When it comes to great outfits or making a great first impression, it’s truly in the details. Apply these tidbits to your next look and you’ll be sure to stand out in the best way possible!

A good suit makes a man appear taller, thinner and more confident.

Who wouldn’t want that extra help?

A significant part of what makes a suit look good on a man is the construction and appearance of the suit jacket.

Watch your tone – When it comes to wearing leathers- be it shoes, belts, or briefcases, be sure to match the colors. It will pull your entire look together. The shoes need to match the trousers.

Did you know? – Your tie bar should be placed between your third and fourth shirt button. Not too high, and not too low. It’s a subtle accessory but you still want it to be seen!

Show off a little – If you like to “show a shirt” (which tailors usually recommend that you do), your dress shirt should pop out one-half to three-quarters inch (depending on your preference) from under your jacket sleeve. If you are not wearing a tie, you can wear a shirt that has contrast fabric trim inside the collar and cuffs to make more of a fashion statement.

Matchy matchy – The width of your suit lapel should match the same width as your tie-tailors can recommend which width best suits your frame. The classic lapel width that never goes out of style. They tend to measure three to three-and-a-half inches – most off-the-rack suits will have regular lapels. Wide Lapels: Measure up to three-and-a-half to four inches at their widest point and are generally suited for men with larger builds. Narrower lapel width will usually measure between two-and-a-half to two-and-three-quarter inches.

Speaking of ties… Once it’s on, it should touch your pant waistband or belt buckle. Anything shorter or longer won’t be in proportion with your body.

How to tell if your suit jacket is the right length – Stand straight with your arms at your sides. Without moving, curl your fingers up. Your jacket should gently graze the crevice it’s just made. Today’s jacket lengths tend to be a little shorter than this.

Notch vs. peak vs. shawl suit lapels – Lapels should always be a reflection of the jacket’s proportions. A wide lapel on a suit jacket suits a well-proportioned man. The same lapel on a smaller man will dwarf his frame. The lapel should extend to just about the mid-point between the collar and the shoulders.

There are three common types of lapels:

  • Notch lapel: The top of the lapel and the bottom of the collar meets in a notch. This is the most common type of lapel and suits a single breasted jacket.
  • Peak lapel: Has strong edges pointed towards the shoulders. A peak lapel is more formal and always found on double breasted jackets, but has become very popular on more modern looking suits.
  • Shawl lapel: The collar has a continuous rounded curve without a break like the peak or notch lapel. These are seen only on tuxedos and worn at exclusive events like a black-tie night.

Dress well and be great!