When it comes to wearing the perfect suit there is nothing more important than the fit.
The sheer number of different cuts, small details and designs can be a lot of information to try and master, and if you're not sure what works for you, then you can end up confused and poorly dressed, which is a bad combo.
Thankfully, the Man Cave is here with our friends from Arnotts Dublin to help you find the perfect suit no matter what shape you are, with a few essential tips and tricks to make sure you always look your best.
We've already seen what to wear if you're Athletic or Tall and Lean, but if you’re a Muscle Build, there are a few key differences to keep in mind when shopping for that perfect suit. Here, Tunde has found the perfect mix for his build, which focuses in on a few key elements of his shape and how they will work with the suit. For starters, he's gone for a subtle pattern, something that is not only on trend at the moment, but also makes your look stand out from the crowd.
For most men, a block colour is the wisest choice, but if you want to opt for a pattern design like Tunde has, the key is to have the confidence to wear it and also look for something that has an air of simplicity about it. Bold patterns work best as a statement piece, and you want to avoid a garish design that makes you look like one long mass of fabric.
A suit that fits well will help you look in proportion, and there are a few tricks that you can use that will help you to get that. As someone with a Muscle Build, you have strong, broad shoulders, so if you’re concerned about looking a little bit taller in order to help you achieve a sense of proportion, then you should look to show a little bit of extra cuff on your sleeves, and very little break in your trousers. These two tricks will make your arms and legs seem that little bit longer, and give you a boost, but you’ll need to get your tailor to do some work on a suit that you pick up off the rack.
In general, look for a shorter length on the leg as well as the jacket. This will help to elongate your torso and make your legs look that bit longer. Be careful not to get the trousers too short, as you don’t want them to ride up the leg when you sit down.
When it comes to accessories, it’s always good to go for something a bit more classic. Since the suit in this look is patterned, your accessories should be toned down, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid adding a splash of colour. Here Tunde's tie picks up on the shades of grey present in the suit, making them pop, while the splash of red from the pocket square draws the eye to the chest and upper body.
You should also consider the lapel of your suit in that regard too. Going for wide and eye-catching lapel will end up making you look a bit barrel-chested, while a super-skinny lapel will only serve to make you appear even wider on top, so a classic notch lapel will work well with the rest of your tailored outfit. When it comes to fit, you don’t want to hide away behind big or ill-fitting garments with plenty of padding and extra material, as you can unintentionally appear a bit dishevelled, so make sure that you’re not choosing something that’s actually a size too large for you. If you're not sure about what is right for you, then head in to Arnotts and have a chat with one of their suiting experts, who can make sure you've got the perfect fit.
A plain shirt is a must with a patterned suit (you don't want to look like a wallpaper swatch book) and a wide spread collar will also help to keep your whole look in proportion. Again, since the tie is classic and not as skinny as others, it would be a huge contrast to have a slim collar that would look out of place on your otherwise well-balanced look. Finish the whole thing off with a brogue that has a strong sole (for another dash of colour) and you're ready to be the most stylish man at the Christmas party.
Tie by Gagliardi - €45
Suit by Gagliardi - €399
Shirt by Strellson - €65
Shoes by Hugo Boss - €260
Tunde's outfit is available from Arnotts Dublin or visit arnotts.ie