Fashion: Invest in the best

Buying a suit can be terrifying. Not only is it a big splurge in terms of cold, hard cash, it's often the main investment in your wardrobe. If you wear a suit daily, it will become the workhorse of your wardrobe. If you don't, you'll only wear it when you need to look your absolute best - weddings, funerals, job interviews. Here are some tips on how to buy your first suit.

Get the fit right

Fit is essential. Too big and you'll look like a hobo; too small and you'll look like the Michelin Man.

Single-breasted, two-button suits are safest in terms of wearability, but try on different styles, as everyone's body shape is different. Ensure your jacket fits at the shoulders, ending where your shoulder line does, and that you can comfortably do up the top button (only ever do up your top button and be sure to undo it whenever you sit down). The sleeve should sit so that you see half a centimetre of shirt cuff.

With pants, make sure they fit snugly at the waist, but aren't so tight you can't breathe. In terms of length, without shoes the hem should just graze the floor and hang straight. With shoes on, the hem should just reach the top of your shoe's heel, with one break (horizontal crease) in the fabric towards the hem.

Spend as much as you can

Although a made-to-measure suit is ideal, not everyone can afford to drop several thousand dollars on a custom-made suit. Just as with shoes, spend as much as you can. It is possible to buy second-hand if you know what you're looking for and SaveMart is known to have a good selection. Trade Me is also an option. Know your size, try it on and always check the label for the fabric make-up. Only buy wool or a wool-blend as it will hold its shape longer.

Find a good taylor

Buying off the rack will rarely result in a perfect fit. If you find a suit where the jacket fits at the shoulders and the pants at the waist, any other ill-fitting elements can be fixed by a good tailor. Listen to what they say as they mark up your alterations.

Finishing touches

The final details are what will take your suit from meh to yeah! Wellington-based stylist Sopheak Seng has some advice on this one.

"A pocket square should never match your tie. You can go sans belt on flat-front trousers for a more modern take, while the fashion adventurous can wear a suit and dress shoes without socks. It's the little details that make a suit unique like the wearer - a suit should infuse with your DNA and shoe personality."

Seng suggests that sneakers can be worn with a suit for more casual events, though one must "respect the suit - think clean sneakers like Chuck Taylors or coloured New Balance for a pop of colour". And if you're wondering how you should feel in the suit you buy, one need only ask suit aficionado and WorldMan designer, Benny Castles.

"When you try on a beautiful suit it should make you stand up taller and feel invincible. Selecting a suit is like being able to select your mood. A great suit will give you confidence and assure you that you are in fact the master of your universe."