Style Guide
Buying a Men's Suit? Here's What to Look For
By Maarten Verhoef

The lovely weather is making itself felt more and more, which means the wedding season has begun! Most weddings take place when the chance of good weather is greatest, namely between May and September. A special occasion like a wedding naturally calls for an impeccable outfit. If you don't have a beautiful men's suit yet, now is the moment to buy one. At GENTS you will find smart men's suits of outstanding quality. Not sure what to look out for when buying a men's suit? Then read on.
For which occasion are you buying the suit?
Of course, weddings are not the only occasion for wearing a suit. For a job interview or a funeral, too, it is customary to wear a suit; for a gala you will usually need a tuxedo or tailcoat. When buying a men's suit, it is therefore wise to consider the occasion for which the suit will be worn. The dress code for a wedding is naturally different from that of a funeral. Moreover, many couples-to-be set their own dress code for their wedding. For everything you need to know about dress codes, see our etiquette page.
Buying a suit for the first time? Then it may be a good idea to choose a suit you can wear on several occasions. In that case, opt for classic colours that are easy to combine, such as a plain navy suit or an anthracite suit. Navy and anthracite are a suitable foundation for virtually every occasion.
Which size do you need?
A men's suit should fit perfectly, so it is important to have the right size. During your fitting, let someone with expertise advise you, or keep the following tips in mind to find the perfect fit:
The most important tip: make sure the shoulder seam sits properly on your shoulders. The tailor can easily adjust the sleeve and trouser length, but the shoulders are considerably harder to alter. The shoulder seam should fall exactly across the shoulders, to the point where your shoulders meet your arm. Is the shoulder seam of your blazer longer than your shoulders? Then go one size down. Is the shoulder seam shorter than your shoulders? Then go one size up.
Check whether the blazer is roomy enough by crossing your arms. Does the fabric pull across your back? Then go one size up.
As for the length of the blazer, it looks best when it just covers your seat. The blazer should not extend below that.
Make sure the waistband of the trousers is not too tight. If the waistband already feels snug while standing, it will become uncomfortable when sitting. The trousers should fasten easily.
At GENTS we offer a wide choice of suit sizes. Our sizes range from 42 up to and including 64, and we also have a broad range of length and width fits. With us, you will always find a suit that suits you!
Unsure about your size? Use our sizing guide or consult our stylists in one of the 19 stores.
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