From getting the wrong measurements to incorrect styling, there are many common mistakes we all tend to make when picking out and accessorising a suit. Whether you're preparing for a formal event or simply looking for your new work outfit, the last thing you need is to be left with an ill-fitting suit on the day.
That's why we've compiled a comprehensive checklist to help you understand the essential criteria to consider when picking a suit. We've gathered tips and tricks straight from a professional: Declyn Cooper, Head of Tailoring at Slater Menswear — meaning you'll find the suit of your dreams without the hassle.
The Seven ‘Red Flags’ of Suit-Buying
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The chosen fabric is wrong
Suits are available in a wide variety of fabrics, from more budget-friendly synthetic fibres to natural materials. However, it's important to remember that not all materials are created equal, and in fact, not even all suits of the same fabric offer the same quality. Choosing the right fabric can take your suit to the next level and create a put-together look that's sure to impress.
"Slater Menswear suits are often made of a polyester blend," Declyn explains. “Polyester is an extremely durable material. It is stronger than natural fibres and can withstand abrasions, tearing, and stretching. It's also resistant to stains and retains its shape well, so you know you are getting a suit that is going to stand the test of time."
Other benefits of polyester include its moisture resistance and breathability, so your suit will be suitable for the unpredictability of the great British weather. This is unlike natural materials such as wool, which will only be comfortable in the winter months, or linen, which is more appropriate for dry days in higher temperatures.
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The jacket length is wrong
The wrong jacket length can ruin the aesthetics of your entire suit, so it's crucial that you choose the right fit to avoid having a jacket that awkwardly rises every time you lift your arms.
"Testing the length of your suit jacket is a very simple process. Let your arms hang directly by your side, and measure where the bottom of the jacket falls in relation to your hand. The correct fit should sit at the knuckle of your thumb — any longer or shorter, and the length is wrong," Declyn says.
"While some are lucky and can find the correct length already available on the rack, others may need to take their jacket to a seamstress for alterations to achieve the correct length."
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The sleeve length is wrong
The length of your sleeves is all too often overlooked when shopping for a new suit, but this can result in an ill-fitting blazer with a far less impressive silhouette.
"Ideally, half an inch of shirt sleeve should be visible from the end of your jacket sleeve. If more than half an inch protrudes, the sleeves are too short. Alternatively, if no shirt sleeve is visible, your jacket sleeves are too long," Declyn explains. "We want some shirt sleeves to be visible to accessorise them with cufflinks, which otherwise wouldn't be seen."
At Slater Menswear, we always want our customers to feel great in what they are wearing and sleeve length plays an important factor in that. That is why we offer an alteration service that is completely free of charge in-store at the point of purchase or within 28 days when ordering your suit online.
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The shoulders are ill-fitting
This is one of the most common mistakes buyers make when choosing a new suit. Thankfully, it's also very simple to avoid.
"While most suit jackets are fitted with shoulder pads, these should fit snugly against the shoulder underneath and end where your natural shoulder bone does. Jackets that have protruding shoulder pads can create an outdated silhouette that isn't particularly flattering," says Declyn.
"It's worth taking the time to try several shoulder widths to find the best fit. The fastest way to check your shoulder pads is to lean against a wall. Your shoulder and the pad should touch the wall at the same time. If they don't, your shoulder pads might be too large."
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The suit jacket is incorrectly buttoned
The way you button your jacket can significantly impact the silhouette of your suit, which can cause you to feel that a suit doesn't look right when, in reality, it could be exactly what you're looking for.
"The consensus is that you should never button the lowest jacket button. If your suit blazer has three buttons, it's fine to button the first two, but the third should be left undone. Similarly, a two-button jacket should be left open at the bottom," says Declyn. "So, what if your jacket only has one button? In that case, it's fine to button it when standing — but remember to unbutton it when sitting down."
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The tack stitching and tags aren’t removed
Have you ever been at an event and noticed someone has left the brand label on their suit jacket? This is another common mistake that can easily make your suit look unprofessional. When you've tried on the suit and decided you're happy with it, it's time to give it a thorough look to find any tags or tack stitching that needs to be removed before you wear it outside.
"Tags are usually sewn into the suit jacket somewhere on the sleeves or the breast pocket. They are often attached with two threads—one at either end — making removing them with a regular pair of scissors easy," Declyn explains.
He adds, "Tack stitching is used to keep the suit looking its best during transit, often holding pockets closed or joining the coattails on a jacket. This makes suit care easier, reducing the risk of severe creases. These stitches are easy to miss but are very quickly spotted by others when you're wearing your new suit at an event. To remove them, use scissors or a thread trimmer and pull the loose threads from the garment."
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You’ve gone over the top with accessories
From cufflinks to pocket squares, there are so many ways to accessorise your suit for a truly customised look. However, too many accessories can create a cluttered effect that detracts from the sophistication of the suit itself. Overdoing the accessories is a common mistake, particularly for those new to wearing suits, but this also doesn't mean you should avoid accessorising altogether.
"Accessorising your suit can be a great way to add your own personal style and create a bespoke outfit, but you also run the risk of over-accessorising fairly easily," Declyn says.
"The secret to choosing the right accessories for your suit is to remember that you're trying to enhance rather than overpower. The golden ratio is no more than three accessories for each suit — including your tie."
Find the perfect suit with Slaters Menswear
Whether you're dressing for a work event or a wedding, finding the perfect suit can be the difference between feeling confident in your appearance and finding your outfit uncomfortable.
If you're shopping for a new suit, we have plenty of options to suit your needs. Choose from high-quality materials in on-trend colours, featuring a wide selection of lengths and fits — including slim fit, tailored, and regular.
Head over to our style inspiration hub for more expert fashion advice.
If you need some more inspiration then check out our social media channels and see how our customers have already styled our pieces this year.
