4. May 2018
The TIMEHOUSE guide to the perfect suit
HOW IT ALL BEGAN ...
Of course, the suit is not a new invention - in fact, it is probably older than the majority of fashion trends. And probably every man owns a suit, and the elegant combination of jacket and trousers is available in almost every clothing store. But there are still two major problems: firstly, a suit is not a perfect suit, and secondly, there is simply a lack of awareness of the gentlemanly look. As I said, suits are nothing new. And yet it is sad when you look out on the streets of this world. Hardly any suits are worn and if they are, then it's mostly those who are forced to wear them for work and for whom the suit doesn't fit at the front and back and is more workwear than fashionable eye candy.
"BEING A TRUE GENTLEMAN NEVER GOES OUT OF FASHION STYLE."
The basic requirements for the perfect suit
The most important basic requirement for a suit: you should feel comfortable in it, not dressed up. Nothing is cooler than the charisma of a self-confident man in a perfect suit, nothing is more put-on than a guy who looks like his mom put him in a suit for his confirmation. There are actually suits that look great and still don't feel like you're in someone else's shell.
I have to admit, the headline might be a little misleading. It's almost impossible to leave a store with the perfect suit, whether you're in H&M or Prada. Off-the-peg suits never fit perfectly everywhere, and that wouldn't be possible because we are all very different!
Basically, there are two ways to get there: either you spend a lot of money and have a suit tailored. It will definitely fit and you can also choose the material and shape. The disadvantage: the price! The other option is to buy an off-the-peg suit that fits as well as possible and then have it altered by a tailor. Important here: You need a professional who will mark out the desired alterations for you!
The basic requirements for the perfect suit
Basically, there are two ways to get there: either you spend a lot of money and have a suit tailored. It will definitely fit and you can also choose the material and shape. The disadvantage: the price! The other option is to buy an off-the-peg suit that fits as well as possible and then have it altered by a tailor. Important here: You need a professional who will mark out the desired alterations for you!
But what does the perfect suit look like?
Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Your own taste is just as important as your build and size, as well as trends if you want to be fashionable.
What color?
There are two important points of reference here: your own body and any trends or occasions for which the suit is to be worn. If you are buying the suit for a job at the bank, it should be more classic; if you are buying it simply to wear, it can be a little more fashionable. In other words: more extreme proportions, narrower, shorter sleeves, very tight trousers, all these kinds of playful things are then allowed.
With regard to your own physique, there are of course also a number of ways to achieve the best possible result when buying a suit.
What does MAN wear?
A suit is great, but it lives from what it is combined with. If you look at the street style looks of the world's style icons, for example, you can see that the best outfits usually live from the details.
As a rule, a shirt is of course worn with a suit. Whether plain and monochrome or colorfully patterned, here too the occasion and taste determine what works and what doesn't. It is important that the shirt looks neat, i.e. fits well and is freshly ironed. The sleeves of the shirt should protrude about a finger's width from the jacket. Short-sleeved shirts with a suit are a no-go, period.
As an alternative to a shirt, you can combine a plain-colored T-shirt with a round neckline with a suit on relaxed days in summer, while a turtleneck sweater is ideal in winter.
A tie, whether silk, wool or knitted, is not a must. For a relaxed dinner with friends, you can of course go without one. But as with a suit, the same applies to ties: wear them more often, people will appreciate it. When buying a shirt, just make sure that you can close the collar easily - then the tie won't feel like a stranglehold.
If you are really sure of your style, you can of course also combine a bow tie with a suit without the black tie requirement, whether in 30s Gatsby style or as a modern bird of paradise.
If you want to add the finishing touch to your look, a pocket square is the perfect choice. This can also contrast with the rest of the look and add a splash of color to a rather monochrome outfit, for example.
Elegant leather lace-ups, whether derbies or budapester, are of course a classic accompaniment to a suit. For a more casual look, go for leather loafers, which can be worn with or without socks. If you're going for a more relaxed look, sneakers with a suit are also a perfectly legitimate choice.
"DRESS HOW YOU WANT TO BE ADDRESSED."
The attitude
The grand entrance in the perfect suit? Not even that difficult! You just have to have the confidence and, above all, the self-assurance to complete the look. Walk upright, casually button or unbutton your jacket at the right moment and behave in a way that not only makes you look like a gentleman - and you're ready to conquer the world!
Here you will find our TIMEHOUSE tips for the perfect suit:
- Hirmer Munich, Kaufingerstrasse 28, 80331 Munich
- Kuhn Maßkonfektion, Karlsplatz 4, 80335 Munich
- Dolzer, Wilheilm-Wagenfeld-Strasse 18, 80807 Munich
- Boggi, Theatinerstrasse 8, 80333 Munich
- SuitSupply, Brienner Str. 5, 80333 Munich