Everybody has a different body shape – and some people have very different body shapes, and most off-the-rack suits do not cater for these people. This is where tailor-made is superior – even for people who have a relatively standard body shape, a tailored suit can really sharpen up the image.
A tailored suit can benefit even a standard size individual
The right clothes help to highlight our best features and conceal our worst ones. A custom-tailored suit will fit superbly, because it is based on your measurements and body type. No more wasting time and energy trying on scores of jackets, trousers and shirts to test out the fit. And the best part is that with a tailored suit, the tailor or design consultant is there to offer you advice suitable for your body type to ensure you dress well.
To help you with your style education, here’s some advice on dressing in suits and shirts for men of all shapes and sizes – when buttoning your single breasted suit jacket always leave the lowest button undone on two and three button jackets, because having all buttons done does not look right.
If you buy a double breasted jacket, never ever leave it undone – it will look wide and unflattering and will completely lose any slimming effect. A double breasted jacket must always be done up – all working buttons must be buttoned. It is a power suit and looks very impressive in meetings or for special occasions if it is a navy blazer with brass buttons, but the double breasted is definitely not an everyday suit.
When it comes to ties, wide tie knots such as the Windsor will look fine for wider spread collars such as English Cut – which is the recommended shirt collar type for taller people. For shorter or larger men, the thinner tie knots such as the Half-Windsor and Four-in-Hand are more appropriate, as they are narrower knots that have an elongating vertical visual effect. Alternatively, a medium width tie or even a narrow tie (if suitable for your work environment) will look better for shorter men.
For shoes, always wear flat tapered shoes or boots which do not have too much of a heel and the toe is narrow at the front or even pointed. This looks much better than a clunky shoe that has thicker heels or a rounded or bulky toe. No matter what your size, you will find that your trousers will fall much better on a flatter more streamlined shoe, and it will improve your overall presentation.
A Finestitch & Co. Design Consultant has the expertise to advise you on what styles and materials are suitable for your body type and occasion and help design a suit to compliment you. Book your appointment today and take your first steps towards improving your wardrobe!
Stay tuned for the next instalment of ‘Suits for Different Body Shapes’ – Part 2: The Taller Man