Thread: A suit

Originally Posted by WongKonPow

yes, the bottom button is never to be done up.

This is "almost" true.

The bottom is never done up under normal circumstances, but may be done for the most extremely formal of occasions. No, job interviews don't count.

However, buttoning the bottom button IS acceptable (although optional) when standing at the wedding alter, delivering a eulogy, or posing for formal portraits. Just remember that you can't lift your arms properly if the bottom button is done, because it would force your jacket to ride up in the back and make you look like an idiot.

I've always wondered what the "don't button the bottom button" rule was for.. Also, unbutton when sitting.
Personally I frequently do button all front buttons (but I don't talk with my hands so no arm motions to worry about). Thing is most people don't know how to dress (wear a suit) so if I act like I know what I'm doing I'm a step ahead.

Anyway, I agree on conservative/boring in the case of the military job. I've gone to Mens Wearhouse for my tailored stuff and been quite happy. My dad also has shopped there frequently and his job required frequent meetings with government, and wall-street (high level executive at an electric utility).

Oddly, for the last couple of years I've gone with a navy pinstripe I got at Salvation Army for less than $10... and get more compliments wearing that than i ever did with a tailored suit from a Dept store. It's all about fit. A cheap suit that fits good will look better than an expensive one that doesn't.

I wanted something special for my wedding, but morning suit's weren't practical. It was in South Africa & summer. HOT!
I chose a Dunhill suit in a charcoal pinstripe. Jude Law's Dunhill tailor then fitted it & altered it to perfection. I was very lucky, as she was amazing!
It was worth every penny & has a great habit of looking far, far better than any other suit in any room i happen to be in!
Other than that, a suit tailored to you will look good if done well.

I always hated wearing suite's, untill I bought an expensive italian one. Now I love it

Amund.

For a job interview ... ?

Single breasted suit, no doubt. Mind the pin stripes if you are tall. As far as color... Blue or Grey, with a lean towards blue. Pleated pants presents formality, so use them wisely. Conversely, flat front trousers presents a casual appearance. Cuffed trousers preesent formality as well. Make sure the suit is a high quality wool. You will pay more for lined wool. so keep that in mind.... and for heaven's sake... take the bloody suit to a proper tailor. Seek a tailor out that actually makes suits... trust me on that one. Dont use the local dry cleaner's services. You might pay more for the service, but the cost is minimal and worth it. Every time.

Dont forget your shirt when you go to the tailor, because most do. Expect another $100 for alterations to the jacket, pants and shirt.. especially if the pants have a liner. Keep that in mind when pricing a suit. Also, dont buy a $200 suit and put another $100 of alterations into it. It isnt worth it. Buy a suit that is worth the alterations. It may seem like alot of money to fork out now, but it is worth it when you have a high quality suit for years to come.

Believe it or not, I have some suits that have lasted for almost 20 years.

I disagree with the 2 button jacket. For an interview or job setting, a three button jacket is proper. The lower the buttons, the less formal the jacket. In other words, a single button jscket will have long lapels and be ore suited for a dinner or casual function. Yes, leave the bottom button open. Wiith this information, a three button jacket is a minimum option.

As far as ties ...

Buy a high quality silk tie. Look for runs between the colors of the silk screening process. You want a tie with crisp printing lines and thin thread. A good tie will have a liner. Make sure the tie is long enough. How to do that ? Well after the tie is tied, the point of the large panel will rest at the belt buckle or slightly above. Also, the smaller panel should not be visible.


Shoes for an interview ... ? Wingtips, without a doubt. Black or red. Stay away from brown baroques.... at least as far as the interview is concerned.

That's enough to get started.

Great advice gents! I am a man that hates the whole "corporate casual" plague that has taken over. I built up a nice suit collection over the years, and regret that I am now looked at funny if i wear a tie, let alone a jacket, to the office. I feel more professional, and think i even do better work when I am dressed the part.

One thing I'll point out, even though you didn't ask for this kind of advice....go with no fragrance for the interview. I use a scent free witch hazel for the purpose. You don't want to find out later that your first interviewer is extremely scent-sensitive. (they do exist!) Of course, if you are shaving multiple hours before the interview, just use an aftershave that dissipates, and you'll be all set.

Oh, and GOOD LUCK!!!

I will give you 4 pieces of advice.

1. Stick with something classic, it will never go out of style.

2. Wingtip shoes, treat them well and they will last you a
lifetime an they are always in style ( go all one color I.E. black or oxblood).

3. Make sure you get your shirt tailored too, a fitted shirt looks clean.
Shirts that aren't fitted look sloppy in my opinion.

4. Have them put a permanent crease in your pants and have them add
buttons should you ever choose to wear suspenders ( I always do).

Plus one for Bill S's advice ... the man knows how to dress. I would add a pinstripe to the dark blue suit. It's light enought that it won't clash with the rep stripes in the tie. And brown shoes and belt are never inapproptiate and add some contrat. (Yes, brown leather and blue can be worn together.) If the pants are the proper length, socks won't even show. But by all means, wear them!

As far as 3 vs 2 button, that's really a style issue that has gone back and forth over the years. 3 button suits are certainly the "in style" right now, and my favorite suit is a 3 button.

However, a 2-button has never been out of style, and if you only want 1 suit, it's probably the safest way to go.

Just as a note of reference, Being that this is a military job interview I doubt that the OP nor his interviewer are expecting a $1k suit. This isn't prom.
I expect that a decent Dept store quality suit will be adequate, and beware of "overdressing".