If you haven’t guessed from all the Facebook photos, Pinterest boards and anticipatory statuses, wedding season is officially upon us. If you’re in your mid to late 20s, chances are you’re invited to a few this summer- heck maybe it’s your own wedding you’re preparing for. While the women seem to have it easy with dozens of stores and websites catered to finding the perfect dress, it’s a little more difficult for the guys out there. Sure you can just throw on a suit and go, but do you know all the rules required for wearing the perfect suit? One small error could have you going from dapper to disheveled (okay, maybe not that dramatic, but you know what I mean). No need to fret though, I’ve complied a list of the 15 rules every well-dressed man should know, so you can go out there this wedding season and conquer the dance floor, looking extremely dashing while doing so.
- The width of your tie should always match the width of your lapel. Skinny ties always make a great fashion statement, but pair them with a wide lapel and it could look completely awkward. Choose your lapel according to the look you’re going for. Confused about which one to choose? Thin lapels are more modern, while thick ones are classic (think Mad Men). If you can’t afford to buy a suit each season, I’d stick to the classic, wider look.
- Let’s talk about accessories. Your belt should be fairly thin and should always match the colour of your shoes. If you’re wearing a chunky belt, it could take away from the rest of the look. When it comes to a suit, you want everything to blend evenly.
- Thinking of rocking a pocket square? I know, it’s a more classic look, but in reality it’s one that lets you add a little bit of your personality to the suit. If you decide to wear a pocket square, make sure it doesn’t match the pattern or fabric of your tie. To avoid being too matchy, wear a tie in a solid colour with a printed pocket square.
- Always make sure the shoulders fit. The shoulder pads in your jacket should end at your shoulder, this is crucial because the shoulders are the hardest to tailor. Don’t spend all that money on something you won’t end up wearing, unless you’re going for a zoot suit, but please, don’t do that.
- Also, make sure that your suit jacket is long enough to cover the zipper of your pants and your butt.
- A gap between the collar of your shirt and your lapel is a signal of an ill-fitting jacket. Make sure the two garments overlap for a polished look.
- You should be able to slip your hand between your chest and your buttoned jacket with it being a bit snug, but with some room to move your hand.
- ALWAYS unbutton your jacket before sitting down, you can really risk ruining it if not.
- The top button of a two button jacket (or the middle button of a three button jacket) should fall at or above your belly button.
- Not sure how to tie your tie? Go for the classic Windsor knot. Make sure that when tied, the tie should be no longer than the waist of your pants; shorter is ok.
- Speaking of ties, always make sure the colour of your tie is darker than the colour of your shirt.
- If you’re going with a single button jacket, a vest could add some class (and warmth for the colder days) to your suit. If you are going for a vest, remember to unbutton the last button. I don’t really know why this is a rule, but it is. Although many men don’t always follow this and still pull the look off perfectly.
- Your sleeve cuff should be exposed out of your jacket sleeve about half an inch (about the same amount that should be visible of the back of your collar).
- Make sure that your socks are long enough that there is no exposed leg when you sit down.
- Finally, the hem of your pants should hit right at the top of your shoe.

Photos courtesy of Pinterest
I know, it’s a lot to remember, but a classic, well-tailored suit is a crucial investment and one that you can use for years to come.