September 2011- Guide to buying a suit
The Interview Suit
Guidelines to buying your suit
It’s a tough world out there for professionsals to make the next career move.
Statistics recently published in The Guardian, suggest that an average of 70 people apply for every employment opening available in the UK
Of course you need to research the company you’d like to join, practice your interview skills and decide how you’ll answer potentially awkward questions – but choosing the right suit is equally important.
Image specialist Kim Zoller says a staggering 55 per cent of a stranger’s perception of you is based on how you look. Your interviewer won’t have time to really get to know you, so it’s vital you make first impressions count.
Dressing one level above the position you’re applying for demonstrates a desire to succeed, and it never does your any harm to look your best.
At least one really good suit is a vital part of any man’s wardrobe. Go for the best quality you can afford. Regard it as an investment, one that will stand you in good stead for years and help you on your way to that dream career.
What to look for
Bearing in mind that you want your suit to last, it’s best to go for traditional tailoring and colours as anything too ‘of the moment’ will begin to look dated as fashions change.
Off-the-rack suits can offer good value but will never give the superb fit of a tailor-made version. They also limit you in terms of colour, fabric and cut.
If you can afford it, a 100 per cent wool suit is definitely the best option. Wool is light, natural and beautiful. It ‘breathes’ well, is stylish, can be cleaned and won’t wrinkle like linen. Different types of wool include tweed – something we wouldn’t recommend for an interview suit, flannel and worsted, which is durable, hard-wearing and practical.
A double-breasted jacket is one that crosses over itself at the front, with two rows of buttons. These are more formal and, although smart, less versatile than single-breasted versions. Choose one or two buttons at the front.
If you’re opting for a made-to-measure suit, there shouldn’t be any problems with the fit of the jacket or trousers. Sleeves should end where your hand meets your wrist, and you should be able to move your arms freely in the jacket, without feeling strain across the back. Make sure the waistband is loose enough for you to be able to move comfortably and that it doesn’t sit too high or low on your waist.
When it comes to trousers, pleats are less fashionable than they were so go for flat-fronted trousers to be safe. Cuffs at the bottom are great for tall men with long legs, if this isn’t you, don’t choose them as they’ll make your legs look shorter.