Frequently Asked Questions
Jackets & Shirts
A single-breasted blazer is characterized by a small (narrow) overlap at the center front of the jacket, while a double-breasted blazer has a much wider overlap, and two columns of buttons rather than one. The single-breasted is a more minimal style and the double-breast has extra fabric that folds over again from left to right.
For a 2-button suit, the top button and for a 3-button suit the middle button should not fall past your navel.
Regarding the button rule remember SOMETIMES – ALWAYS – NEVER.
3-button suit
Top button is done sometimes, the middle button always done and the last button never.
2-button suit
Top button is always fastened and the last button is never done.
A single button blazer should always remain closed when standing to maintain a smart appearance. Suits with more buttons than these the top button is sometimes done, the last button is never done and all the buttons between is always done. Double-breasted suit should be fully fastened too with an optional last button, which, when left open can be a well-considered stylish detail.
When sitting undo all the buttons and when standing up immediately button the necessary buttons following the rules.
This is dependent on your own personal preference, however, as a rule of thumb, you should show between 1cm and 2cm of shirt cuff. A small amount of cuff is more conservative, while 2cm shows a flash of color. Any more than this, and it looks like your jacket arms are too short.
A dress shirt should reach down to what is called the kiss of the wrist. If you bend your wrist upwards, the break is where your shirt sleeve should reach. In terms of the cuff size, you should be able to slip two fingers within the cuff when it is buttoned up. This allows you to move your arms without the cuff pulling tight on your wrist, while it also allows enough space for a dress watch.
A lifesaver when an invitation to dinner suddenly arises and there’s little time to change clothes; the convertible cuff can be worn buttoned up or closed with cufflinks. We’d always recommend selecting the most appropriately cuffed shirt for each occasion- to achieve the most refined appearance, however the convertible cuff is a truly convenient choice for the busy gentleman.
Half an inch at the most. Always style the pocket square with your jacket off. It’ll give you a better perspective.
Suit Trousers
Belts and suspenders hold trousers up, wearing both is unnecessary.
Those who are daring enough to complete a suit with patterned socks should consider the colour contrast. Complimentary tones and a subtle pattern make for a playful statement, though this is a detail best avoided in formal situations lest it be considered a faux pas; the patterned sock must always appear a deliberate yet refined choice.
Shoes
To avoid drawing attention away from your impeccably tailored suit, the colours of your shoes and belt should always match. Consider too, the tone of these in relation to your chosen suit, as badly coordinated shades can be just as distracting. There are of course a few colour do's and don'ts. Black, considered the most formal of hues, should only be paired with black leather accessories, whilst navy sits well with a deep brown or black shoe. As for the humble grey suit, the one you can always rely on, select a darker shoe, unless your suit is a particularly light shade, with which one can get away with an elegant pair of light brown brogues.
The other thing to keep in mind is your belt should have a similar finish to that of your shoes. If you are attending a black tie event and have a pair of sleek black Oxfords, then your belt should have a similar shiny finish. If however your shoes are more of a matte finish, your belt should replicate this.
Accessories
Simple answer is yes. The universal rule is to wear the tie clip between the 3rd and 4th buttons of your shirt.
Another thing to note is that is generally recommended not to wear
We leave this to your comfort level. The belt is necessary if your trousers are too big at the waist, but if it fits then you may make it optional. A belt however, does make the look more classy and stylish.