If you checked most men’s list of New Year’s Resolutions I doubt you will see any mention of “dressing better in 2010″.  That doesn’t mean you can’t help them by forwarding my twice monthly commentary.  I want to start the year talking about the single most important item in a man’s wardrobe — the suit.

In the world of clothing, the suit reigns supreme.  It is man’s best opportunity to show well whether attending a business meeting, or a formal social function.  I realize that not all men wear suits on any regular basis, and those that don’t may only have one or two suits to their name.  If, on the other hand, you wear one daily, you undoubtedly have a considerable investment hanging in your closet.

What should a man look for in a suit — the answer is scores of things.  Let’s begin with fit.  If your man has broad shoulders, he should not accentuate them by selecting a suit with a blocked or peaked shoulder.  He should instead select a jacket with a rounder (or soft) shoulder.  If, on the other hand he has a slight build, he will benefit from a peaked shoulder.  Most any man will look nice wearing a striped suit, save for very tall and thin men.  Men’s suits come generally in two button or three button fronts.  Most men can wear either.  It is not uncommon to see men wearing a three button model with all the buttons buttoned.  This is incorrect, no matter if a TV announcer does it, or the CEO of a company. The rule on buttoning a jacket, whether it is a two or three button front is simple — button the bottom button only.  More men make this mistake than perhaps any other.

Suit jackets are either vented in the back center, or have side vents; some have none at all.  The traditional business suit is a center vent model.  Side vents are practical, but men with large hips should avoid them.  Jackets without vents are somewhat more restrictive particularly when you try and put your hands in your pocket.  Jackets will usually have a flap pocket or no pocket at all. Patch pockets can be found on some sport jackets but never on a suit jacket.  Virtually all men’s suits today are wool.  Wool does not mean hot or heavy.  Some suits may contain silk, linen or cashmere.  Cashmere adds a nice feel to material, and thus some high end suits may contain 10 to 20%.   Silk and linen, added to wool, also makes for a great look, however anything more that 20% and you will have a garment that crushes quickly and doesn’t hold a press.  More on suits in my next piece.

blogged by our favorite suit Glen Sondag