How to choose your work suit
You'll wear it every day, after all.
Words: L. Thorpe
If your workplace has a formal dress code, choosing the right suit can make a huge difference to how you look and feel at work. In our opinion, there are three things you should look for from your work suit: it needs to be comfortable, look great and be made to withstand the daily rigours of the commute, office and hitting your meetings.
Want to get on top of your work-ready tailoring? Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right work suit to get ahead.
How to choose your work suit
Choosing the right suit is more than just picking out a matching jacket and trousers - it’s about pulling together an outfit that makes you feel confident, comfortable and professional, all while working with your personal style.
Whether you’re starting a new job, you’ve just been promoted or you just want to refresh your work wardrobe, your work suit is a big part of your professional identity.
Keeping it comfortable
Don’t underestimate the difference getting a comfortable suit can make. We don’t mean you need to compromise on style, but if you’ve ever sat in the office with a waistband or a jacket that’s too tight, or wrapped up in fabric that’s too heavy, you’ll know exactly what we mean with this one.
One of our biggest tips to choose a suit that feels great all day long is to pick a performance suit. They're designed for everyday wear, blending style and functionality perfectly.
So, what is a performance suit? Ours are made with fabric that has a natural stretch for added comfort. They’re also stain and crease resistant while being water repellent too, meaning they look good for longer and you don’t have to stress about your suit when you’re on the move.
Choosing your fit
Getting your fit right is another underrated tip for making sure your work suit looks good. It’s well worth spending the time to understand your measurements, how your suit should actually fit and the styles that work best for your body shape.
Our suit fit guide has everything you need to know to measure up and choose the right fit. Or alternatively, head into one of our stores where our team of experts can get you measured up and give you guidance to help you find your style. Try on some different fits too, like slim, tailored, regular and relaxed suits - you might be surprised at the difference it makes to your look.
There’s also our Custom Made service, where you can have your pieces tailored to you. It’s easy, quick and can completely elevate the look, fit and feel of your suiting.
Understanding different fabrics
We also recommend trying out some different fabrics and working out what matters the most when it comes to your fabric. If you absolutely hate ironing, you’re always on the go or comfort is your biggest priority, then it’s all about the performance suit.
If you really want to go all-in on formality, then a tweed suit (especially if it’s a 3-piece suit) is a great choice with that. Choose a great quality tweed and a colour that works with the dress code in your office.
Wool suits always look great and they stay in style all year round. However they can be on the warmer side, so if your office turns into a sauna in the summer months, then choosing something made from a lighter fabric, like a linen suit, might be a better choice.
Getting the right colour
Most places have moved away from making a suit in a traditional colour part of a dress code, so if there’s a shade that you love or you want to wear something with a bit more impact, go for it. Don’t be scared to try on some different suit colours to see if you find one that works for you, as well as work.
However, there are a few practical reasons for sticking with a suit in a traditional colour like black, navy or grey. The first one is that they’re usually seen as more professional in the workplace, whether that’s right or wrong. The second is that darker colours are often more practical. They’re less likely to show marks, dirt or stains.
And the third? Some people find it easier to work out what to wear with a traditional colour suit. You can wear almost any colour shirt, tie and shoes to go with these types of neutral suit shades. The truth is that colour doesn’t have to be scary, you can pair a coloured suit with simple extras or go all-out on clashing colours. It’s totally up to you.
It's all in the details
The details can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your work suit. From subtle patterns like checks and houndstooth to carefully crafted buttons, fastenings and collars, details matter. This is another way our Custom Made service can help you elevate your suit - with the ability to change details on your work suit to make it something you love.
What you pair your work suit with can also make a big difference. Most places no longer insist on a tie in the workplace and you can relax on footwear, if that’s the look you want to go for. Loafers, trainers and boots all look just as good with a more relaxed suit as more formal shoe styles do.
What you wear underneath your suit has changed a little too. Want to wear your favourite suit but your workplace isn’t quite that formal? Scale it back a bit with some casual footwear and swap your shirt with a tee or light jumper to make a big difference to your work look. These small details can all completely change how you present yourself in the workplace.