25 Suit Rules All Men Need to Know

A man can’t be called a gentleman if he doesn’t know how to wear his suit.

Not too long ago I got a job to make 2 suits for a new client of KOBI KOACHMAN. The guy in question had never owned a suit before, this was going to be his first.

As always, I try to understand what kind of job my client needs then I tailor my pitch to their job while suggesting my ideas on the design as well as other details which I think would look nice on them – such as the fabric, the right color for the skin tone and other additional accessories that will complement the overall look.

A couple of questions came to mind while I was considering the kind of the suit I’ll make for him. Things like…what would be the best colors to make for him – considering this was his first, would it be a double vent or single vent, should I choose a single or double button style? Should I go for notch or peak lapel? And most importantly, what occasion does he need these suits for, is it for work, for a special event or for both?

After I decided what was suitable for my client, I thought it was important for him to know Suit Rules that would guide him when rocking his brand new bespoke suit once it arrives.

I decided to share some basic suit rules all men need to know. So this article is for my clients, my fellow menswear stylists, the tailors and all dapper gents out there.

These rules basically tell you how to choose a suit, how to get them tailored, the shirts, ties, shoe, and watches to wear with them and best of all – how to look great in a suit. Enjoy!

Also Read: How to Maintain and Care for Your Suit

25 SUIT RULES ALL MEN NEED TO KNOW

Rule #1

Your first suit should NOT be Black. Go for either a solid navy blue or a solid charcoal grey, these two colors should be the first two suit colors you should get. Always choose a charcoal grey over a black suit. When you must have had 3-4 suits you may then go for a black.

Rule #2

Choose the right Lapel type – There are three basic forms of suit lapels: notched, peaked and shawl. The shawl lapel is most suitable for dinner jackets/tuxedos. The notch lapel is ideal for single-breasted suits, blazers, and sports coats.

Not recommended for double-breasted suits and tuxedos. The double-breasted suit should always have peak lapels. They are also appropriate on single-breasted suits and you’ll often see these suit lapels on pinstriped fabrics.

RELATED: SUIT LAPEL TYPES | SHAWL LAPEL VS PEAK LAPEL VS NOTCH LAPEL

Rule #3

Thin lapels are more modern. Wide lapels are more old-school. Choose wisely.

Rule #4

Double vents in the back are more modern and fashionable than single vents.

Rule #5

The suit jacket should be just long enough to cover your pants zipper and butt.

Charcoal Grey, Double Button, and Notch Lapel

Rule #6

When you get your suit home, you’ll need a seam ripper or a small, sharp pair of scissors. Un-stitch the jacket’s pockets, remove the tack stitches from the jacket’s vents and remove the little-embroidered label from the jacket’s left sleeve. Do this very carefully to ensure you don’t actually rip the fabric or neighboring threads.

ON SHOES

Rule #7

As a general rule, a Black Formal shoe will go with nearly all suit colors. However, you can make more of an impact if you go for a brown or tan shoe when wearing either a Navy/Blue or Light Colour suit. You should match your shoes to the color of your suit using this rule:

• Black Suit = Black Shoe
• Charcoal Grey Suit = Black Shoe
• Light Grey Suit = Black Shoe or Brown Shoe
• Any Shade of Blue Suit (Navy, Powder Blue etc) = Brown Shoe or Black Shoe
• Brown Suit = Brown Shoe

 ALSO READ: A GUIDE TO MATCHING YOUR SHOES & YOUR SUIT

Rule #8

Your dress belt should be fairly thin and should be the exact same color as your shoes. Black and Brown (including different shades of brown such as tan) are preferred for a corporate look.

ON BUTTONS

Rule #9

If you’re going for more formal business attire, opt for a double-button, notched lapel jacket. Although, the one button suit is something you see common nowadays; while this suit is a perfect choice for formal occasions, parties, and social events, it is also an appropriate choice for business occasions [especially those who consider themselves extraordinary gentlemen].

Rule #10

The top button of a two-button suit (or the middle button of a three-button suit) should fall at or above the navel. No matter what you do, NEVER fasten the last button of a single-breasted suit.

