The next event is around the corner and all of us are rushing to get a new outfit made for us, aren't we? Get a new men suit for the next celebration or new office job. But make sure to wear your suit right!
There are also some insider tips, only a few are aware of.
Here are our top 11 unspoken rules of
How to Wear a Men's Suit
1. Never ever button the bottom button of a suit jacket
No matter if you buy a suit at a store in your size or a custom men suit at our online shop. Suits are made to have only the button in the middle be closed. Keep the very last one open, ALWAYS!
Read more about suit buttons, everything you need to know here.
Nailhead Pure wool Charcoal NEW Grey pure wool suit with a pocket square and fabric by Loro Piana AU$952
Melange Pure wool Mid blue NEW Guabello mid blue super 120s Pure wool Suit AU$959
Lurex Shiny Nailhead NEW Iron grey lurex wide lapel Suit AU$487
Rope stripes Wool Blends Twill NEW Blue rope stripes limited edition Suit AU$689
Dobby Pure wool Navy Blue Navy blue super 120s Pure wool slim fit Suit AU$772
Melange Windowpane Sharkskin Cobalt blue windowpane stretch peak lapel Suit AU$477
Basic Comfort stretch Twill Navy blue stretch Suit with customized threads AU$421
Twill Pure wool 100s Blue super 100s Pure wool wide lapel Suit AU$929
Lightweight Linen-cotton Melange Beige lightweight linen-cotton essential Suit AU$449
Slub Linen Summer Terracotta Linen Suit AU$449
2. Never forget to unbutton the jacket when you sit down
Don’t ruin the shape of your suit. Make sure to unbutton the suit jacket to feel more comfortable and prevent button popping during dinner or business lunch.
Find the perfect fitting custom blazer here.
Navy Blue Wool Blends 100s Navy blue mandarin slim fit Blazer AU$279
Cotton Velvet Shimmer Green Velvet Tuxedo Jacket AU$363
Floral Jacquard Celebration Floral Dinner Jacket AU$533
Royal Blue Wool Blends 120s Blue Dinner Jacket with a pocket square AU$503
Cotton Velvet Shimmer Burgundy Velvet Dinner Jacket AU$363
Melange Wool Blends 100s Steel blue slim fit one button Tuxedo Jacket with handkerchief AU$343
Shimmer Wool Blends Black Bean Black bean wide lapel slim fit one button Tuxedo Jacket with handkerchief AU$313
Navy Blue Wool Blends 100s Blue Double-Breasted Tuxedo AU$320
Navy Blue Wool Blends 100s Navy blue wide lapel year-round 1-button Dinner Jacket AU$317
Ivory Wool Blends 100s Ivory wide lapel slim fit one button Tuxedo Jacket AU$334
3. Always keep the top button of your shirt buttoned
Shirt buttons are made to be closed. Yes, all of them. If you cannot close the top button, you need to get a new men’s shirt. Keep the lines of the shirt collar matching and make sure, that you have the right length of shirt cuffs.
Find here our men shirts collection.
Plaid Linen-cotton Twill Black checked linen-cotton Shirt with pockets AU$119
Cotton Flannel Steel Blue Steel Blue flannel Shirt with chest pockets AU$109
Cotton Oxford Light Purple Light Purple oxford Shirt with pocket AU$99
Slub Linen-cotton Broadcloth Linen-cotton Shirt with hidden buttons AU$119 Poplin Double stripe Cotton Light Blue striped poplin Shirt with pocket AU$99
Poplin Double stripe Cotton Red striped poplin Shirt AU$99
End on end Awning Stripes Cotton Light Blue striped fil a fil Shirt with chest pocket AU$109
Cotton Micro-corduroy Sage green Green Corduroy Shirt AU$119
Cotton Micro-corduroy Cream Cream Corduroy Shirt with chest pockets AU$119
Onyx Black Cotton Year round Black cotton Shirt AU$99
4. Don’t let the shirt cuffs go over your hands
Shirt sleeves are integral for making you look well-groomed and sharp. This is why you should make sure that they are the right length and fit. Ideally, a quarter of an inch of the cuff of your shirt sleeve should appear from beneath the jacket sleeve.
