Wearing a Suit

Question 1: How to button a suit?

Ans:

The buttoning scheme you follow entirely depends on the style of suit you are wearing. The styles include 1-button single-breasted suit jacket, 2-button single-breasted suit jacket, 3 or 4-button single-breasted jacket, 6-on-1 double-breasted jacket and a 6-on-2 double-breasted jacket. Please find the corresponding instructions for your style of suit.

a) 1-button single-breasted suit jacket

If your jacket only has 1 button, you should always keep it buttoned when standing. However, you should unbutton the jacket when sitting down to ensure that it does not bunch awkwardly.


b) 2-button single-breasted suit jacket

This is one of the most common styles of suit as it represents a rather timeless design. You should button only the top button when standing and unbutton the jacket when sitting down. Do not button the bottom button at any occasion because it will cause the end of the jacket to flare out.

c) 3 or 4-button single-breasted suit jacket

With a 3-button jacket, you should always button the middle button or the top button only. With a 4-button suit jacket, always button the middle 2 buttons. The suit should also be unbuttoned when you are sitting down.

d) 6-on-1 double-breasted suit jacket

A 6-on-1 suit jacket has 6 buttons visible with only 1 that can be fastened on the outside. When buttoning this style of suit, you should start with buttoning the interior button and then button the 1 exterior button that can be fastened. These 2 buttons should be left fastened when sitting and standing.

 

e) 6-on-2 double-breasted suit jacket

A 6-on-2 jacket is one with 2 buttons that can be fastened. You should start by fastening the inner button and then button the top exterior button. These 2 buttons should be left fastened both sitting and standing. 


Question 2: What can I wear to complement a suit?

Ans:

The following are some items which you can carefully choose to complement your suit.

a) The shirt: A dress shirt is very important as it can play a supporting role by enhancing the suit jacket. For more details about the shirt, please see question 3.

b) The tie: The tie is often perceived as the soul of the suit. The choice of color and pattern of the tie depends on the occasions and the design of the shirt and suit jacket. For more details about the tie, please see question 4.

c) The watch: Wearing a watch as a piece of accessory with your suit can potentially enhance your overall look. For more details about the watch, please see question 5.

d) The shoes: There is countless number of styles of shoes in the market, but you only need to invest in a handful of sensible and stylish pairs to complement your suits. For more details about the shoes, please see question 6.


Question 3: Which shirt should I wear with my suit?

Ans:

a) Fit

First of all, a proper dress shirt should be good fit. A well-fitted dress shirt should be comfortable and allows room in the chest and waist yet be tight enough around the wrist so that the cuffs must be unbuttoned to slip them off. When wearing a suit, the sleeves of the shirt should be longer than the sleeves of the suits for 1-2cm, while the neck of the shirt should be higher than the suit for approximately 1cm.

b) Color

White- This is the most common shirt color because it goes with almost any tie. Whichever occasion you may have to attend, you can safely assume a white shirt will be appropriate.

Blue- This color holds a place as a safe alternative to white.

Other colors- This includes colors such as pink, lavender, forest green and ever red etc. If you can master wearing these colors, you can set yourself apart in a room of dressed men. 

c) Pattern

Solid- This is the simplest and most formal pattern.

Stripe- This pattern looks especially good with a solid colored suit.

Check- This is the least formal pattern so should worn carefully in business occasions.



Question 4: Which tie should I wear with my suit?

Ans:

It is important to find a combination of suit and tie that projects the personality and lifestyle you want to convey at that particular occasion.

a) The classic power combination

The combination of a dark and solid suit with a bold-colored tie is essential for almost everyone.



b) The formal combination

A classic black suit paired with a black tie or bow tie is highly popular for formal occasions.



c) The casual combination

A relatively lighter colored suit, such as light navy blue, can be matched with a tie with wild patterns to give a casual look.

 











Question 5: Which watch should I wear with my suit?

Ans:

Your everyday watch should be neutral and durable, and stainless steel is a popular choice for this purpose.

Your formal watch should be constructed of a precious metal such as silver, gold or platinum. It should feature an analogue display and look discreet. The material should match with your outfit, for example, a gold watch should be worn with a shirt with gold cufflinks.



Question 6: Which pair of shoes should I wear with my suit?

Ans:

An important aspect of the shoes is to avoid any unwanted pain during the day; therefore, you should ensure that your shoes are stylish yet comfortable. In terms of the color, your shoes should match the belt color.