If a single breasted suit has 1 button, the button should always be buttoned when standing and unfastened when one sits down. However, if it has 2 buttons, the top button should remain buttoned, while the bottom button is left undone. With 3 buttons, you have options. You can either button the top two and leave the bottom unfastened, or simply button the center button. 

Rule #11

Always unfasten the buttons on your suit when you sit down. NO exceptions

Rule #12

The bottom button of a vest/waistcoat should always be unbuttoned.

Rule #13

Never fasten the bottom button of a double-breasted jacket (unless it has only a single row of buttons).

 Also Read: How to wear a double breasted suit

ON TIES

Rule #14

The width of the tie should match the width of the lapel.

Rule #15

Your tie should always be darker than your dress shirt. A bold tie should be paired with a subtle shirt.

 Also Read: 10 Tie Rules All Men Need To Know

Rule #16

Your tie should JUST reach the waistband of your trousers or the center of your belt buckle.

Rule #17

Your tie bar should never be wider than your tie

ON FIT

Rule #18

For a proper-fitting jacket, you should be able to fit a fist between your chest and the fabric.

Rule #19

Your sleeve cuffs should be exposed to half an inch. For a harmonious look, try to match the visible cuff length to the amount of collar that is visible at the back of the neck.

Rule #20

Make sure that your socks are long enough that there’s no exposed leg when sitting down. Also, experiment with colorful socks

Rule #21

For a more fashion-forward look, the pant hem should hit right at the top of your shoe (No Breaks). For a more conservative look, the pants should cover the top of the shoe and parts of the laces (Quarter Breaks). Every modern gentleman should aim for a quarter or no break should be one of your ideal styles, be it pants or chinos/khaki. Avoid the trouser length reaching the sole of your shoe. Avoid double folds as well.

Also Read: A MAN’S GUIDE TO TROUSER LENGTHS | THE BREAK

 

ON ACCESSORIES:

Rule #22

Do NOT over-accessorize. A pocket square, a tie bar, a collar pin and a lapel pin is too much at once. If you’re already wearing a pocket square, a tie bar, and a collar pin, you should really avoid adding that lapel pin.

Rule #23

A pocket square is one of the few menswear accessories which can add an extra level of polish and elegant touch to your suit. Avoid matching it with your tie either in pattern or fabric choice, instead find colors that complement the outfit. You find a lot of men matching their ties to their pocket squares, just for the sake of ease and by so doing it removes the taste it adds to the outfit.

Rule #24

Never wear a sports watch with a suit. Get yourself a proper watch, a classy piece either a leather or a chain watch is fine.

Rule #25

Never wear a Backpack with Suit, opt for a nice briefcase or a messenger bag.

RELATED: 5 TIPS ON HOW TO LOOK BETTER IN A SUIT

FINAL THOUGHTS

Thanks for stopping by. If this article has revealed a bunch of things you didn’t know before, please leave a reply below as I’d love to hear from you. For any comments, contributions or inquiries, you may use the Contact Form.

Do you need a custom tailored suit? Contact us today via email: services@mrkoachman.com or WhatsApp [+234 (0) 7011961540]. For other Menswear Styling, Wardrobe Upgrade, Tailoring and Alterations, Personal Shopping, Fashion, and Accessory needs, don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to being your Personal Stylist and Image Partner as you acquire a new stylish image to match your lifestyle and goals.

Do you have any Style Question? Please let us know here.

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Till you hear from me again, Stay Classy!

Yours in Style,

Kobi O. Mbagwu (Mr. Kobi)
Founder, MrKoachman.com
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Mr. Kobi

My name is Kobi O. Mbagwu, a professional image consultant, menswear style expert, and entrepreneur who uses fashion, style and clothing as key tools in transforming ordinary men into extraordinary classy gentlemen. My personal goal is to help gentlemen dress better, live well, do well and develop a unique personal style that matches their lifestyle and goals. I believe that success can be built through style. I believe that fashion is a tool that can be used to change people’s lives positively. I also strongly believe that if you dress well, you look good, and if you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you worry less, and the less you worry the more you are able to stay motivated and focused on your goals pursuit and by so doing you are able to live a more fulfilling and successful life.

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