You are ready! You have your tuxedo or suit for your event and then you have no idea what is next. Should the jacket be buttoned or open? Is the tie the right length? Here is a good guide to help you. THE SHIRT Use those buttons! When trying on your formalwear, don’t skip out on a test fit of the dress shirt. You want the neck to be the proper size so when you button up, you can still be comfortable. It’s never ok to leave a few buttons undone, especially when wearing a tie. Do wear an undershirt with a dress shirt – it helps to wick away perspiration. Don’t forget to wear it during your test fit to ensure proper sizing. Now peek at your wrists. Your dress shirt should cover the wrist bones but not flow over the hands. And, keep those cuffs buttoned up. We love the use of cufflinks to personalize your outfit. THE JACKET The toughest part about wearing a jacket is knowing when to keep it open and when to button up. When standing, it’s gentleman’s choice. If you use the buttons, ensure that you can easily slip your hand between the jacket and your shirt. If not, the jacket is too small. And take note: The bottom button should always be left undone on a jacket (yes, even when the top button is closed). The only exception is when wearing a one-button jacket. When seated, always leave the jacket open. Let’s talk about fit. The shoulders of the jacket should rest atop the shoulders and gently hug to your frame. If the seams are drooping over your shoulders, the jacket is too big. Look to the lower hem. A fitted jacket should fall just at the tops of the thighs, several inches below your hip bones. If the zipper on the trousers is concealed when the jacket is closed, the jacket is a good length. Is the top button of the jacket at about navel height? Perfect! If your jacket has a breast pocket or wide lapel, embellish it with either a boutonniere, a lapel pin, or a pocket square. Be sure to iron this fabric accessory and choose a color or pattern that coordinates with your shirt and tie. THE TIE You’ve perfected a snug Windsor knot, now look down. Your tie should end just above your belt buckle or pants closure. If it’s too long or too short, tie it again! When it comes to bow ties, they’re generally one-size fits all. The bow itself should appear symmetrical, with each bow half (not including the center knot) measuring approximately three-fingers wide. And, how does your tie look overall? Generally, men choose a tie that contrasts in color with the suit. Light suit, dark tie. Or, pinstriped suit, solid tie. Don’t be too matchy-matchy. If you’re using a tie clip or a tie bar, it shouldn’t be wider than the tie itself. THE PANTS Whether you’re standing or sitting, your suit pants should never look baggy or bunchy. If they do, they’re too long or too spacious. Both issues can be fixed with some custom tailoring or selecting a different fit. If you choose to wear suspenders, leave the belt at home. You only need one or the other when wearing a suit. THE SHOES First, a quick note about socks. Yes, wear them. Choose something colorful and leave the white athletic socks at home. Dress socks should always be tall enough to cover any skin that might show when you’re standing or seated. Once dressed, the hemline of your pants should cover the top of the shoe and extend forward to just before the arch when standing. Your toes are visible. You will notice a ‘break’, or small crease in the fabric of the pants, if your pants are compatible with the footwear you’ve chosen. If you see piles of folds, the pants are too long. If you are preparing for your wedding, you will also want to be sure you are properly groomed. Do you need to add a new suit to your wardrobe or rent a tuxedo? Visit The Dress Matters to find the perfect outfit for your upcoming special occasion. Article adapted from JFW
11 Comments
7/3/2020 10:11:00 pm
I have read your excellent post. About <a href=" https://www.thehouseofcouture.com/mens-suits.html"> Men’s Suits</a> This is a great job. I have enjoyed reading your post first time. I want to say thanks for this post. Thank you...
Reply
10/22/2020 09:49:54 am
My husband has always worked in physical jobs and since he just got a new opportunity to work at a corporation we are looking for advice to choose the right workwear. I loved to find this article and know more about the formal dressing etiquette. I will definitely share this information with my husband so once he starts working he knows the how's, and why's.
Reply
1/25/2021 12:43:04 pm
I love that you talked about how important it is to properly wear a men's suit. My sister's getting married in a few months, and I'm having trouble finding the perfect suit. I've looked everywhere, and I can't seem to find a perfect fit. My sister recommended getting a tailored suit, but I dismissed it. But I think I think it might be what I need. I'm grateful for your information about suit's etiquette.
Reply
5/19/2021 03:10:32 am
Do you want to look fabulous in the business meetings? Also, want a brand new business suit for men? Then, you must have affordable suits from South Africa in your wardrobe. You can explore an online suit store as per your choice. The grey and blue suits in South Africa are famous for business meetings and gatherings. For more information https://khaliques.co.za/products/suits
Reply
6/22/2021 03:44:52 am
"Khaliques is stocked full of all the right weapons to make you a fashion Killer!
Reply
7/12/2021 07:57:10 am
I want to get a nice tuxedo for a party that I'll be attending. It makes sense that I would want to ensure that I get a jacket that fits me properly. It would be good to work with someone to ensure that I get the right measurements done.
Reply
5/24/2022 05:44:05 am
If you want your clothing to look expensive, flattering, and high-quality, you don’t have to shop with designer brands. Rather, all you need is a tailor.
Reply
11/30/2022 12:04:00 pm
It was helpful when you said that the shoulders should gently hug your frame. My brother was at my house yesterday afternoon helping me out with some new furniture, and he talked about how he wants to look into getting a couple of suits for his new job, so he wants to make sure he knows how to choose the right ones. I'll pass this information along to him so he can know how to get the right suits for his job.
Reply
1/18/2023 06:31:23 am
Excellent article! Thank you for your excellent post, and I look forward to the next one. If you're seeking for discount codes and offers, go to couponplusdeals.com.
Reply
3/9/2023 07:30:50 am
I want to make sure that I get the right formal clothes for an upcoming wedding. It makes sense that I would want to ensure that I get a nice jacket. I'll have to try one on and see how I feel about having it buttoned or unbuttoned.
Reply
5/1/2023 03:25:49 pm
It really helped when you elaborated on how to make sure my suit or tuxedo fits me properly. I'm getting married next spring, so I decided to start looking for a professional tailor to help create my suit, and I'm positive that your guide will help me out. I appreciate your advice on ensuring that our pants should not look baggy.
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
The Dress Matters BlogBlog of the elegant bridal boutique located in Media, Pennsylvania (Suburban Philadelphia). The owner of the boutique was selected 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. We carry bridal dresses, tuxedos, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses. Special services include Sunday Bridal Brunch Appts and On-Site Alterations. Categories
All
|