If you have hit your mid-twenties and care about looking put together and professional, then it's time to start looking for your first dress suit. Regardless of your career path, having a few dress suits as part of your wardrobe can open up a world of possibilities. Whether preparing for an interview or a first date, it's important to look sharp for that first impression. We know choosing your first few mens suits can be a daunting task, so here are some tips for choosing the right and most versatile colors, materials, and styles.
Color - For your first few dress suits, be sure to focus on the most versatile colors which are black, navy blue, and grey. These three colors are acceptable for most events and are easily matched with any colored shirt or tie. Unless you're getting married and need a sandy/cream suit, wait to mix things up until after you get these three covered.
Material - While there are many fabric options for different seasons and events throughout the year, any dress suit aficionado will tell you to get something durable and that you can wear year-round. We recommend worsted wool as the best choice for versatile and breathable dress suits. This fabric, like most, is available in different weights, but it is recommended to choose a suit with a twist number between 80 and 120. A higher twist number will signify better quality, but will also have a larger price tag.
Style - Are you noticing a trend of versatility yet? As with color and material, it's important to choose a style of dress suit that will work well in a variety of settings. However, this is often determined by your body type. Single breasted suits (one row of buttons) are a common option for those who want something they can dress up or down. Double breasted suits (two rows of buttons like a pea coat) are definitely considered dressier than single breasted jackets and work best on slim, medium to tall builds. While the double breasted coat has a timeless, sophisticated look, the single breasted may be a better option for your first suit.
Then there is the number of buttons. Two-button dress suits are women's jackets always 'in' and work well for that variety of settings we're aiming for. We recommend two buttons for most, especially those with a shorter build. Taller men can pull off three buttons, but you should never exceed 3 buttons. For your first suit, choose a single-breasted, two-button jacket and mix things up later.
Sizing - Unless you have the body of a manikin, the only way you will ever get a true 'perfect fit' is to have your dress suits professionally tailored. But even if you plan to have your new suit tailored, trying suits on to get a general idea of how a dress suit is supposed to fit is always a good idea. Just remember that while men's suits are made to move with your body, they are not made to fit while you're working out so please leave the yoga positions and jumping jacks at home. Relaxed and with your arms to your sides, the jacket arms should end at the wrist, the buttons should not pull when closed, and the back should cover your rear. Any other tests of agility will merely be entertainment for anyone around you.
Pants - When choosing the right pair of dress pants for your first men's suit, be sure you choose a pair that matches your jacket. You may already have several pairs of dress slacks, but remember your goal is assemble your very first 'true' dress suit. Think comfort and style. The waist should be at your natural waistline, not too high or low. As for the length, the most common is the single break, which means the hem meets the front of the shoes with a single crease of fabric and the back of the shoes where the heel meets the lower back of the heel.
Keep in mind that these guidelines are tips, not written in stone laws. You may have a personal preference about how your jacket or pants fit. But remember that while first impressions are just as much about your confidence as they are about how you're dressed, these two factors are very dependent on each other.
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