What You Need to Know About Business Suits

Section: Men's Style - Blog

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Business suits have been staple garments in men's wardrobes for over 100 years. However, the suiting industry has changed dramatically, and today's man needs more information to make informed choices about his suits. Here’s a quick overview of the salient points.

Business suits are often considered conservative and uniform; however, the discerning modern business man has more options for adding flair and individuality to a suit than he used to. Think styling options like coloured or patterned linings, peak lapels, and yes, even a pocket square!

pair suits to occasions

Most established professional men own 5 to 10 business suits for different situations. For example, it's not uncommon for someone to own a different suit for each of these occasions:

• Interviews - We've all been through this one so calm your nerves by looking your confident best.
• Client Meetings - First impressions count
• Everyday Workplace - Comfortable, long-lasting quality is key here

• The Boardroom - Be remembered when you pitch your next idea.
• Making the Deal - Looking successful gets you half way there.
• Smart Casual – Why look boring on casual Friday when you can look fab in an open neck shirt, dark jeans and suit jacket?

Off-the-rack vs. custom business suits

Shopping for a newbusiness suit is frustrating. It's probably rare to find an off-the-rack suit that fits you. You may get lucky and find one in a colour or fabric you like, but finding one with the right styling and perfect fit is an elusive trifecta.

For instance, check out your colleagues and mates. Most men own suits that simply do not fit them. They're either too big or too tight, the sleeves are too long, or the jacket is the wrong length.

Custom business suits (a.k.a. tailor made business suits) solve this problem for you. With custom tailoring, you can get the right fit, in the right colour, and have it styled the way you want it, all in one place.

The price of custom made business suits keeps dropping. A few years ago, a custom business suit could cost you over AUD $2,500, but with increased competition and the modernisation of tailoring companies, it's not uncommon to find quality custom wool business suits around the AUD $900 - $1,000 mark.

When only the best will do, the uncompromising gentleman buys bespoke business suits. Bespoke suits offer all the benefits of custom business suits (fabric, fit etc.) with one distinct advantage: almost limitless design possibilities. This does, of course, comes with a hefty price tag.

Buying business suits online

You might be tempted by price, but be cautious about buying suits online; what you see is rarely what you get. You won't get to touch and feel the fabrics or view samples before you purchase, and the photos you see rarely resemble the real colour.

You also miss out on the benefit of a styling expert to help you pick the right colour and design for your unique body shape, personality and occasion. Finally, if you're buying custom made business suits online, you will have to deal with the chore of taking your own measurements.

Did you know you canschedule an obligation free styling session with one of the men of Montagio? We'd love to chat with you about styling options, fabrics and other ideas for your next new business suit.

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