How to Buy a Man's Suit

Whether you need another suit for the office or want to dress to impress at an upcoming special occasion, a sharp suit is a wardrobe essential. The trick is to buy the best quality you can afford in an allseason fabric, and a style that won't look dated too soon.

Things You'll Need

• Button down shirts
• Dress shoes

Instructions

1. Expect to pay at least $300 to $400. Suits can cost from $200 to $2,000 or more. The best values come from finding originally expensive ones on sale. Watch for sales and get on the mailing lists of your favorite stores. But remember, even an expensive suit will lose its charm if it doesn't fit you well.

2. Get measured for your correct size pants and jacket. Sizes include a number (for example, even numbers between 36 and 56) plus a short, regular, long or extra-long designation.

3. Look for an all-season fabric. All-wool fabric wears longer and looks better than wool-polyester blends, but blends typically wrinkle less. Other options are twill, linen and wool crepe. If you choose a pattern, such as pinstripe, opt for a flattering, versatile color such as navy or charcoal.

4. Select a jacket style. The three-button jacket is a classic look, but some men prefer a two-button or double-breasted jacket, which is better for thin men. Make sure the jacket buttons easily and doesn't pull on either side, whether you're standing up or sitting down. Make sure you can move your arms freely. The lapels should lie flat and show a 1/2-inch (1 cm) rim of shirt collar. Shoulders cannot be altered, so make sure they aren't bulging or too boxy. The sleeves should extend to about the wrist bone. The jacket should be fully lined with no puckering seams.

5. Select a pants style. Flat-front pants tend to be more slimming, while pleats and cuffs can make the pants dressier. (Shorter men, however, should avoid cuffs.) Go for lined pants that rest comfortably on your waist. When they're hemmed, they should break at the laces of your shoes and hit just above your heel.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a button-down shirt and dress shoes when you shop for a suit, or plan to try them all on at the store.

• Once you know your size, consider ordering online then have a tailor do any alterations.

• If you put your hands in the pockets of your pants while wearing a coat with a central vent, you expose your rear. You can decide if that's a good thing--or ask a friend.

• Don't buy a suit without having a knowledgeable salesperson or tailor check the fit. Some fitting problems, such as shoulder pads, cannot be fixed.