3 minute read
THE SUBTLE ART OF SPORTING YOUR SUIT
By Mr PAUL HOEKSEMA RT 32, Southern Africa
Admit it, as Tablers, we love to suit up. Whether it be a day at the office, an AGM, or a Gala evening, the perfect suit never goes out of style. Coming across as refined & confident takes more than just slipping on the old faithful black suit. Adding subtle details & knowing how to finish off your look can add so much more suave to your presence when the occasion calls for it. Here are 8 hand-picked tips to ensure you look more dapper than Bond (before the shooting starts of course)
1
A TAILOR CAN BE YOUR SAVIOUR
Fit is key to wearing your suit well
Without the right fit, your suit will look cheap & sloppy. Invest a few coins (not the friendship kind) in proper tailoring & your overall appearance will come across as more polished. If your budget does not allow for a completely tailored suit concentrate on the sleeves & shoulders. The perfect fit weighs heavy on the right shoulder fit - avoid the dreaded shoulder divot.
3
INVEST IN QUALITY BELTS AND SHOES
Coordinating your shoes and belt is a sure-fire way of creating a cohesive look
If you are not familiar with proper suit etiquette, you might make the mistake of mixing a brown belt with black shoes, or vice versa. While shoes and belts don’t have to match perfectly, try to match the colours as close as possible. Quality shoes and belts (aim for genuine leather) not only look better, but they're also a lot more durable
2
COMPLIMENT YOUR SUIT WITH A QUALITY DRESS SHIRT
Your suit needs the right combination of attire to turn heads for all the right reasons.
A quality shirt, in the right colour combinations, is a must. If you keep your wallet closed here, you will run the risk of cheapening your suit. Dress shirts made from long-fibre cotton are more breathable, durable, and softer than those made from cheaper short-fibre cotton which adds to the fit and comfort of the garment. Show attention to detail by exposing your sleeve cuffs by a half-inch. To get this look, your jacket sleeves should end about a quarter inch from the top of your hands
4
ALWAYS UNBUTTON YOUR JACKET BEFORE SITTING DOWN
Sitting in your suit might be the fastest way to ruin it
If your buttons are not undone - make sure you unbutton your jacket before sitting down. Another way to make sure you don't wreck your beloved suit is to always leave the bottom button of your suit jacket open. The same rule applies if you’re wearing a vest or waistcoat.
5
BLACK IS NOT ALL THAT
Consider other shades as an option.
Black might be Joe Tabler's go-to as a classic suit colour but can sometimes come across as a little stark. Don't be afraid to opt for dark charcoal, grey, or even a navy suit. All great choices when coordinated with the correct accessories.
6
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIE & LENGTH
Your tie should be darker than your shirt to create balance.
Try not to match your tie to your suit, a black tie with a black suit, as an example. If you’re wearing a dark-coloured suit, choose a tie in a lighter shade, and vice versa. Solid colours are somewhat dated, you can always opt for a tie that has a micro-pattern for a more stylish, contemporary look. As for length, your tie should graze the waistband of your pants or the top of your belt buckle. However, it should never reach below the belt. When pairing a tie with your suit, be sure to match the width of your tie with the width of your lapel. This creates a more symmetrical look, which is essential for rocking any suit.
7
WEAR AN UNDERSHIRT
Your suit will thank you later
Between your dress shirt, and suit coat, these layers can create a recipe for sweat marks and stains. Your undershirt can protect your suit while hiding those embarrassing sweat patches.
8
DON'T FORGET YOUR SOCKS
Dress socks for the win.
Although you might not think anyone will see your socks, it’s sure to happen when you least expect it. We can't stress this enough, steer clear of white socks. Invest in long dress socks. Look for darker colours that could work with a wide range of suit colours and styles. For a bolder look, try patterned or brightly coloured socks that make a statement.
