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The Most Common Mistakes Men Make When Suiting Up

  • Writer: Stu
    Stu
  • Oct 24, 2024
  • 3 min read



There’s something undeniably powerful about suiting up. The moment you slide into a well-tailored suit, you feel like a secret agent or maybe just that guy who knows his way around a whiskey menu. But hold up—there’s a fine line between looking like James Bond and looking like you borrowed your dad’s suit for a wedding in 1998. Here are the most common mistakes men make when suiting up and how you can avoid them.


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1. Wearing an Ill-Fitting Suit

Guys, let’s get one thing straight: a suit should fit you, not the mannequin it came off of. Too many men rock suits that are either way too tight (cue Hulk ripping through the seams) or way too loose (hello, tent city). You’re not swimming in fabric, and you definitely don’t want to look like you’re stuffed into it either.


Fix it: Go to a tailor. Even a moderately priced suit can look expensive if it’s tailored properly. Aim for a fit where your jacket hugs your shoulders (without pulling), your sleeves end just above the wrist, and your pants skim the top of your shoes. No more “my mom bought me this for prom” vibes.


2. Ignoring the Power of the Shirt

Choosing the right shirt is like picking the right wingman—it makes or breaks your whole look. Some guys treat their shirt as an afterthought, throwing on whatever’s clean, but those wrinkled, button-popping numbers aren’t doing you any favors. And the collar? If it’s so large that it could double as a bib, you’re doing it wrong.


Fix it: Opt for a crisp, well-fitted shirt that complements the suit’s color and style. If you’re going formal, go with a spread collar. For a more casual look, a button-down collar works wonders. Most importantly, make sure the neck fits well enough to breathe, but not so loose that you can smuggle snacks under there.


3. The Disaster of Bad Shoe Choices

Let me paint a picture: you’re looking sharp in your new navy suit, and then, BAM—there it is—those square-toe monstrosities you’ve been holding onto since your college interview. Shoes can kill the whole look faster than you can say, “I forgot to shine them.”

Fix it: Invest in quality leather shoes. A pair of polished oxfords, brogues, or sleek loafers in black or brown will go with almost anything. Keep them clean, shined, and most importantly—not square-toed. Leave those in the early 2000s where they belong.


4. Overloading on Accessories

Every guy likes a little flair, but when you start layering like Mr. T, you’ve gone too far. Pocket squares, lapel pins, tie bars, cufflinks, bracelets, and a watch… it’s all too much. If you’re clinking like a chandelier with every step, you’ve overdone it.


Fix it: Less is more, my friend. Pick one or two standout accessories to complement your look. A sleek watch and a pocket square are usually a winning combo. Avoid looking like a Christmas tree decked out in ornaments—nobody wants that.


5. The Wrong Tie Length

I hate to break it to you, but your tie’s got to land in the Goldilocks zone. Too short, and you look like you raided Pee-wee Herman’s closet. Too long, and you’re venturing into clown territory.


Fix it: Your tie should hit just at the belt line—no more, no less. If you find it difficult to get it just right, practice tying it a few times before you leave the house. And always remember: tie width matters too. Skinny ties might have been cool in 2010, but today, a medium width tie will keep you looking sharp.


6. The Button Blunder

Men and buttons are in a complicated relationship. Some of us button all the buttons, some of us button none, and others have no idea what’s going on. The rule is simple: when wearing a two-button suit, always button the top one and leave the bottom one undone. When sitting down, unbutton the jacket entirely, unless you want to pop a button mid-meeting.


Fix it: Just remember, bottom button = always open. Top button = usually closed (unless you’re sitting). It’s that simple.


7. Forgetting the Final Touch: Confidence

The worst mistake a man can make when suiting up? Lacking confidence. No matter how perfect your suit, shoes, and accessories are, if you don’t walk into a room like you own it, you might as well be wearing pajamas. Confidence is the secret sauce that pulls the whole look together.


Fix it: Stand tall, shoulders back, and give yourself a mental high-five. You’re looking good, so feel good. After all, the suit doesn’t make the man—the man makes the suit.

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