Buying Guide
Buying your suit
An essential component of every man’s wardrobe – our guide unpacks the fit and features worth considering when choosing a suit.
Want more personalised advice on suits or putting together an outfit? Try our free Personal Styling service in store – find out more.
How to get a great fit
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Suits by occasion
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The difference between suits is often in the little details.
These often say 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.