How to Wear a Business Suit

Suits are not only a great way to dress for formal or business occasions, but they can be worn as jazzed up daily wear for both men and women when styled in the proper way. There are many fabrics, usually of a refined and classy nature, to chose from, but more important than the coloring is the fit. You will always get the best fit from your suit by tailoring and buying the best size for your body, and without proper sizing, the style will never be ideal. Learn how to wear suits in the proper fit and with the proper style.

Things You'll Need

• Dress shirt
• Tie
• Formal shoes and socks
• Hosiery for women

Instructions

1. Check that your suit pants fit correctly. Check that the waist of your pants sits on your natural waist and not your hips, with a comfortable but not droopy fit in the crotch. Check for wrinkling, pulling or creasing in the pants; a good fit will have no bumps or creases. Walk in your pants and watch the hem, ensuring that too much of your ankle is not showing and that the length is proper for your height and shoes, which means that only a quarter of the top of your shoes should be covered by your hem. Take your pants to a tailor to correct any sizing problems.

2. Check the fit of your jacket. Be sure the shoulders and arms are not overly padded or large. Move your arms in circles while wearing the jacket to test the fit and size of the armholes. Look at your wrists and be sure that that the sleeves are the correct length, ending at your mid wrist bone when your arms are laying flat at your sides, so about a quarter- to a half-inch of shirt cuff shows. See a tailor to correct any sizing problems.

3. Always wear your suit after proper dry cleaning and pressing. If you wash at home, be sure that you hang your pants and jacket to dry and iron any spots showing wrinkles. Hang your suit in your closet when not being worn. Each wear will likely result in wrinkling from sitting and normal body movements, so care for your suit after every wear, brushing or dry cleaning as necessary.

4. If purchased separately, ensure that your suit pants and jacket match or complement each other in coloring and fabric. Wear a dress shirt and tie underneath your jacket. Be sure to always tuck in your shirt and wear a formal belt if belt loops are present, as well as dress socks for men and appropriate dress shoes.

5. Wear your suit pants for a casual look by pairing it with a hip top and accessories. For women, this may mean bright heels and a catchy blouse for a night out while men may like to wear an untucked dress shirt or stylish T-shirt. Stylish sneakers can always be paired with a suit to complement this look in an urban, hip way. Experiment to find a way to dress down your suit pants for everyday wear. Consider, though, that your suit pants will wear out faster than its jacket if used this way.

References

• "Getting the right fit for a suit"