but tend to be more expensive. There are also "ventless" jackets which give a clean look (but access to pockets is more difficult.)
8. Pants

The main considerations for suit pants are pleats and cuffs. At this time, fashions are leaning away from pleated pants, but some men like the look. Cuffs on pants can be flattering for taller guys, but not so much for the "vertically challenged."

9. A Tailored Fit

If a suit isn't the perfect fit off the rack (and it rarely is), once he's bought it, he should have it tailored to make any final needed adjustments. If he skips this step, it will be painfully obvious!

Ultimately, it’s better for a guy to have one or two excellent, perfectly-fitting suits rather than five or six mediocre ones. When in doubt, he should opt for quality and classic style. If he can only buy one suit, a midnight blue wool suit with classic tailoring is a great fit for most any occasion. His second suit should be charcoal colored. After that, he can branch out into lighter colors like brown, khaki and light gray.

If your man has the above elements working for him, he just might have The Perfect Suit!

About the Author: Thad  works for The Tailored Man, custom tailors since 1969. http://www.tailoredman.com