Choosing the right suit can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived in the workplace. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling confident and making a professional impression that aligns with your career goals. A well-chosen suit communicates your attention to detail, respect for your workplace, and understanding of professional expectations.
When shopping for a work suit, consider your industry’s dress code and how frequently you’ll wear it. Different workplaces have different expectations; what works in a legal office might not be appropriate for a creative agency. Think about versatility too; a classic navy suit offers more mix-and-match options than bolder colours.
Quality matters more than quantity when it comes to workwear. Investing in one well-fitted suit made from good fabric will serve you better than several cheaper options that wear out quickly. Pay attention to details like proper sleeve length, shoulder fit, and trouser break, these small elements can dramatically improve how polished you look.
Choosing a Work Suit at A Glimpse:
- Choose suit styles and colours that match your workplace culture while reflecting your taste in style and professional goals.
- Invest in quality fabrics and proper fit rather than quantity to ensure comfort and longevity
- Consider how accessories like ties, shirts, and shoes can transform a single suit into multiple professional looks.
Suit Style Variations
Single-breasted suits with two buttons represent the most versatile and common style for professional settings. This classic option flatters most body types and works across various industries.
Double-breasted suits make a bolder statement and appear more formal. They feature overlapping front flaps with two columns of buttons. These suits convey authority but may be too formal for casual workplaces.
The fit remains crucial regardless of style. Shoulders should align with your natural shoulder edge, and sleeves should end at your wrist bone. Trousers should break slightly at the shoe, while skirts typically sit at or just above the knee.
5 Considerations of Buying a Work Suit
Selecting the right business suit involves careful attention to fit, fabric, colour, comfort, and workplace expectations. A well-chosen suit can boost your confidence and create a positive impression in professional formal settings.
1. Understanding Suit Fit and Tailoring
The fit of your suit is perhaps the most crucial aspect to consider when purchasing workwear. A properly fitted suit enhances your appearance regardless of how much you spend. The shoulders of your suit jacket should end right at your shoulder edge without sagging or pulling.
Sleeve length should reveal about 1-2 centimetres of your shirt cuff. Your suit trousers should sit comfortably at your waist without needing a belt to hold them up. The trouser length should create a slight break over your shoes.
Remember that buying off-the-rack doesn’t mean settling for an imperfect fit. Budgeting for alterations is essential as a tailored suit makes all the difference in your professional appearance. Many formal stores in Perth offer tailoring services to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Choosing the Right Fabric
Fabric quality directly impacts your suit’s appearance, comfort, and longevity. Wool is the gold standard for work suits due to its breathability, durability and natural wrinkle resistance. Look for pure wool or wool blends with high wool content for everyday work suits.
For Perth’s warmer months, consider lightweight wool or wool-linen blends that breathe well while maintaining structure. Pure linen suits are cooler but wrinkle easily, which might not be ideal for formal workplace settings.
Avoid polyester-heavy suits for daily wear as they trap heat and don’t breathe well. However, a small percentage of synthetic fibres can add stretch and wrinkle resistance. When examining fabric, check for a tight weave and soft, smooth texture that indicates quality.
3. Colour and Versatility
Navy and charcoal grey suits should form the foundation of your work wardrobe. These classic colours are versatile, professional, and appropriate for nearly all business settings. They pair easily with various shirt and tie combinations, extending your wardrobe options.
Medium grey suits offer excellent versatility and work well in less formal office environments. Black suits, while traditional, are better suited for formal events rather than everyday office wear.
Consider your workplace culture before investing in patterned suits. Subtle pinstripes or small checks can add interest without being distracting. For maximum value, choose suits that can transition from work meetings to after-hours functions with simple accessory changes.
4. Comfort and Movement
A work suit must allow comfortable movement throughout your day. When trying on suits, test their mobility by sitting, standing, reaching, and walking to ensure the suit moves with you naturally.
Look for suits with a slight stretch component or a half-canvas construction that allows better flexibility. The jacket shouldn’t pull across your back when you extend your arms forward. Trousers should provide enough room to sit comfortably without excessive tightness around the thighs.
Consider how the suit feels after wearing it for 20-30 minutes in the fitting room. Any discomfort will only intensify during a full workday. High-quality suits are designed with functional features like properly placed vents and appropriate lining that enhance comfort without sacrificing appearance.
