What to Look for When Buying A Suit

A man will own many suits in his time on this earth. It's the formal portion of the wardrobe, an essential section. While splurging on a bespoke suit is one way to ensure you're dressed to the nines, price is the launch pad to purchasing a suit. Which is why we've compiled the crucial components to look for - regardless of price - when buying a suit.

Fabric
All suits begin with textile. A 100% wool suit is ideal, as wool is a natural fiber that breathes well and is exceptionally stylish. Suits may also come in wool blends. Such as cashmere, silk, or poly-fiber. If you're going to be sporting this suit in hot weather, you're looking for a linen, cotton, or silk suit. Remember, quality of fabric dictates the price of a suit. The higher the twist (how many times the worsted wool is wrapped around itself), the more expensive the suit.

Color
If you're going to have one suit, don't have it be black. It's not as versatile as you would think. Instead, go for shades of grey or navy, because they can be dressed up or down. Black suits are for weddings, funerals, and waiters. If this is the fourth or fifth suit you’re purchasing, consider a tan colored suit. It is a great daytime suit that strikes a balance between cool confidence and an overall casual vibe.

The Jacket Fit
The collar should hug the back of your neck, with the shirt popping out no more than an inch. As you move down the jacket, the lapel should lie flat against the chest and not buckle over onto itself after raising arms, sitting, or bending over. A comfortable chest fit is crucial. Make sure you pay close attention to the sleeve length. Sleeve cuffs should fall a quarter inch above your shirt cuffs, but don't worry, this is easily tailored. Above all else, you must be able to move freely in your jacket. A sitting, standing, raising arms, and reaching test is a must.

The Bottoms
A novice tailor can fix the length and waist of suit pants. The waist seam should sit on your natural waist, not your hips, and you should be able to easily place one finger into the waist of the pants. Next, assess the rise: the length of pant from the crotch to the waistband. This area cannot be tailored! Avoid low-rise pants – reserve that length for your jeans. Go for a medium (8”) to high-rise (longer than 10”) pant, as it balances out the portions of the suit as a whole.

The rest is all up to you! Buttons, vests, cuffs, slits, folds and accessories are where you begin to make your suit, your suit. Keep these essential rules when buying a suit in mind and you’ll look like a million bucks.

Celebrating 30 years of style, INC Men provides masculine, contemporary suiting with a modern fit. Dress confidently with INC, available only at Macy’s.