7.16.0 Men's Guide to Suits | Tailoring Tips | Next UK
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Choose the perfect suit
HOW TO:
CHOOSE THE PERFECT SUIT
When it comes to choosing a suit, it's important to find one that works for you. After the hustle and bustle of Christmas, New Year and other winter events, it's likely that your formal attire is feeling a little overworn. But with summer on the horizon and plenty of summer invites piling in, the need for a perfect new suit is growing. If you're stuck with where to start, what to look for and how to style it – we've got you covered with our guide to suiting.
The Jacket

Once you've mastered the fit, you'll have to choose the right suit jacket. Widely available in a timeless two-button fastening, a single-breasted suit jacket flatters any body shape and can effortlessly work at casual events and formal occasions.

Firstly you'll need to choose between a notch or peak lapel. The lapel is the folded fabric that runs from the collar to the top of the button. Traditional and classic, the notched lapel is named because it looks like a sideways V shape where the lapel meets the collar. It’s a great fail-safe standard that always works.

As the name suggests, a peak lapel comes to a peak at the edge where it points upwards – this is the perfect option for making a statement with your formal style.

Level it up further still with a double-breasted suit jacket – perfect for more formal occasions and accentuating the shoulders. Opt for a peak lapel if you're keen to try a double-breasted style.

Find the perfect partner for your suit jacket with flawlessly fitting suit trousers. Regular fit styles are cut for a roomier fit for ultimate comfort and are particularly flattering on larger builds. A slim fit offers a sleek streamlined silhouette perfect for slimmer builds while a skinny fit creates a sharp shape perfect for a modern look.


Whatever the style, your trousers should sit snug on your waist – rather than at the hips – and end around 1.5 centimetres above the edge of the heels, which is around halfway up the heel of the shoe.

The trousers

THE
TROUSERS

SHOP ALL TROUSERS
The Waistcoat

THE WAISTCOAT


 
 

Oozing classic elegance, the waistcoat is the perfect way to instantly elevate your formal look. A fundamental element of the three-piece suit, it’s worn over the shirt but under the jacket. Just like your jacket, you can opt for a single-breasted or double-breasted shape to suit your style.  




When it comes to the colour, it’s most common to match the waistcoat perfectly to the jacket and trousers, but we also love a contrasting waistcoat that creates a more prominent look. Choose a colour that works in harmony with your jacket and trousers and play around with different combinations.



SHOP ALL WAISTCOATS


 
 
The Shirt

When choosing the perfect shirt, think about your body type. If you've got a heavier build, opt for a regular fit or Oxford shirt in a thicker fabric that isn't clingy so it’ll drape for a flattering fit. For athletic builds, show off your shape with a slim fit shirt that tapers into the waistline and fits well around the chest. Slim builds should choose a regular or slim fit shirt that is tapered at the waist and is made in a thicker fabric that adds mass and shape.

When choosing a colour, choose a tone that is either lighter or contrasting to your suit jacket. For example, if you're wearing a navy suit jacket, try a light blue shirt.

Your shirt should be well fitted and should not spill out when tucked in, but also shouldn't be skin tight. When it comes to cuffs, the button cuff is the most common, designed with built-in buttons so you won’t need cufflinks. For a more formal style, choose a double cuff that is folded back and fastened with cufflinks.

Shoes
Now it’s time to add the all-important finishing touches. If you're wearing a tie, go for something bold to add personality to the blank canvas of your suit. As a general rule, ensure your tie ends before the waistband of your trousers and tie it with a traditional Windsor knot. Match a statement pocket-handkerchief with your tie and elevate it all with your favourite watch and complementary cufflinks.


Consider your footwear as an extension of your outfit by picking the right style for the occasion. Opt for formal Oxfords or Brogues for special occasions or dress it down a little with Chelsea boots, loafers or even a smart sneaker.
The final touch? A great pair of socks. Opt for something colourful and fun to add some personality when you sit down and hitch your trousers up. But remember – socks should only be visible when you sit down.
STYLE GUIDES
FAQ's

A Lounge suit is an everyday suit, the kind you think of a business man wearing in a meeting or conducting their everyday business. They tend to feature a single-breasted or double-breasted jacket with a plain and matching trousers.

Use a tape to measure chest, waist, hips, shoulders, sleeves and leg length. Keep the tape comfortable, not tight, for a proper fit before selecting your suit.

Pair your black suit with white, light blue, or grey shirts for a classic look. For bold style, try burgundy or patterned shirts with subtle colours.

Brown suits can be paired with tan, dark brown or burgundy shoes. If you need a contrast look, try chestnut or navy shoes for a modern, stylish touch.

Team your grey suits with black, brown or even burgundy shoes. For a light grey suit, look your best with tan shoes that give a sharp, modern style.

For your blue suit, choose from options like white, light blue or pale pink. Navy or grey shirts also work well, perfect for work or formal events.

Select your overcoats in colours like black, grey, navy, camel, brown or go for contrast shades to add style. Make sure the fit is not too tight or bulky.

The suitable ties for a navy suit are burgundy, brown, blue or green. For a stylish look, consider patterns like stripes or even polka dots that work well, too!

Choose your ties in grey, silver, or mustard for a stylish, smart look. Patterns like paisley, subtle checks and geometric designs add that extra flair.

For a grey suit, try options like navy, burgundy, black, silver and dark green. Maintain a sharp look with paisley, geometric prints, plaid or floral designs.

Pair a blue suit with black or rich brown shades for a refined look. Ideal for business or formal events, navy or dark grey shoes also complement your outfit.

Well, there are many colours to pair with navy suits. The most popular choices are black, brown and tan shoes. They go well for formal and semi-casual events.

Start with the chest, next the shoulder area, and slide down to the sleeves. End with the wrist and arm. Measure the back from the base of the neck to the centre.

White, light grey and blue are classic choices to pair with navy suits. They create a crisp and refined look during business meetings or formal occasions.

Black, brown, burgundy and tan shoes are amongst the most favoured choices. Burgundy shoes complement casual looks, while black goes well with formal attire.

One can pair a blue suit with various tie colours. Based on the texture of the suit, choose navy, silver, burgundy or brown in solid pastels or stripes.

Team a grey suit with tie colours like navy, burgundy, and olive green. Based on the tones and texture of the suit, mix and match with different patterns.

You can pair a grey suit with black, brown, tan and burgundy shoes. However, the best option depends on the shade, texture and material of the suit you are wearing.

One can pair a grey suit with a range of tie colours. Go for versatile navy blue or classic black in solid colours. Give a twist by choosing striped patterns.

At NEXT, you'll discover the perfect fit for any occasion. From formal events, weddings, to parties, you'll find suits in relaxed fits and finest tailoring.

A blue suit goes well with black, brown, tan or burgundy shoes. These colours are versatile and effortlessly complete your look for most the occasions.

For a refined appearance, a suit jacket should cover your bottom. The hemline should fall around the middle of your hand, with your arms loose at your sides.

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