When it comes to mens suits, the devil is in the details. From choosing the right fabric to ensuring the perfect fit, every little choice impacts your overall look. So if you’re looking to make a sharp, memorable impression in the UK or anywhere else, knowing what to avoid is essential. Here, we’ll walk through common mistakes men make with suits and how to sidestep them for a polished, confident style.
Choosing the Wrong Fit
One of the biggest suit mistakes is wearing the wrong fit. Suits that are too tight or too baggy can disrupt the lines of your body and look unpolished. When choosing a fit, it’s essential to know the main types: slim, regular, and tailored.
- How to Avoid It: Opt for a fit that flatters your body type. Slim fits work well for lean builds, while regular or tailored fits suit broader frames. Try on different fits to see which one looks and feels the best. If you’re in doubt, consult with a tailor for a quick assessment.
Overlooking Fabric Choice for the Season
Wearing a wool suit in summer or a lightweight linen suit in winter is a common faux pas. The fabric choice is crucial not only for comfort but also for the longevity of your suit.
- How to Avoid It: Choose wool for colder months and lighter fabrics like linen or cotton for summer. If you’re after versatility, go for mid-weight fabrics that work across multiple seasons, like a wool blend.
Wearing Mismatched Suit and Shoe Colours
Nothing throws off an outfit like mismatched suit and shoe colours. In the UK, classic colours like navy, charcoal, and black are common suit choices, and each pairs best with specific shoe colours.
- How to Avoid It: Stick to these basics: pair navy suits with brown or black shoes, grey suits with black shoes, and black suits exclusively with black shoes. Brown shoes can work with navy or grey suits, but avoid pairing them with black.
Ignoring Proper Sleeve and Pant Lengths
Sleeves and trousers that are too long or too short disrupt the clean lines of a well-fitted suit. This is a common issue with off-the-rack suits, but it’s fixable.
- How to Avoid It: For sleeves, ensure they end just above the wrist bone, with about half an inch of your shirt cuff visible. Trouser hems should skim the top of your shoes without bunching. A simple alteration can make a world of difference here.
Not Paying Attention to Lapel Style and Width
Lapel styles (notch, peak, or shawl) and widths can change the tone of your men suit. An overly wide or narrow lapel can make your suit appear dated or ill-fitting.
- How to Avoid It: For a classic, versatile look, opt for a medium-width notch lapel. Peak lapels are a bit more formal, often seen on double-breasted or tuxedo suits. Shawl lapels are typically reserved for formal dinner jackets or black-tie events.
Wearing the Wrong Size Tie
A tie that’s too wide or too narrow for your lapel creates an imbalance, detracting from the suit’s harmony.
- How to Avoid It: Match the width of your tie to the width of your lapel. Slim lapels pair best with slim ties, while wider lapels call for a traditional width tie. For length, ensure your tie tip reaches the belt buckle.
Skipping Alterations for a Tailored Look
Even the best suits rarely fit perfectly off the rack. Skipping alterations is a common mistake that can lead to a less-than-polished look.
- How to Avoid It: Visit a tailor after purchasing your suit. They can make essential adjustments to ensure your suit looks like it was made just for you. Key areas for alteration include the jacket’s waist, sleeves, and trousers. Don’t underestimate the difference a little tailoring can make.
Using Excessive Accessories or Clashing Patterns
Accessories like pocket squares, tie bars, and cufflinks can elevate a suit, but over-accessorising or mixing clashing patterns can end up looking chaotic.
- How to Avoid It: Stick to one or two accessories that complement each other. For example, if you’re wearing a patterned tie, keep your pocket square simple. Less is often more when it comes to accessories.
Buttoning the Suit Incorrectly
Buttoning mistakes are surprisingly common and can make even the best suit look awkward. Whether it’s a two-button or three-button jacket, buttoning guidelines are straightforward.
- How to Avoid It: For a two-button suit, only button the top button; leave the bottom unbuttoned. For a three-button suit, you can button the middle button or both the top and middle, but never the bottom. When you’re sitting down, always unbutton your jacket to prevent it from pulling.
Neglecting Proper Suit Care and Storage
Proper suit care goes beyond washing and ironing. The way you store your suit matters, too. Hanging it improperly or letting it wrinkle between wears can diminish its quality over time.
- How to Avoid It: Hang your suit on a sturdy, wide-shouldered hanger to maintain its shape. Brush off any dust or lint after each wear, and let your suit breathe between uses. Avoid over-washing or dry-cleaning it, as this can wear down the fabric. Instead, spot-clean stains and dry-clean only when necessary.
Wrapping Up
Mastering the art of wearing a mens suit is about understanding the finer details that contribute to a sharp look. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you look and feel your best in any suit, whether you're in the office, attending a wedding, or enjoying a formal event in the UK. By focusing on fit, fabric, colour coordination, and proper care, you can elevate your style and make a lasting impression.
