What Suits the Occasion



Know The Occasion And come to terms with the fact that this is your first suit. You may have visions in your head of that slick pinstripe, or a fantasy of being the Don, but lets make it clear; for your first suit you have three (and only three) options: A black suit, navy suit, or charcoal suit.

These suits go with everything and can be worn multiple days in a row (try doing that with a gangster three piece). They also never go out of style, so you will get good use out of your suit whether you wear suits 5 times a week or 5 times a decade.

Black Suit: Great for weddings, funerals, dinner events, or anyone working in the service/hospitality industry.

Navy Suit: Easy to match with black or brown, a great office or weekend suit.

Charcoal: Goes with every shirt/tie combination. Indochino’s Editors choice for your first suit purchase.




Know What a Well Fit Suit Is The most important rule about suiting? Fit. Get it right and $100 can look like $1000, get it wrong and you get the exact opposite.

So even if you own a $1,000 Hugo Boss suit, if it does not fit you well, it'll look like you bought the suit from a liquidator store.

The seam should follow the natural curve of your shoulder. The fit in the shoulders is the most important. A well fitting shoulder will follow the natural curve of your shoulder. This will make the shoulder pads on your suit look less obvious, and ensures your sleeves have flow smoothly from the top of the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve when your arms are by your side.

Your suit should have a noticeable silhouette that follows the lines of your body.

You sleeve length should allow some shirt cuff to show when they are at your side.




Number of Buttons

For a first suit, always go with a two button suit. One button suits are reserved for ultra stylish and more often then not, European men (not that this is a bad thing). Three buttons have a place for shorter men, but more or less died out in the early 90's. And never do more than 3 buttons; you are not the beetles or a Chinese monk.

Two button suits have been in style since forever and complement any body type. Make it easy for yourself, trust us, and stick to two button suits.




What Cuffs

Always show a little cuff when your arms are at your side (around .25-.5 inch). Your suit sleeves may seem a bit short to you, but this is what has always been in style. It looks best and helps break up the monotone appearance of the suit. It may take you some time to get used to it, but it is worth it.




Number of Vents

A suit usually comes in one of two options: Single or double vent. While more or less interchangeable, the double-vented suit makes it easier to put your hands in your pocket. At Indochino, we almost always prefer a suit to have double (or side) vents.

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Peak lapels do add flair, but have a tendency to go in and out of fashion. You also run the risk of looking like something out of the 70's on your bad hair days.



the Socks Socks

are a place where even a first time suit buyer can have some fun. As long as the colour is solid, you really can wear anything you want. But do wear socks. Yes, wearing shoes with ankle or no socks is in fashion, but generally reserved for the fashionable veteran, not the first time suit wearer.






Tailor-Made Shirt

Batman needs Robin, cookies need milk, and a great suit needs a well fitting shirt.

If you are buying for the first time, do not get anything other than a white shirt with splay collar, and one button cuffs. There are other options, and you will get there with time, but this is the best place to start.

If you are moving to shirts #2 and onwards, add other light, solid colours, then a white shirt with French cuffs.




The Accessories

Taking a basic outfit to another level, the simplest of accessories can make all the difference.

The Tie: For a first time purchase, always go with a slim, simple tie. Solid, or a light pattern or stripe is good. You can get more adventurous here, but unless you plan on rotating through three or more ties, stick to something basic.

Cufflinks: Woefully underused, cufflinks are great if you own more than three shirts, and are comfortable wearing them in casual and office settings. For most men though, pass on cufflinks your first time around the world of suiting.

Tie Clip: This is something you can and should splurge on with your first suit purchase. Classic and never overused, the tie clip makes any suited outfit look more refined. Go with something simple and elegant. Silver is nice.