A designer or brand name does not denote a quality suit.  It’s the components that make a good suit; fabric, quality of construction, choice of interfacings, lining, style of garment and fit.  For instance, the best wool suits are made of merino wool.  The fabric has a “wet” or silk like feel, not dry, coarse or prickly.

It is made of a two-ply, densely woven weave.  Fabric should never appear like “clear wrap” or porous.  Fabric needs to be woven tight with enough stitches to retain shape.

Next, interfacings, linings, thread and buttons are all important.  It what goes inside the garment that makes the garment not just a suit, but a good one.  A good test is to look at the front of the coat and make  sure there are no ripples on the coat, collar or lapel.  Take the front of the coat and shake it, make sure it is pliable, not stiff.

Make sure the styling of the suit is classic, not the latest trend.  It is too expensive to buy a suit that is here today and gone tomorrow.  How does the suit style and your body fit, in other words does the garment flow with you, not tight or restrictive.  Does it compliment you and make a professional statement.

Does the garment just hang on you?  Does it help present you the way you want others to see you.  When altered, will the suit give you a smooth tailored look?

Does it feel comfortable?  Does it hold it shape and not look like you slept in it, 5 minutes after you put it on.

Does the garment make you look like a professional.  If you want to be management, does the suit make you look like management?   A suit is not to make you look limp or out of balance, if it does, select another.

There is a wide range and grade of wool fabrics, you don’t want the cheapest or the most expensive, you want one that is quality and value and will last.  When you put a suit on and it is made well, you will know.

You will feel like you don’t have a jacket on, collar, shoulders are smooth, collar fits snug around your neck, lapels and coat front have no ripples or puckers.  The fabric doesn’t feel like wool, it has such a luxury feel.  There is a marked difference between something made well and not.

Nothing is free.  You do not want to pay $500 for something only worth $200.  Become a good student, learn and know the difference between suits and all garments for that matter.  In the end you will build a wardrobe of quality, have your garments longer and not waste money.

If you need help, please call Bel Air Fashions at 402-493-5160 or email belairfashions@belair.omhcoxmail.com.