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Whether or not we think they should, we all know that appearances matter. While there are several different aspects to your appearance – hairstyle, facial features, hygiene etc. – by far the biggest one and the one which you have the most control over is what you wear.
After centuries of trying different styles, society seems to have settled on one thing that any man can wear to instantly improve his appearance – a correctly-fitted suit. Despite this, few men today actually get their suits tailored. This short guide delves into the reasons why it makes a difference and explains some of the telltale signs you can look for in a quality suit more generally.
Why get your suit tailored?
Men’s tailored suits might be mostly worn by wealthy and successful people, but it does not necessarily mean that you have to be these things to have your suit tailored. In fact, tailoring is often surprisingly cheap, and a good tailor will help you get the best out of a suit no matter where you got it from or what it is made from.
There is another problem with assuming that people wear tailored suits because they are wealthy and successful: It is actually quite likely that their choice of clothing contributed to their success, not the other way around. Dressing well gives people more confidence and also creates a more serious and professional impression of them in the eyes of others, so they get treated accordingly. Studies have also suggested that dressing up can help people perform more productively at work.
The people you interact with may also be subconsciously picking up cues from your outfit about what kind of person you are. For example, are you the kind of person who pays attention to details? A tailored suit will help show that you are.
You can use the fact that people associate a custom suit or a bespoke suit with a successful person in your favour. This can help you in workplace situations such as job interviews, where it is better to dress more formally. Doing so makes you look successful, so prospective employers, or clients in meetings, will trust you more and believe that you will deliver success for them too.
These benefits are not exclusive to your professional life, however. They also cross over into social life. That is why people still dress up for dates, even if they do not wear something quite as formal as they do for work.
What else makes for a quality suit?
While any suit can be tailored to look much better, your appearance will be improved still if it is a high-quality one. These usually cost more, but there are some telltale signs of quality that you can use to find bargains at thrift stores or outlets.
Gentle lapel rolls
If a suit’s lapels fold over in a straight, rigid way like a piece of card, this is a sign of low quality. Proper lapels roll over naturally and do not look forced.
Horn buttons
Some people today prefer plastic buttons for ethical reasons, but quality suits traditionally have buttons made from buffalo horn, and they should hang a little loose from the suit when they are not done up.
Functional sleeve buttons
Many cheap suits try to copy the look of quality ones, for example by having buttons on the sleeve. But they often just glue on decorative buttons that serve no real purpose. In quality suits, the buttons are on the sleeve for a reason and can be fastened and unfastened.
Conclusion
A well-fitted suit has stood the test of time as a way for men to create a good impression. It helps convey positive traits about the wearer like professionalism, reliability, and focus. For maximum impact, the suit should be of the best quality they can find and afford.
Daniel J. Morgan is the founder of Invidiata Magazine, a premier publication showcasing luxury living, arts, and culture. With a passion for excellence, Daniel has established the magazine as a beacon of sophistication and refinement, captivating discerning audiences worldwide.
