A good suit - there's nothing quite like it. Even if you're not David Beckham or George Clooney, a well-cut suit will look classy and elegant in any situation.
If you are buying a suit off the rack, there are some things to keep in mind.
Think about where you'llbe wearing it. If you are after one to wear to work every day, opt for darker colours and spend a bit more. If you need one for a one-off occasion, you can afford to try out trendier patterns or hues.
Fabric must always be a consideration. Suits that are 100 per cent wool are the best option for regular wear but linen is nice in summer. It wrinkles and stains easily but there's something really stunning about a light-coloured linen suit for a beach wedding.
Whether you go with the trend and buy pants that are slim-cut or more traditional, it's best to avoid any that are too high-rise or low-rise.
The suit's shoulders should hug yours and the shoulder pads should not extend beyond your own shoulders. If the shoulders are too big, there will always be too much material to be taken in.
You can get trousers taken up or in, but try to buy as close to the correct size as possible. It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised by your decisions when faced with a heavy discount.
You should be able to button the jacket easily without it straining. There also shouldn't be too much space between the button and your chest.
Those flaps on the back of the suit are called vents - one in the middle is traditional but other styles have them off to the side.
As a rule, the wider you are, the more vents you can get away with.
