What Makes a Suit Worth Investing In?

A great suit is an investment, and one that you want to last. Whether you’re buying one for your wedding, business meetings, or simply want something for your wardrobe that is a bit more special than an off-the-rack option, it is worth knowing what you’re investing your money into, and why.

The difference isn’t always obvious at first glance. A well-made tailored suit is a combination of the fit, fabric, construction and details that come together to create something you will want to wear time and time again.

So, what makes a suit worth investing in?

The Fit

The first thing you’ll notice about a great suit is how it fits.

The shoulders should sit naturally. The shoulder seam should sit exactly where your shoulder bone ends, if the shoulder seam overhangs, it means the jacket is too large, and you risk your expensive suit looking borrowed. On the other hand, if the jacket is pulling and forming diagonal lines across your back, the jacket is too small.

Also, the jacket should follow your natural shape, without feeling restrictive, and the trousers should sit comfortably and fall down the legs, with a pinch of room (about one or two inches of excess fabric), so they are not bunching up.

Getting these details right can completely change the way a suit looks and how you feel wearing it. With made-to-measure tailoring, every part of the suit is considered around your individual measurements, so you don’t have to compromise on fit. With off-the-rail options, you might find a jacket that fits perfectly, only to discover the trousers don’t quite sit right.

The Fabric

Fabric plays a huge part in how a suit looks, feels and wears.

The weight, texture and drape of the fabric all contribute to the finished look, matching your personal style, and ensuring the outfit is suited to the occasion and weather. A good quality wool for example can give a suit a natural structure and softness, whilst keeping you warm in winter months, and helping you achieve a more relaxed fit for a less formal wedding.

Fabric is also a great opportunity to make your suit feel personal. Perhaps you prefer something clean and understated, or maybe you’re looking for something richer, more textured, fabrics can help you achieve both looks!

The Construction

There is a lot of thought from the team at Sett that goes into your suit that you may not realise.

The way the jacket is constructed affects how it sits on the body, how it moves and how it holds its shape over time. Details such as the structure of the shoulders, the way the lapels sit and the finishing touches such as stitching, buttons, lining and pockets can all contribute to the overall look and quality.

Purchasing a suit from a company like Sett, where construction is just as important as fit and fabric, can make the difference between a suit you love when you first put it on and one that continues to feel great every time you wear it.

Versatility

A suit has a much higher return on investment when it is not restricted to one occasion.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with purchasing a suit specifically for your wedding day or a specific formal event, but choosing fabrics, details and construction that can work for all occasions gives you a lot more opportunity to wear it.

The jacket can be worn with a pair of jeans for a nice dinner, or your suit trousers can be worn with a knitted jumper and loafers for a more relaxed event. The ‘good suit’ you’re looking to buy doesn’t have to be kept in your wardrobe and saved for life’s biggest occasions, it is one you find yourself wanting to wear more often.

Our small, passionate team at Sett look forward to finding you a suit worth investing in. Book an appointment today.