There’s an argument that the traditional suit has had its day – that it is a throwback, unnecessarily stuffy and elitist in an open, egalitarian world.
If that’s the way you think, there is little that will dissuade you – it’s as much a commitment as a life of religion or a belief in the value of alternative medicine.
Otherwise, read on.
For a start, the clothes we wear affect us in many different ways. Clearly it makes a difference to how we look. But it also affects how we feel, how we think, and crucially how we appear to others – and therefore what they think of us.
So why should you wear a suit?
1. A suit affects the way you look. It’s not just the feelings of self-confidence that a well-made man’s suit brings to anyone who actively wants to wear it. There are several specifics that a suit can do for your physical appearance:
• Make you appear taller or shorter, whichever you need.
• Make your shoulders seem broader or narrower as required.
• Highlight your masculinity with the proper silhouette.
• Draw attention to your best features – and in particular to your face
• Make you appear more fit – for instance by hiding your stomach, widening your chest, filling out your arms and lengthening your legs
2. A suit affects the way people look at you. Your personal and professional reputation is tied to how you dress. Even men with a casual style will appear more composed, more mature, more confident and indeed more legitimate when wearing a suit; others will be more inclined to listen to them and to believe what they say. Consciously or not, many associate suits with those who are more capable or more willing to make and follow through with difficult decisions.
3. A suit affects the way you feel. In general, clothing influences your confidence level. You look and feel better in a suit; you will subconsciously stand taller, walk more self-assuredly, feel more important, and even make decisions more easily. If something makes you feel better about yourself, why wouldn’t you take advantage?
4. Wearing a suit sets you apart. In a group of casually-dressed men, you will stand out. And if you want to shine in a group of suited men, go for a custom-made fitted one and see just how much difference there is.
5. Suits are comfortable. One commonly cited for not wearing a suit is the matter of comfort – a formal suit is seen as inherently uncomfortable. In fact, the suit will be uncomfortable if it doesn’t fit well; an off-the-rack suit probably won’t fit you correctly in every respect, simply because it wasn’t made for you – it’s a standard size, designed for some non-existent standard body shape and size, and when you buy an off-the-rack suit you are buying a compromise.
By contrast, a well made, properly fitted suit can and should be comfortable. And a bespoke suit takes it step further, allowing you to choose how you feel in it.
Be careful not to confuse comfort and ease. It is only slightly easier to put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt than to put on a suit. But just because it is automatic, habitual and easy doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the most comfortable or the most appropriate wear. Suits are versatile enough to be dressed up or down depending on the occasion – it’s rarely the case that the only option is casual.
6. Suits are essential for interviews (of all kinds). You’re probably familiar with the mantra: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” First impressions are crucial; a suit means business, professionalism and confidence. Dressing the part shows that you are serious about the job.
If you don’t wear a suit, there’s a better chance that you won’t be taken seriously. In any case, it’s better (and safer) to be overdressed rather than underdressed.
And of course there’s something about the way a suit makes you feel. Confidence can be visual; if you look confident, the interviewer will believe that you are.