Buying a suit on a budget

A new job, a meeting with the bank manager, a session for wedding videos; whatever the occasion, a new suit is required. Yet a new suit can cost so much.

However, every man likes to look his best, without spending hundreds of pounds on just two garments; so industry experts have come up with some top tips on choosing the best cheap men’s suits.

Firstly, think about why and how often the suit is likely to be worn. Frequent outings will necessitate a more robust material but choose a timeless cut and steer clear of trends which will date quickly.

Pick a classic colour; charcoal, grey, navy or black, which will never go out of fashion and provide more accessorising options. Perhaps bring a favourite shirt and/or tie when going suit shopping.

Select a suit that actually fits. It sounds obvious, but many are quick to snap up a bargain without even trying a suit on. Make sure the suit fits properly at the shoulders and hangs nicely. If it doesn’t, it will notice.

A double breasted jacket is generally considered more formal than single breasted, so choose as appropriate. Experts recommend a two-button jacket. One button is acceptable for thinner men, but three buttons is considered dated.

The sleeves ought to show a quarter of an inch of shirt cuff. A top tip when trying a suit is to extend the arms to check for free and easy movement.

The trouser legs should never be baggy or have too much ‘break’, as they say in the tailoring world. Trouser cuffs are generally only for taller men, as they shorten the look of the leg.

If the suit is very reasonably priced, use a little of the savings to get it altered, if necessary. Or ask a competent seamstress. Slimmer-framed gents might need to get the sides taken in slightly, to follow the contours of their torso.

Once the suit fits, it’s all about the accessorising. Steer clear from busy or very dark shirts, stylish men know that a pale shirt and a darker tie is the best combination. A thin leather belt will complete the outfit.

To prolong the life of a suit, avoid dry cleaning too often. Instead, hang it in the bathroom and let the steam remove the wrinkles and dab gently at any stains.

Lastly, don’t rush this purchase, spend time finding the right suit and ask the salesman any questions. Just because a suit might be cheaper does not mean it can’t last for years, so get the right Adidas trainers.

No comments:

Post a Comment