Tips for a Perfectly Tailored Suit

Struggling To Find The Perfect Suit? The Devil Is In The Detail

 Finding the perfect suit can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Today we bring you 5 handy hints to keep in mind to make the process as simple as possible and help you along the way.

• 1. Stick to The Brief

One suit is a good as any other right?

Wrong! When it comes to finding your perfect suit, it is essential to remember what environment the suit will be worn in. You are highly unlikely to wear the same suit to a wedding as you are to go to work every day. This simple distinction is important to bear in mind and can hugely narrow down your search.

If you are looking for a work suit you are likely to need a lounge suit, something which differs greatly from a tuxedo. Choice of fabric will also change depending on the brief, more luxurious fabrics often being saved for wedding suits or morning suits whereas more practical materials are used for more frequently worn pieces.

Finally, if you are searching for the perfect suit for an occasion such as a wedding, birthday or anniversary, it is important to think about the time of year. If the event is to be held during winter, you may want to consider having a suit made of a thicker fabric or adding extras like a scarf or overcoat to stay warm.

On the other hand, the perfect suit for summer may be made of a lighter material, with a great shirt underneath to show off if the heat gets too much for a jacket. As you can see, this first step is a great way to narrow down your options, forcing you to search only for those suits with are appropriate.

• 2. Do Your Research

When it comes to finding the perfect suit, with so many designers, styles and choices out there you may find yourself overwhelmed by options.

A good place to start is by thinking of the styles, cuts and colours you love wearing regularly, avoiding those which you know do not suit you (excuse the pun). Once you have established this you can start looking around for suits which meet these requirements.

Platforms like Pinterest or Instagram are great for finding visual inspiration, seeing how different suits have been styled. At this stage you probably have a clearer image in your minds eye of what your perfect will look like, allowing you to research retailers that stock this style of suit.

• 3. Keep an Open Mind

At the risk of contradicting the previous two steps, going into a shop with a concrete idea of your perfect suit is all well and good until you try it on and it doesn’t live up to your expectation.

Be prepared to be flexible. By keeping an open mind and trying on lots of options you may stumble across something totally unexpected which not only fits the brief perfectly, but also captures your heart.

However, if nothing quite works for you, do not fear, it may be that you need to try a different style of suit. If this is the case try looking around at the different fits out there, for example, slim, skinny, tailored or regular until you find the style which looks and feels right.

• 4. Don’t Compromise on Fit

So, now you have found your perfect suit…or have you?

You may have found a fabulous suit, but if it isn’t perfect you do not need to worry. Even if you have found the most stylish or expensive suit in the world, if it hangs a little too loose or sits a little too tightly you simply won’t look or feel your absolute best.

There is a diverse range of suit alterations on offer, from simple zip and button repairs to entire relining. Trousers, jackets and shirts can all be altered to achieve the desired fit, transforming an ‘almost there’ suit into the suit you have always dreamed of. Here are just some of the alterations on offer:

• Shortening and lengthening
• Taking in or letting out the fabric
• Narrowing the jacket shoulders
• Adjusting lapel shape
• Tapering the trousers so they are more narrow
• Button replacement, zip replacement, general repairs
• Replacing the suit lining

For a more detailed breakdown of which types of suits can be adjusted and the benefits of suit alterations, take a look at our Introductory Guide To Suit Alteration.

This attention to detail will take any suit from average to amazing, ensuring every aspect, from style to fit, is absolutely spot on. You may think that suit alterations are only appropriate or necessary for occasion suits, for example to have the perfect suit tailored for your wedding day.

 

We disagree with this claim. Although it is certainly important to feel and look your best for a special occasion, we think that suits worn on a daily basis also deserve this level of consideration.

Adjusting your everyday suit will ensure you feel ready to take on the world, boosting your confidence throughout the years ahead.

• 5. Remember to Budget

When searching for the perfect suit, it is a good idea to establish a budget, or at the very least a guide of what you could afford to spend. This prevents you finding the perfect suit, only to look at the tag and find you cannot afford to purchase it.

 

However, this step may not be quite as simple as it seems. Even if you have decided you can spend up to £500 on your suit, this does not always mean you can afford to buy a £500 suit. This figure must also include money for any tax, shipping fees or any alterations required. Planning ahead monetarily means you will be able to say ‘yes’ and celebrate finding your perfect suit right away without any disappointments.

 

Looking for your perfect suit? Let us help you find it today.

Whether you are looking for a complete suit restyle, adjustments for the perfect fit or replacement buttons we’ve got you covered.

At Alterations Boutique Manchester our dedicated and highly talented team off staff are passionate about making your dream a reality. Sound good? Contact us today for a consultation to make your suit the perfect fit for both your body and your needs.