Dobby Wrinkle free All White White no-iron dress Shirt AU$109
4-way stretch Knitted Soft touch NEW Premium White striped Cotton blend Shirt AU$179
4-way stretch Knitted Soft touch NEW Premium White striped Cotton blend dress Shirt AU$179
Poplin Long lasting white 60s NEW Premium White no-iron stretchy dress Shirt AU$149
4-way stretch Knitted Pure White NEW White Cotton blend dress Shirt AU$139
Coolmax Knitted Comfort stretch White summer dress Shirt AU$139
Dobby Wrinkle free All White White no-iron Shirt AU$109
Dobby Wrinkle free All White White no-iron dress Shirt AU$109
Dobby Wrinkle free All White White french cuff no-iron rounded collar Shirt with hidden buttons AU$109
Dobby Wrinkle free All White White no-iron penny collar Shirt with chest pocket AU$116
5. Never look like you choke yourself
A shirt collar is particularly important as it should never make you look choked. You should be comfortable in your Christmas suit so place two fingers between your skin and collar to make sure that it fits well. Also, take note that shirts sometimes shrink and you will have to have a broader collar if you want to wear this shirt after Christmas is over.
Read more about the best shirt collar for you here.
Poplin Pinstripe Year round Blue striped french cuff Cotton blend Shirt AU$109
Poplin Graph check Light Blue Light Blue checked poplin Shirt AU$109
Poplin Bengal stripes Light Blue Light Blue striped poplin Shirt AU$109
4-way stretch Knitted Soft touch NEW Premium Dark Blue striped Cotton blend Shirt AU$179
4-way stretch Knitted Soft touch NEW Premium Dark Blue striped Shirt AU$179
Comfort stretch Knitted Soft touch NEW Premium Light Blue striped Shirt AU$149
Comfort stretch Knitted Soft touch NEW Premium White striped Cotton blend dress Shirt AU$149
Poplin Easy iron Navy Blue NEW Premium Navy Blue no-iron stretchy dress Shirt AU$149
4-way stretch Knitted Soft touch NEW Premium Dark Blue striped dress Shirt AU$179
4-way stretch Knitted Soft touch NEW Premium Dark Blue striped Cotton blend dress Shirt AU$179
6. Wear only a jacket that fits
The jacket, like in these beautiful grey suit, has to be tailored in a way that it does not look too loose or tight at the chest. A nice tip is to place three fingers perpendicularly between your jacket and stomach. You should be able to slip your hand between your chest and your buttoned jacket such that it feels snug, but with room to move.
Read more about how a men's blazer should fit here.
Twill Comfort stretch Ivory Ivory stretch 2-buttons double-breasted Jacket AU$279
Cobalt blue Nailhead Celebration Blue double breasted blazer AU$375
Navy Blue Wool Blends 100s Navy blue double-breasted peak lapel Jacket with a pocket square AU$295
Cobalt blue Nailhead Celebration Cobalt blue double breasted peak lapel Blazer with handkerchief AU$325
Lightweight Linen-cotton Windowpane Electric blue windowpane lightweight linen-cotton double breasted Suit Jacket AU$309
Cotton Blend Velvet Paisley Navy blue paisley velvet double-breasted Jacket AU$366
Wool Blends Tweed Donegal Light brown donegal tweed double-breasted Blazer with patched pockets AU$309
2 Ply Comfort stretch Melange NEW Forest green stretch 2 buttons double breasted Blazer AU$279
Flannel Pure wool 2 Ply NEW Deep blue pinstripe flannel double-breasted Suit Jacket AU$499
2 Ply Pure wool Heavyweight NEW Charcoal Pure wool 2 buttons double-breasted Blazer AU$499
7. Never let your socks be seen
Find trousers that fit you well. Neither too short or too long give your look a benefit. Let your trousers sit on the top of your shoes.
Here is our socks collection.
2 Ply Comfort stretch Wool Blends NEW Stretch blue slim fit Trousers AU$289
Hopsack Breathable 2 Ply NEW Lightweight breathable stretch navy blue hopsack Trousers AU$269
2 Ply Comfort stretch Wool Blends NEW Stretch dark blue slim fit Trousers AU$289
Twill Wool Blends Celebration Blue slim fit Trousers AU$189
Melange Wool Blends 100s Steel blue essential Trousers AU$179
Melange Wool Blends 100s Steel blue pleat slim fit Trousers AU$179
Cobalt blue Wool Blends Celebration Cobalt blue year-round Trousers AU$189
Wool Blends Tweed Donegal Navy blue donegal tweed essential Trousers AU$179
Wool Blends Tweed Donegal Blue donegal tweed limited-edition Trousers AU$189
Wool Blends Tweed Donegal Blue donegal tweed cuffed Trousers AU$189
8. More about socks
Make sure your socks are long enough. No one wants to see your hairy legs between trousers and socks when you sit down. Especially if you wear fancy socks.
