Suiting Style 101 - Tips & Tricks for fit, style, and function of suits

A great suit is a look that never goes out of style.

We have certainly seen a surge of casual looks replacing suits in the workplace, but a great suit will always be a look that turns heads and gets people talking.

Whether you have a big meeting, an important presentation, a special event or a once-in-a-lifetime reservation at the restaurant to eat at you will always be ready in a great (and great fitting) suit.

We spent time chatting with Jordan Dykes, a personal on-location stylist for Ticknors. He works with clients in their homes and offices to fit them with bespoke clothes and suits. He knows a thing or two about how suits should fit!

(originally featured in our Holiday 2018 Gift Guide)

It's hard to find an occasion where a suit doesn't work. The only one we can really think of is perhaps the beach. But even then you could still be cool and hip wearing a suit to the beach. Who are we to judge?

OK JORDAN, FIRST QUESTION: HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A SUIT DOES NOT FIT? (WHAT SHOULD WE AVOID?)

JORDAN: I can NOT stress comfort enough. Forget right or wrong, if you don’t feel comfortable in the suit, you will be itching to get out of it.

My advice is to make sure that the waist and seat fit perfect. Also the shoulders and chest of the jacket.

Those are the parts that really control your comfort. If you love slim fit (like me) then you take in everywhere else except those comfort places I just mentioned.

GOOD ADVICE. OK SO, HOW MANY SUITS SHOULD A MAN OWN?

JORDAN: That really depends, If you dress up for work and there isn’t much chance to dress down, then it's more of a need than a want. I would say enough to get you through a work week.

WHEN SHOULD YOU GET YOUR SUIT FIT?

JORDAN: If you are purchasing a suit, I'd advise to get it fit right then, or sometime soon after unless you plan to have a drastic change in weight. If you are getting married, you may want to try it on a few weeks before the wedding just to ensure it fits you well and looks great. 

GREAT ADVICE. SO HOW SHOULD YOUR COAT FIT? HOW SHOULD YOUR PANTS FIT?

JORDAN: A jacket sleeve is going to come down to personal preference: nowadays it's what the customer wants. I always recommend long enough so it's not above your wrist and also shows a little shirt cuff. Any of our Ticknors Style Advisors would be happy to help you out!

Pant fit also comes down to preference. The classic pant bottom will have a little break to it, hanging down around the sole of the shoe. However, nowadays we are seeing more pants ending short of the foot or with no break at all.

So, depending on the overall fit and how the client wears his suits, it could really depend.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT KIND OF TIE? HOW DO YOU DECIDE COLOR OF TIE? DO YOU ALWAYS NEED TO WEAR A TIE?

JORDAN: Ties are pretty fun these days. You have so many textures and styles to choose from. Just like the shirt, make sure it doesn’t fight with the outfit. If the suit is striped and shirt is plaid it's probably not ideal to do a heavy patterned tie. Just something simple that ties it all together.

You can ditch the tie for the afterparties, drinks after work or whatever the case. I recommend a suit with a tie, but sometimes I make an exception and go without it.

OK LAST QUESTION: WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR SUIT TAILORED OR FIT? HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DO THIS?

JORDAN: Ticknors offers free tailoring on site at our stores, which is an amazing service. We understand what you want and communicate that with our tailors.You can't beat it and it's also not a service everyone provides.

If your tailoring is done correctly, you shouldn’t need your suit re-fit unless you’ve gained or lost weight and there are some areas that aren’t fitting right anymore.

Whether you bring the suit to us or someone else... always be sure to dry clean it first. If the suit is cleaned , it will allow the tailors do the work right and steam and press the pant when they are done. This also doesn't allow spreading of bacteria through the tailor shops.

Thanks Jordan! 

Interested in a great fitting suit? Make an appointment for a one-on-one shopping experience with any of our associates in the stores. They will work with you to find you a great suit, custom-tailored to fit you perfectly.