Q&A for How to Wear a Suit

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  • Question
    How do you wear a modern suit?
    Tannya Bernadette
    Professional Stylist
    Tannya Bernadette is the Founder of The Closet Edit, a Seattle-based personal styling service. She has been in the fashion industry for over 10 years and has been recognized as Ann Taylor’s LOFT brand ambassador and Seattle Southside’s official Rockstar Stylist. Tannya received her BA in Fashion Marketing and Business from The Art Institutes.
    Professional Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Try wearing a suit with a modern cut that's a little shorter with really cool socks to show off a nice pair of shoes.
  • Question
    Is it acceptable to wear a dressy T-shirt under a suit jacket?
    Community Answer
    For a more casual occasion, yes. Although, you may want to go for something more snug fitting; otherwise, it will clash with the 'outer garment feel' of the jacket.
  • Question
    Why do they have two buttons if only top one is button.
    Community Answer
    This is just the style of the suit. You are free to button as many buttons as you want. However, only buttoning one is more fashionable.
  • Question
    How to measure for a slim-fit suit
    Community Answer
    You measure for a slim-fit suit the same way you measure for a normal suit. You want the exact sizing of your neck, chest, arm length, waist, back, and legs. Then rather than a little extra room, the suit will be more tapered to your body.
  • Question
    Does I am unbutton the two buttons of shirt how it looks?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what buttons you are unbuttoning. If you unbutton the two buttons in the collar, then this is more than acceptable. However, for work and other formal events, it's usually better to only unbutton one button. Unbuttoning two is a much more relaxed look.
  • Question
    Do men typically wear undershirts with suits, and, if so, where do I find them?
    Community Answer
    Typically yes. Men wear undershirts to keep their dress shirt clean, prevent their skin tone from showing through a light colored dress shirt, and also help with comfort as a dress shirt commonly has stitching that can be a bit abrasive. Most men wear white V-neck t-shirts from Wal-mart or other similar stores. The V-neck allows you to wear your dress shirt with or without a tie and still look well put together. You can wear crew neck t-shirts with a tie if you want.
  • Question
    How do I avoid sweating? Should I wear a t-shirt, or no?
    HumanBeing
    Top Answerer
    A good quality antiperspirant and a dark shirt can do a lot. In very hot conditions, or if you simply sweat a lot, try attaching thin sanitary pads or panty liners to the armpit area of your shirt (on the inside obviously). These will absorb sweat and prevent your shirt being marked.
  • Question
    Should I button the last button of my shirt when wearing a tie?
    Community Answer
    Yes, unless you're going for a casual look.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to add a pocket square for a black suit?
    Community Answer
    No, not typically. But if you do decide to wear one, it should match the color of your dress shirt.
  • Question
    Should I unbutton the suit when I sit down?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to, but it may be more comfortable if you do.
  • Question
    Do I need to wear laced shoes?
    Community Answer
    No, smart slip-ons or monks are also acceptable. As long as you follow the dress code, everything should be fine.
  • Question
    Can I wear a vest if I am not wearing a tie?
    Community Answer
    You can, but this is a more casual look and not for use in work-related or other formal situations.
  • Question
    Can socks match the dress shirt or shoes, or can they be patterned in harmonic colors?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but do not overdo it with prints, patterns or contrasting colors.
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