9. It's a match: Belt and shoe color
There are no exceptions. Color-mixes are not needed when it comes to shoes and belt. Same with your watch. The leather strap needs to be the same as the belt and shoe color. Find here our belts.
Wholecut Oxford shoes in brown leather AU$315
Wholecut Oxford shoes in black leather AU$315
Wholecut Oxford shoes in brown leather AU$320
10. Let your tie end at your belt
Hide shirt buttons behind your tie.
Read more about men's shirt and tie combinations here.
Are you considering wearing a bow-tie? Then read this article to know how and when to wear a bow-tie.
11. Never wear a pocket square that matches your tie
A pocket square adds an extra level of polish, but make sure it doesn't match your tie in either pattern or fabric choice.
Find our collection of pocket squares here.
Are you already an expert? What do you think about sharing your knowledge with your friends by giving them a Hockerty Gift Card as a present?
Bonus track!
20 Rules about Suits
Button Position: The top button of a two-button, or the middle button of a three-button, jacket should fall right above the navel. Pro Tip: This helps in achieving a balanced silhouette.
Lapel Width: Generally speaking, wide lapels are more old-fashioned and thin ones are more modern. None of them are right or wrong; they both work with your style. Pro Tip: Choose lapel width according to your body type. Broad shoulders? Go for wider lapels.
Collar Fit: An ill-fitting jacket will have a gap between the shirt collar and jacket lapels. Also consider turtleneck and suits.
Color Coordination: Your belt and shoes should be the same color.
Pants Storage: Utilize “The Savile Row Fold” to keep your pants from falling off the hanger.
Pocket Square Selection: Your pocket square should compliment the colors of your tie and shirt, adding a stylish touch, not match them.
Tie Length: Your tie should be long enough to reach the tip of your belt, but not longer.
Socks Length: Wear long socks to avoid exposed legs when sitting. However, you can opt to go sockless if you are following a new trend.
Suit Maintenance: Always unbutton your suit when sitting down to avoid ruining it.
Jacket Sizing: To make sure your jacket is the right size, slip your hand between your chest and jacket - it should feel snug but with some room to move.
Vest Button: Always keep the bottom button unbuttoned when wearing a vest.
Tie Color: Your tie should always be in a darker color than your shirt.
Summer Wear: In warmer weather, wear an undershirt to combat sweating. Pro Tip: Opt for a moisture-wicking fabric.
Sleeve Exposure: The sleeve cuffs should be exposed for about 1.5 cm (half an inch).
Double Vents: Stay trendy by adding double vents in the back of your jacket for extra style and comfort.
Tie & Lapel Proportion: Match the width of your tie with the width of your lapel for a balanced look.
Classic White Shirt: Invest in one. It's versatile and can be paired with any suit or tie for a polished look.
Tailored Pants: Opt for these to ensure the perfect fit. Pants should be slim through the leg and only slightly break over the shoe.
Patterns and Textures: Use subtle patterns and textures to add depth to your outfit, but avoid anything too bold.
Timeless Classic: When in doubt, go for a timeless, classic look. Trends come and go, but a well-fitted suit in a neutral color with the right accessories is always in style.
With these 20 rules and pro tips, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of suiting up. Remember, confidence and a smile are the best accessories you can wear.
Pinstripe Wool Crepe Grey Hairline stripe Wool Three piece Suit AU$1,277
Melange Linen Celebration Beige Linen Vested Suit AU$606
Overcheck Pure wool End on end Blue Checkered wool 1 Button 3 piece Suit with pocket square and lapeled double breasted Waistcoat AU$995
Wool Blends Tweed Dark Grey Grey Tweed 3 Piece Suit AU$665
Navy Blue Wool Blends 100s Blue 3 piece Wedding Suit AU$610
Navy Blue Wool Blends 100s Navy Wedding Suit AU$580
Melange Merino Wool Iron grey Grey pure wool wide lapel 3 piece Suit with a pocket square and shawl lapel double breasted Suit Vest AU$995
Wool Blends Tweed Winter Grey Houndstooth Wool Blends wide lapel Slim Fit Three piece Suit and peak lapel Dress Vest AU$941
Wool Blends Tweed Prince of Wales 3 Piece Tweed Suit - Checkered Brown AU$665
Melange Linen Celebration Beige linen Wedding Suit AU$614
Salva Jovells Joining Hockerty in 2015, Salva Jovells has been blending his marketing skills with a love for fashion. His journey is more than a job; it's about understanding style and sharing it through his writing.In his articles, Salva goes beyond trends, offering a practical approach to personal style. He brings his firsthand fashion experiences from Hockerty to you, making style both accessible and exciting.Salva's goal is simple: to share knowledge and light up the path of fashion for all. His writings invite you into the world of fashion, making each piece relatable and real.Explore fashion with Salva at Hockerty, where his insights weave into the fabric of everyday style.
