First things first, decide what you want to wear the suit for:

Work

You’ll want to get more use out of it and wear it everyday, so a darker colour will probably be better.

Occasional Wear

If it’s something you’ll wear to weddings, christenings or a day at the races then choose something a little more stylish, something that feels a bit more special than your everyday suit.

Job Interviews

You’ll want to look razor sharp and ultra smart so go for something sleek and tailored that will make a lasting impression. Match the suit to the atmosphere of the job – a corporate business will appreciate a candidate who dresses accordingly, so think navy or dark suits with minimal detail. Conversely, a more relaxed work environment might see a suited and booted candidate as uptight if the majority of other men are wearing a simple unbuttoned shirt and trousers.

Single vs double-breasted

Generally speaking, double-breasted jackets are more formal than single, but you do tend to see people pairing double-breasted jackets with a pair of jeans to dress it down. The benefit of double breasted jackets is that they flatter a broader range of figures, which is always something to take into consideration. Ultimately, the choice is yours – go for what you feel comfortable in.

1. Shoulders

Suit shoulders should hug yours neatly and if your arm protrudes beyond your shoulder then it's too big. Another test is to lean against a wall and if the suit pad touches the wall before your arm then that’s another sign that it’s too big.

2. Chest

Your jacket should button up easily. If there’s any pulling then it’s too tight and if there’s gaping then it’s too big. Once buttoned, place your fist between you and the jacket. If the gap is any wider than your fist then it’s too big.

3. Length

With your arms straight, cup the hem of the suit jacket in your hands. If you can’t reach, then it’s too long. If it’s shorter, then it’s your own personal decision whether you would like it to be a little longer or you’re happy with the length. Many people wear them just an inch or so below the cuff.

4. Sleeve length

This one is easy enough - you should have a quarter of an inch of your shirt sleeve showing.

5. Trousers

The rise of the trousers is where they sit on your waist and it’s your own preference where is most comfortable for you. The legs shouldn’t be too tight or too loose and they should most importantly be comfortable to sit down in.

Buttons

Buttons are a tell tale sign about fit and cut of a suit jacket, so here’s all you need to know to make sure you’re on the button every time:

Three Buttons

Three button suits are the most fashionable at the moment. They’re great for medium or tall builds.

Two Buttons

The two button suit is a really classic style. It’s flattering for all body shapes and works well for men with shorter torsos.

One Button

One button suits are the most modern and look really slick on slimmer builds.

Lapels

There are mainly 2 types of lapel, the notch lapel which is a standard shape used on formal and business suits. The peak lapel makes more of a statement and is nice for an occasion suit

Fabric

The fabric you choose will depend on the time of year you plan to wear your suit, so here are some basics to help you decide…

Wool suits are a good all-rounder as they can be worn all year round. Worsted wool has the highest thread count and is a luxurious quality to go for.

Cotton and linen suits are great options for the summer, they’re lightweight and breathable so will help you keep your cool.