Buying Guides
Buying Guide
Buying a Suit
A suit is an essential component of every man’s wardrobe.
Explore the fit details and design features you’ll need to consider with our guide.
And if you'd like more personalised advice on buying a suit or putting together an outfit, we offer a free men's Personal Styling service in many of our shops - find out more.
How to get a great fit
The checklist
Shoulders
The first thing to look at is the suit jacket; the pads shouldn’t protrude beyond your shoulders.
The back
The back of the jacket should fall neatly in a straight line, with the bottom edge no lower than your knuckles
Fastening
When fastened with one button, the jacket should fit closely around your stomach, but not tightly.
Sleeves
Sleeves should never sit any lower than the base of your thumb. Aim to have a few centimetres of your shirt sleeve protruding beyond the jacket.
All in the detail
The difference between suits is often in the little details.
These often say as much about the wearer as the suit itself.
Colour and Pattern
Suit fabrics can be plain, or come in many different weaves and patterns.
Pockets
Suit pockets are usually jetted or flapped.
Fabric
The fabric depends on how you plan to use the suit, but generally, the higher the fabric number, the finer the suit.
Lapels
Notched lapel for modern tailoring. Peaked and shaw for dinner jackets.
Buttons
Two-button fastenings are the most commonly found style but many variations exist.
Construction
Suits are constructed in one of three ways: canvas, half-canvas or fused construction.
Colour and pattern
Pick and pick
An elegant twill weave suiting fabric that can sometimes have a two tone appearance due to the weave.
Birdseye
Cloth with a particular diamond shape pattern.
Herringbone
A cloth with a distinctive chevron pattern, created by the way the fabric is woven.
Prince of Wales
A Glen plaid with a coloured windowpane check over the top.
Windowpane
A large and simple check pattern.
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