FAQs
Proper Fit:
When shopping for a suit, the salesperson to take all measurements: neck, shoulders, sleeves, chest, waist, and inseam. Have them measure first, before you begin looking at suits. If there is any part of the suit that doesn't fit correctly, it should be altered by the shop.
How are suits supposed to be worn? ›
The lapels should lie flat on your chest (not bow out) and you should be able to slide your thumb between the button of the jacket and your stomach without it feeling too tight or loose. In terms of length, the bottom of the jacket should end where your thumb knuckle is.
Is it okay to wear a suit without a tie? ›
As long as you aren't attending a black tie event or a similar highly formal event, you can generally wear a suit without a tie. In fact, many guys prefer to wear their suit without a tie because it's more comfortable. If you're attending a beach wedding, for instance, a necktie might make you hot and uncomfortable.
What is the most important part of a suit? ›
Suit Jacket. The most important component of a suit is the jacket. Not to be confused with a sports coat or blazer, a suit jacket offers the perfect blend of formality, style and comfort. There are a few things you must consider when choosing a suit jacket.
How do you stand out in a suit? ›
Simple Tips to Improve the Look of Your Suit
- Choose Trousers that 'Break' Your Shoes. ...
- Match Trousers with Suit Jacket. ...
- High-Quality Dress Shirt. ...
- Choose a V-Neck Undershirt. ...
- Watch the Wrinkles. ...
- Wear a Thin Belt. ...
- Choose the Right Fit. ...
- Wear a Necktie.
The two button suit rule says you should button the top button while the button on the bottom is left open. Like every other type of suit jacket design, this style exudes a timeless and bold look. This can also be seen in how designers cut the suit to accommodate this style.
Do I unbutton my suit when sitting? ›
Yes, it is customary to unbutton your suit jacket when sitting down. Leaving the jacket buttoned while seated can lead to unsightly creases and restrict your range of motion. However, if you are wearing a waistcoat or vest, it is typically left buttoned, as it is designed to provide a structured look even when sitting.
Why leave the last button unbuttoned? ›
While there are several theories behind this tradition, the most widely accepted one is that it was simply a matter of practicality. Waistcoats were designed to fit snugly to the body, and leaving the bottom button undone allowed greater freedom of movement, particularly when sitting down.
Is $500 for a suit good? ›
Most experts agree that you should spend what you can afford instead of over-extending yourself for a high-end suit. Basic suits and mid-level suits are still great suits, and no one's going to judge you if you show up in a $500 suit for a job interview or your first day of work.
Is $1000 good for a suit? ›
Quality $1000 Suits Are Generally a Good Investment
You will have to compromise: you either can get something with more handwork that is a little more comfortable and lasts longer or maybe something that is more machine-made with a more refined cut, but you have to compromise on the fabric.
If you have a three-buttoned jacket, 'sometimes' button the top one, 'always' button the middle, and 'never' button the bottom. With a two-buttoned suit, 'always' button the top button and 'never' the second. Fastening the bottom button can make the suit look stuffy and it won't fit as well on your body.
How can I look more attractive in a suit? ›
16 Tips for Wearing a Suit
- Find the Right Shoulder Fit First. ...
- Tailor Your Suit. ...
- Invest in a Quality Dress Shirt, Belt and Shoes. ...
- Opt for Wool or Wool Blends. ...
- Be Intentional About the Color of Your Suit. ...
- Save Your Suit With a Quality Undershirt. ...
- Choose the Right Tie for Your Suit. ...
- Perfect the Tie Dimple.
If you have a larger frame, choose a suit with wider lapels and larger buttons. If you have a smaller frame, opt for narrower lapels and smaller buttons. The style of your suit should complement your body type. If you have an athletic build, a slim-fitted suit may be the best choice.
