3 Indicators of a Quality Suit
Whether you wear a suit every day or only for special occasions, you want to look and feel your best without spending a fortune. The good news is you can afford to look like a million dollars. With the right research strategy you can find the options best for you and avoid paying too much for a suit that wears out quickly or looks second-rate. While price, color and style are all details that matter, below are the three most important factors to examine when shopping for a quality suit.
Fabrics & Fasteners
The quality of the fabric is one of the first things to consider when shopping for a new suit. Wool is the most popular choice since it's the most durable and it can be worn in any climate. If you live in a tropical region, lightweight cotton or linen is another quality fabric that will also help keep you cool. Polyester and other synthetic fabrics may come with a lower price tag but they are typically not built to last.
Thread counts and countries of origin can also signify quality. Like most garments, higher thread counts mean softer and more durable the fabric. You can simply squeeze the blazer fabric to get a sense of its quality as well; if it bounces back with little-to-no visible wrinkling, that means it's a sturdy material that will stand the test of time. The best wools typically come from Australia and New Zealand, while fine fabrics have been known to come from Italy and other parts of Europe.
The type of fasteners used throughout the suit can tell a lot about how the suit was made. Avoid plastic buttons and opt instead for either enamel or tortoise shell, which withstands multiple trips to the dry cleaners and doesn't crack under extreme conditions. Examine the buttons along the jacket cuff and make sure they are operable and not merely attached as decoration.
Construction
Another indicator of a quality suit is its construction, in particular, the stitching, lining and buttons. Hand-sewn buttons, sleeves and waistbands are marks of superior quality. The next best option is a suit constructed with machine stitching - seams that are glued together fall apart after minimal use.
Lining adds weight, protection and durability to a suit jacket or sportcoat. You can choose from various options, from fully-lined to half-lined, quarter-lined or skeleton-lined. Whichever option you choose, however, be sure to check for the material used, as it ultimately determines the lining's quality. Bemberg rayon is the most dependable material because it wears well and feels soft, whereas polyester is slippery, shiny and can appear shoddy. Quality dress pants also feature either a half- or full-length lining to add durability and comfort.
Fit
The most important measure of a high quality suit is the amount of attention given to tailoring. Even a suit made with the most luxurious fabrics and finest construction can look cheap if it doesn't properly fit your body. Ideally, a reputable tailor will take your exact measurements and make a custom suit. Another option is to take one of your current suits to a tailor to improve areas that might not fit perfectly. A tailored-fit suit flatters the contours of your body, provides ultimate comfort and helps you look your best, for a little less money.
For more information about learning how to find the right fit, check out the other Expert Advice articles or visit a JoS. A. Bank in your neighborhood.