5. Workplace Dress Code
Understanding your workplace expectations is essential before investing in work suits. Some organisations maintain formal dress codes requiring traditional suits daily, while others might allow business casual attire.
Observe what successful colleagues and managers wear. This provides valuable insight into unwritten dress code expectations. Your industry also influences appropriate suit choices – legal and financial sectors typically maintain more conservative standards.
First impressions matter tremendously in professional settings. A well-chosen suit signals competence and attention to detail. For client-facing roles, consider investing in higher-quality suits as they directly impact how others perceive your professionalism. Always aim to dress appropriately for your position and the company culture while maintaining your personal style within those parameters.
Accessorising Your Suit
The right accessories transform a basic work suit into a polished professional statement. Thoughtful selection of complementary pieces shows attention to detail and elevates your overall appearance.
Selecting Ties and Neckwear
Your tie is often the first accessory people notice. For work settings, choose ties in silk or quality polyester blends that complement your suit colour.
Navy, burgundy, and subtle patterns work well in conservative offices. A tie width of 7-8 centimetres suits most men, aligning with your lapel width for balance.
The dimple, that small crease just below the knot, creates a refined, intentional look. Master the four-in-hand knot for versatility across most collar styles.
For a modern alternative, knitted ties offer texture while maintaining professionalism. Bow ties can work in creative industries but may appear too formal in traditional settings.
A tie clip positioned between the third and fourth shirt button keeps your tie in place while adding visual interest.
Other Essential Accessories
A quality leather belt should match your shoes in colour and finish. The buckle should be simple and understated for work settings.
Cufflinks should be subtle for daily wear—small metal designs in silver or gold tones work best. Save novelty designs for less formal occasions.
A quality watch with a leather strap provides functionality and style. Opt for a clean dial design with minimal complications for professional settings.
Socks should match your trousers or shoes, never exposing skin when seated. Consider subtle patterns that add personality without being distracting.
For cooler months, a wool or cashmere scarf in neutral tones completes your ensemble while providing practical warmth.
Enhancements and Practicalities
Once you’ve found a suit that meets your basic requirements, consider how alterations and sustainability factors can elevate your work attire experience. These elements transform a good suit into the perfect suit.
Customisation and Alterations
Most off-the-rack suits require some adjustments to achieve that tailored look. Sleeve length, trouser hem, and waist adjustments are common alterations that make a significant difference in appearance.
A properly altered suit creates a more professional silhouette and enhances your confidence. Even high-end suits often benefit from minor tweaks to accommodate your unique body shape.
Consider budgeting for alterations when purchasing your work suit. Many formal wear retailers in Perth offer in-house tailoring services, ensuring your suit fits perfectly before you leave the shop.
Remember that alterations can address seasonal needs, too. Trouser length may need adjustments depending on whether you’ll wear them with boots in winter or lighter footwear in summer.
Sustainability and Comfort Considerations
When selecting a work suit, prioritise natural fibres like wool, which offer temperature regulation in Perth’s varying climate. Wool suits keep you warm in air-conditioned offices while remaining breathable when you step outside.
Look for suits with moisture-wicking properties if you tend to perspire. Modern suit fabrics often include performance elements that provide comfort without sacrificing style or formality.
Consider the suit’s water resistance if your commute involves exposure to the elements. Some treatments can protect your investment while maintaining the fabric’s breathability.
Sustainable suit options are increasingly available, featuring recycled materials and ethical manufacturing processes. These choices often come with the added benefit of enhanced durability.
For maximum comfort, pay attention to the suit’s construction. A half-lined or quarter-lined jacket offers greater breathability and is ideal for Perth’s warmer months while maintaining a professional appearance.
Buy Your Work Suit at Penguin’s Formal Wear Today!
Investing in the right work suit is an essential step in enhancing your professional image and ensuring comfort throughout your workday. At Penguins Formal Wear, we offer a wide selection of high-quality suits that combine style, durability, and comfort, tailored to meet your needs. Whether you’re dressing for a corporate environment or looking to stand out with a more casual yet polished look, our suits are designed to make a lasting impression.
Contact us today and find the perfect fit for your career goals!
