There is some credence to the common saying, “It’s not the clothes that make the man, it’s the man that makes the clothes,” but to be truthful, a man’s outfit does play an integral role in determining his appearance and stature among peers. This is especially the scenario when it comes to a man’s appearance in a suit.

When discussing suit purchases with their clients, clothiers of The Tom James Company — the world’s leading manufacturer and retailer of custom clothing — instruct their customers to make their suit purchases based on four simple guidelines: buy the best pieces they can afford, select the proper cloth for their suit, have the suit correctly fitted and style the ensemble to meet their personal tastes.

The following is greater detail regarding Tom James’ guidelines to the perfect suit:

Purchase the best suit you can afford

”We tell our clients it’s better to purchase one higher-quality suit that falls within their budget than two lower cost suits for the same amount,” said Christian Boehm, vice president and director of merchandising and marketing for The Tom James Company. The cloth superiority and construction typically found in more expensive suits tend to provide consumers with a more enjoyable and longer wearing experience. Clothing companies, including Tom James, offer several collections, or labels, that come in a range of fabrics and construction options, from custom-made to off-the-rack, resulting in various price points.

Select the proper cloth for your suit

Boehm commented the right cloth for a person frequently on the road should differ from the cloth desired by an individual who rarely leaves the office. Boehm stated, “If you travel regularly, a highly durable fabric will serve you better than a lightweight cloth.” He concluded by saying a suit’s cloth should also be determined by the amount the purchaser plans to wear the garment.

Make sure the suit fits properly

Proper fit is essential to a consumer’s enjoyment — and how they look in a new suit. “First and foremost, the shoulders of the coat must fit correctly. This allows for the most freedom of movement and the revelation of flattering lines. Next comes proper fit in the waist and seat, critical for both comfort and proper appearance of pleats, waistbands and other pant features,” commented Boehm. Boehm said custom suits have a distinct advantage over ready-made suits in this area.

Style it the way you want it

After addressing the quality, cloth and fit of the suit, individuals have the opportunity to finish the garment with an assortment of details. From two or three buttons on their coat to pleats or flat-front trousers, these decisions provide personalization. “This is the part of the customization process where individuals can really add a bit of their personality to their suit,” said Boehm.

“Everyone has the ability to purchase their perfect suit,” said Boehm. “We counsel our clients to take our established guidelines into account so they have suits that provide them with a great appearance as well as confidence.”

About The Tom James Company

The Tom James Company is the world’s leading manufacturer and retailer of custom clothing. Purveyors of luxury clothing, the company serves more than 500,000 clients worldwide with on-site service and professional wardrobe counsel provided by highly trained professional clothiers.