Business Suit Guides
Explore suit fit, shirt collars, ties and dress shoes.
The Right Suit Sleeve Length: How Much Shirt Cuff Should Show?
Put on the dress shirt you wear most often before judging a jacket sleeve. With your arms relaxed at…
How Should a Business Suit Fit? A Head-to-Toe Checklist
A good business suit follows your shape while leaving room to sit, reach and walk. In the photos from…
Three or Four Sleeve Buttons? What the Detail Actually Means
Three and four buttons are both common on suit sleeves. Choose the arrangement that looks balanced wi…
How Long Should a Business Suit Jacket Be?
For a traditional business suit, start with a jacket that covers the seat. The right hem should also…
How Tight Should a Dress Shirt Collar Be?
A dress shirt collar should sit close enough to frame the tie comfortably. With the top button fasten…
Three Tie Knots Worth Learning: Four-in-Hand, Half Windsor and Windsor
Start with the four-in-hand, then add the half Windsor for days when you want a more symmetrical knot…
How Long Should Your Necktie Be?
Aim for the tip of the wide blade to reach around the top of your belt buckle or waistband while stan…
How to Mirror-Shine Leather Dress Shoes
For a mirror shine, build thin layers of wax on the firm toe cap of a smooth leather shoe. The goal i…
Black or Brown Dress Shoes? Match the Occasion First
If you need one pair for interviews and formal business wear, black is a good starting point. Dark br…
How to Choose Dress Shoes: Fit, Soles and Style
Start with the dress code and the amount of walking you do. The shoe needs to fit your foot in motion…
How to Wear a Tie Clip: Placement, Width and Fit
A tie clip keeps the tie from swinging forward when you lean over a desk or sit down to eat. Its grip…
Dress Shirt Collar Styles: Point, Spread, Cutaway and More
Start by matching the collar to how you wear the shirt. A point or semi-spread collar works with many…
Suit Buttons Explained: Horn, Plastic and What to Inspect
Horn, corozo and plastic can all appear on a well-made jacket. Look at how the buttons are attached a…
Two-Piece or Three-Piece Suit? When to Wear a Waistcoat
A two-piece suit consists of a matching jacket and trousers. A three-piece adds a matching waistcoat.…
How a Well-Fitted Suit Changes Your Silhouette
A clean suit silhouette comes from the way the jacket hangs over the shoulders, chest and waist. You…
Single or Double Suit Vents? How to Choose
A vent is a slit at the lower back of the jacket. A single vent runs up the center. Double vents sit…
Wool vs. Polyester Suits: What to Look for on the Label
Choose suit fabric by the climate, budget and amount of wear you expect. The fiber label is a useful…
How to Check If a Suit Is Wool Without a Burn Test
Check the suit’s fiber label first. Look for the composition of the outer fabric, sometimes labeled “…
How to Spot Quality Business Shoes Before You Buy
Start with the pair in your hands. Look for a secure heel, clean stitching and consistent finishing b…