September has traditionally been seen as a good time of year to search for a new job role, research suggests.
Whether you’re preparing for an interview or want to make a standout impression on the first day of the new role, a fitting suit can certainly elevate your confidence and professionalism.
With this in mind, Declyn Cooper, Head of Tailoring at menswear fashion retailer Slater Menswear, has provided his top tips on how to pick the perfect suit for work.
Declyn: “When picking a suit, the ultimate decision will depend on your personal preferences so you feel comfortable throughout the day. However, there are a few details to consider for a professional work setting, like style, colour, and fabric.
Office dress code
“First, you must know the dress code, especially when starting a new job. You don’t want to wear a three-piece suit if the policy is business casual, but showing up in jeans and a blazer when the code is formal may look like you haven’t made an effort.
“Before looking for a suit, check with your manager what the dress code is so you can make the best decision.”
The style
“The type of suit you need will usually come down to how formal the workplace is. Although a three-piece suit offers impressive tailoring, a two-piece is your best option for everyday workwear.
“A tailored fit may also be best for work, as the sleek design with tapered trousers still has a roomy feel for comfort — perfect if you’re sat down most of the day.
“If your workplace is business casual, you may be able to lose the tie to give you more of a relaxed, yet still professional look. In some cases, you can ditch the blazer jacket and opt for smart trousers, shirt and brogues combination instead.”
The fabric
“Wool is a popular fabric choice for a business suit due to its refined aesthetic and durability. A high-quality wool suit should last you for years if taken care of, so you won’t have to buy a new one too often.
“Although a wool suit will provide warmth during the colder months, it can be worn all year round. Due to the natural, breathable fibres, wool allows body heat to escape when it’s hot and traps it when it’s cool.
“If your work has a more casual dress code, it may be your opportunity to invest in a linen suit. But remember — linen creases easily, so regular dry cleaning will be needed to keep it looking fresh.”
The colour
“Regarding the colour of your suit, you generally have three options for the office: navy, charcoal, or grey. Although black is a versatile choice, it can often be seen as too formal.
“Navy is a standard option for everyday workwear due to its versatility: it can be styled in many different ways. A navy suit can be paired with various shirts, and you can always add a splash of colour and personality with a bright tie.
“The perfect alternative to black: a charcoal suit is a sophisticated choice for any gentleman. Whereas black suits look best with black accessories, charcoal is more versatile and can be combined with various colours. Choosing a shirt and tie combination will also be much easier.
“A lighter grey suit is best reserved for summertime, as they tend to reflect heat rather than absorb it to keep you cool.
“If your office is more laid back, you could opt for a subtle check suit for a touch of distinction.”
The post The September Job Surge: How to pick the perfect suit for work first appeared on HR News.