Buying your suit

Our guide unpacks essential suit fits and features. Need advice? Try our free in-store Personal Styling service.
Male model in black tailored suit by pale stone wall, modern fashion portrait with clean architectural lines
Male model in black tailored suit by pale stone wall, modern fashion portrait with clean architectural lines
Buying guides1 July 2026

How to get a great fit

Full-length businessman in navy suit with striped tie, formal office wear, standing on white background

Regular

Tailored to flatter and cut to a more relaxed fit for easy wear. Ideal for a variety of body types. Style it with a regular shirt and a waistcoat.

Full-length studio photo of a man wearing a navy business suit, striped tie and black dress shoes on white background

Slim

In a narrow cut, this fit creates a modern and sleek silhouette. Ideal for leaner body types. Style it with a slim fit shirt and a belt to match.

Full-length studio photo of man wearing navy business suit, striped tie and black shoes on white background

Tailored

Designed to be more fitted than a regular suit, featuring a shaped waist and cleaner lines. Style it with a tailored shirt and cufflinks.

Our fit guide

Men’s navy suit trousers sizing guide showing waist and inside leg measurements with arrows on model

Blazer fit

Chest: measure the widest part of your chest at the underarm. 

Sleeve length: with relaxed arms measure from your shoulder blade down to your elbow and onto your wrist bone.

Men’s navy suit trousers size guide showing waist and inside leg measurements on a model, front view

Trouser fit

Waist: measure from your lower hip - just below the navel. 

Inside leg: measure from the highest point of your crotch down to the ankle bone.

The checklist

Blazer fit

Shoulders

The first thing to look at is how the jacket sits on your shoulders – the shoulder pads must not protrude beyond your shoulders

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 cuff.

Trouser fit

Waist

Sits on the natural waistline with at least one finger spacing for movement. Not uncomfortably tight when sitting, but snug enough to stay in place.

Leg length

The leg length should break slightly above your shoe with the back of your trousers overlapping the top of your shoes by about half an inch

Types of suits

Male model wearing a navy business suit with light blue shirt and striped tie, studio portrait on grey background

Two-piece suit

Typically consisting of a tailored jacket with lapels, buttons and pockets, and matching trousers in colour and material. This type of suit is commonly worn with a dress shirt and tie for formal occasions.

Male model wearing an olive green three-piece suit with waistcoat, white shirt and tie, studio portrait view

Three-piece suit

Consisting of a jacket, trousers and matching waistcoat all typically made in the same fabric. This suit offers a polished, formal look with the waistcoat adding an extra layer of sophistication worn under the jacket.

Male model wearing a black tuxedo with satin lapels, white dress shirt and bow tie on a white background

Tuxedo

Typically crafted from wool, tuxedo jackets have peak or shawl lapels, and feature silk-trimmed pockets and silk-lined lapels. Tuxedo trousers will have interior buttons and side adjusters for fastening.

Men’s light blue tailored suit with single-breasted blazer and trousers, worn over a white T-shirt on grey background

Single-breasted

Features a single column of buttons, typically with two or three buttons and narrowly overlapping fabric when closed. Sleek and versatile, this style is suitable for both formal and casual occasions.

Male model wearing a beige double-breasted linen blazer over a white T-shirt, studio fashion portrait

Double-breasted

Features two parallel columns of buttons and an overlapping front flap. The jacket wraps over itself more than a single-breasted design, creating a more structured, formal appearance.

Suits by occasion

Male model wearing a light blue two-piece suit with white shirt and silver tie, front view on plain background

Wedding suits

A formal wedding outfit worn by the groom and often the groomsmen too. It typically consists of a tailored jacket, matching trousers, a dress shirt, and accessories like a tie, bow tie or pocket square. 

Male model wearing a charcoal grey two-piece suit with white shirt and blue patterned tie on a studio background

Work suits

Also known as a business suit, it's typically worn in professional settings and is usually made up of a jacket, matching trousers, and dress shoes. Often accompanied by a shirt and tie.

Studio portrait of a man in a black tuxedo with bow tie, formal eveningwear suit on white background

Black tie suits

Formal evening wear reserved for black tie events. Typically a black or midnight blue dinner jacket, matching trousers, a formal white dress shirt, a black bow tie and black patent leather shoes.

Male model wearing a light blue two-piece suit with white shirt and silver tie, front view on plain background

Prom suits

 Often chosen to reflect a formal yet stylish appearance, this style consists of a tailored jacket, matching trousers, a dress shirt, accessories like a bow tie or tie, cufflinks, and dress shoes.

Male model wearing a charcoal grey two-piece suit with white shirt and blue patterned tie on a studio background

Race day suits

Usually, a two- or three-piece suit that can be any colour, style or pattern unless otherwise specified. For the warmer summer months, you may prefer to wear a lightweight material such as linen.

Studio portrait of a man in a black tuxedo with bow tie, formal eveningwear suit on white background

Smart/casual suits

A blend of formal and casual clothing that's put together but not overdone. It's a versatile look that can be worn in many settings, including cocktail bars, restaurants, and office parties.

All in the detail

Suit details make the difference, saying as much about the wearer as the suit itself.

Fabric qualities

Discover the beauty and versatility of our premium fabrics featuring a wide range of textures, colours and patterns from Super 100’s to Pure Linen’s and the finest linen blend.

Lapels

Lapels come in three main styles:

1. Notch lapels: the most common style seen on most business suits and blazers.

2. Peak lapels: featuring pointed edges that face upwards giving a formal and bold look.

3. Shawl lapels: smooth and rounded typically used on Tuxedos for a sleek and elegant look.

Pockets

Men's suits feature several key pocket styles:

Flap Pocket is the most common and versatile with a rectangular flap covering the pocket.

Jett Pocket is a sleek, slim design found on formal suits

Patch Pockets are the most casual and are sewn onto the jacket's exterior 

Welt Breast pocket positioned on the left chest and used for pocket squares or handkerchiefs.

Internals

Fully lined jackets provide structure and warmth.

Half-lined or buggy-lined jackets offer breathability – perfect for a lightweight casual look.

Construction

Suits are constructed in one of three ways: canvas, half canvas or fused construction.

Half canvas offers structure and comfort. The canvas allows the jacket to mould to your body over time, providing a natural fit and improved shape retention.