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FEBRUARY / 19 / 2025ADMIN

THE ART OF WEARING A FORMAL SUIT: STYLE, FIT, AND MAINTENANCE TIPS

3-1 Wearing a Formal Suit

Wearing a formal suit should not be done carelessly. As a matter of fact, there are stringent rules to follow on how to wear a suit, from dealing with buttons and cuffs, then to choosing the right colors, to selecting the ideal suit accessories. After all, you must look good and feel good about everything you wear. 

This Baoxiniao guide will tackle:

– The importance of knowing how to wear a format suit properly

– The basics of wearing various men’s format suit styles

– Choosing the right suit colors and fits

– Selecting your suit accessories

– Maintenance tips when wearing a suit

Why Knowing How to Wear a Format Suit Properly Matters

When wearing formal suits, you can appear as ideal as how those characters from James Bond films do it when putting the outfit on. Smooth and elegant. 

To know how to dress in suit properly is important because you need to look confident and respectable in the attire, allowing you to create a lasting first impression. There is a fine line that separates this from wearing the outfit improperly, affecting your posture, mindset, and access to versatility. 

So, what are the things to remember?

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The Basics of Wearing a Formal Suit

When it comes to the rules on how to put on a suit, these come in at number one:

Classic Rules

Never Button the Last Button

You can see this from images of men modeling suits and they’re not postured that way for nothing. Never, ever button the last button. Only the middle button should be closed and the last one open. Did you also make a mistake here? Now you know.

The rationale for this is quite interesting. Beyond a practical purpose, leaving the last button open dates back to King Edward VII in the early 1900s because he needed to be comfortable and as homage to riding jackets. This was quickly adopted worldwide since then. So, it’s more of rooted in tradition.

Unbutton Your Suit When You Sit Down

See how businessmen wearing suits do it. They unbutton the suit jacket whenever they sit down so they can feel more comfortable. If not, they are just ruining the shape of their suit and risking buttons popping during dinner or business meetings. 

Always Button the Top Button of Your Shirt

With regard to shirt buttons, they must be closed, except for the top button, or you are sporting a new style that isn’t formal. Also, keep your shirt collar’s lines matching and ensure your shirt cuffs are of the right length.

So, to avoid the confusion on the rules for buttoning, never button the last button, unbutton whenever sitting down, and the top button of your shirt, not the suit, must always be buttoned.

Shirt Cuffs Exposed

How about for shirt cuffs?

Expose Just 1/4 to 1/2 Inch of Your Shirt Cuff

Only expose a fourth- or half-inch of your shirt cuff to add a sense of subtle layering and a refined touch to your formal suit. Elevate the look, showcase detail, sport a polished appearance, and enhance the overall aesthetic.

Your Shirt Cuffs Must Not Go Over Your Hands

The sleeves of your shirt are also part of your formal suit, integral for making you appear just as sharp. Thus, you must also ensure they are of the right length and fit. 

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Choosing the Right Suit Colors and Fits

Next is deciding which color and fit to here. Remember the following points:

Color Selection

Believe it or not, black formal suits are not the most ideal unless you are looking to show up at a funeral. Unless you are attending a black-tie affair, formal suits on everyday occasions must be of the classic cut and neutral color. They are versatile and favorable. As for the colors, it’s either dark blue, dark gray or its charcoal variant, or navy. 

Right Fit

Formal suits are still your investment, so while the ready-to-wear style is more affordable, you will realize you’ll spend more on them when they depreciate over time. Choose custom and bespoke suits known for their durability, superior craftsmanship, and quality materials. Ready-to-wear suits are not of the same range of durability that custom suits have.

Ideal Material 

Then, seasonality shall also dictate your fabric choice. Choose breathable linen or cotton blends to stay trendy in springtime and summer. Wearing a formal suit in autumn, your choice must be wool or tweed for warmth and texture. During winter, opt for heavier wool, flannel, and tweed, too, for insulation and elegance. Aiming for versatility? Consider wool-cotton blends.

Choosing Accessories

Accessorizing a formal suit also involves making the right choice. If you wish to exude sophistication, choose a silk tie over others, which complements the suit’s color. To introduce personality, have a pocket square in a color that contrasts with that of your suit. 

It’s always, always classic leather shoes that complete the ensemble. Wear oxfords or derbies. You should also sport a dress watch, instead of just a normal watch. Tech watches can be good, but they’re not ideal.

As for the cufflinks and tie clips, you may also have them to add further refinement for a more polished and cohesive appearance.

How to Maintain Your Formal Suit

You won’t always have the resources to keep buying a new formal suit with t-shirt, so to make sure your suit lasts you longer, here are the tips to follow:

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  • Use hangers to shape: It’s not just any type of hanger, but wide and wooden ones that keep your suit’s shoulder form. This prevents the stretching of the fabric, preserving its tailored shape.
  • Dry clean sparingly: Do not yield to overcleaning as this wears down the fabric. So, dry clean only when really necessary, such as after three or four wears. This protects the material. 
  • Brush after wearing: Use a brush with soft bristles to remove the surface debris and dust in a gentle manner. 
  • Allow it to rest: After each wear, allow your suit to air out on a hanger for a day or two, so the fabric can breathe and recover its shape.
  • Investing in high-quality classic suits: At the end of the day, it all boils down to investing in top-notch classic suits. Consider suits from Baoxiniao, a brand that champions unparalleled craftsmanship and unmatched quality. Whether it’s coats, jackets, or suits, Baoxiniao will provide the outstanding apparel you need for the occasion.

Conclusion

Mastering the art and science of wearing a formal suit involves choosing the most impeccable fit, implementing thoughtful styling with the right accessories, and persistent maintenance. With these, you will always exude confidence, professionalism, and timeless elegance. Suit up today with Baoxiniao! 

Resources:
  1. 11 Tips How to Wear a Suit (1)
  2. How to Wear a Suit (2)
  3. History of how to properly button a suit – Knights Chamber Maple Grove (3)
  4. Bespoke Tailored Made vs Ready-Made (4)
  5. Quality,of durability and fine craftsmanship. (5)

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