Men's Lifestyle – Buying Your Very First Suit

Nervous About Renting a Wedding Tux, Buying a Dress Shirt or Tie?

Aug 9, 2009

Many men are very anxious or nervous about buying their first suit of clothes or renting a tuxedo - or even purchasing a dress shirt or necktie.

Suit anxiety should not be a problem for many first time suit buyers; young men going out to their high school prom or perhaps a college interview are always confronted with this somewhat daunting task.

In some instances, men later on in years who have never worn formal or business apparel may have to attend a wedding, funeral, or other function demanding of dress code may also find themselves in this set of circumstances.

Regardless of the situation, it is important to know what to expect from the experience – to look forward to it, more than anything!

Relax, and Be Sure to Bring the Personality

Buying a suit, optimally, is actually more like a service than a simple shopping occasion. Good wardrobe consultants and men's fashion sales experts are a talkative, dynamic lot by nature and take a keen interest in discerning the needs of their client and presenting them with accurate, professional advice.

One should always be relaxed and open minded, be sure to engage in a dialogue with your salesman or saleswoman.

A well-trained wardrobe consultant should be able to offer suggestions and share knowledge on a variety of topics ranging from designer trends, accurate measurements, colour co-ordination, and general fabric care.

Shopping at professional fashion outlets is key when purchasing your first suit. Clothing is a specialized field of knowledge, especially in high-quality garments such as suits, dress shirts, and ties. A professional wardrobe consultant will be sure to set the customer at ease and ensure a great new look!

What Actually Happens, How to Decide on the First Suit or Tux

The sale normally opens with the customer describing their actual needs – what the event or occasion the garment is being purchased for. This could be something as simple as day-to-day officewear, a shirt for a job interview, or a tuxedo for their best friend's wedding.

The possibilities are nearly endless, but it is important to describe the exact needs that this garment will need to fulfill.

A canny salesman or saleswoman will use their expertise to then show the client a variety of options – from a peaked label, tonal pinstriped suit for a college graduate looking for an evening wear suit to a basic wool blend suit for presentation at work.

Fitting, Plain Hem versus Cuffed Pants, Conversation Skills

Fitting is done on each and every option to ensure that the fit is best suited to the silhouette of the customer – each suit is constructed differently and so is every person – and so when the twain do meet, the sales associate can begin taking measurements for alterations.

Pants are traditionally unfinished when purchasing a suit of clothes, so a hem will be required. The customer will usually be asked if they'd like a straight hem or a cuff. This is a matter of preference, though a plain hem is significantly more popular.

Conversation is a crucial factor when purchasing a suit. If a suit salesmen or saleswoman is not engaging or talkative it shows a disinterest both in their position and in the interest and outcome of their clients.

Buying that first suit or renting that first tuxedo may be nerve-wracking, but choosing a professional men's fashion retail store or designer outlet will be immensely beneficial to a positive, interesting new experience for many gentleman in need of a new look or image.