Something that cannot be missing in any man’s wardrobe is a suit, especially a well-crafted British power suit. It’s a classic that not only has a history behind it, which traces back to the famous tailors of London, but it also makes you look strong, confident, and put-together. The hard part is that if you are buying your very first one, the choices can feel overwhelming.
How do you pick the right one? What should you look for when trying it on? Let us break down everything you need to know to get that perfect look right.
The Inside is the Secret
The biggest draw of a British power suit is found on the inside, and that’s what makes the difference from a cheap high-street suit. Those who use glue to attach the fabric from the exterior to the internal lining, which makes the piece feel stiff, almost like cardboard.
On the other hand, a traditional well-tailored suit uses a floating layer of fabric between the exterior and interior that makes the whole piece feel more natural, expensive, and incredibly comfortable.
Not only that, but this floating layer acts like memory foam. After wearing it, the warmth of your body will mould it perfectly to your shape.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Comfort and Strength
Now, fabrics are as many as you can imagine, but not all of them are great for you, and for your first British power suit, you want to stick with 100% wool. This natural textile is the winner when it comes to breathable fabrics, making it perfect to wear all year round, which is a huge pro.
Don’t worry about those colder months; wool is well known for keeping people warm, too, but my favourite feature is that it’s naturally resistant to creases.
As you check for options, you will be tempted to get synthetic blends like polyester, but you should avoid those. They trap heat and can sometimes give off a cheap look.
Now, when you’re out there looking at tags, you will notice numbers like “Super 100s” or “Super 120s”, which usually refer to how fine the wool is. So, if the number is higher, it means that the cloth has a softer feel, but if it’s a really high number like 160s or something like that, it means those are really thin and can wear out quickly.
For your first purchase, a Super 100s or 110s wool is the right spot. It offers a luxurious feel while remaining tough enough to handle everyday wear.
Finding the Perfect Fit
You could buy the most expensive fabric in the world, but if the fit is off, the whole outfit will look terrible. That’s why you need to actually try it beforehand if it’s your first time. This will save you a lot of time down the line.
The most important area to keep an eye on is the shoulder pads, which must be in the right spot: where your natural shoulders end. You don’t want it sticking out too far or too tight; they must be perfect, or you will end up looking like you’re wearing a costume.
The second most important thing to look out for is the front button, which should always close gently without pulling. If you see lines forming an “X” shape across your stomach, the jacket is too tight.
Other things to check are the arms or sleeves; for those, the jacket must stop just above your wrist bone, and allow about a half-inch of your white dress shirt cuff to peek through.
For the trousers, all you need to do is to make sure that the hem rests lightly on the top of your shoes, creating a clean line from your waist to your feet.
Conclusion
Now, a suit can elevate any outfit, whether it’s a casual night out or everyday in the office. Besides the fitting later, choosing the right fabric and trying it out to make sure it fits properly, all you need to do is wear it with confidence. Having the perfect suit won’t change anything if you don’t wear it feeling strong, confident, and put-together.
You can pair it with a white or light blue cotton dress shirt while avoiding loud, bright shirt patterns. Use a tie that’s made of silk and features a classic pattern or solid color, and for shoes, you can use a pair of leather Oxfords or Derbies.
With this, you’re all set to rock a British power suit.
