5 Tips For The Perfect Back To Work Suit
As we all return to the office a bit fatigued and bloated from an action-packed festive season, there’s no better way to inject some confidence in-to your corporate ambitions than a perfectly tailored back to work suit. As well as hiding all manner of holiday sins in a crisp silhouette, it will provide the ultimate building block to your professional wardrobe for the new year, mixing form, function and lofty corporate ambitions.
1. Fabric: The Foundation of Luxury
The foundation of any great suit lies in its fabric. A premium cloth not only feels exceptional against the skin but also drapes with the effortless precision that ensures sharp lines and flattering proportions. When selecting your fabric for a custom back to work suit, opt for a natural Australian Merino wool in a neutral colour (we suggest a mid to dark navy, though charcoal and grey tones will also tick all the boxes) that will serve you well for year-round and all-occasion wear, from big presentations to corporate events and everyday wins. For extra points, look to fabrics milled by the iconic northern Italian institutions like VBC, Stylbiella, Drago and Loro Piana–the quality and provenance of the fabrics will ensure it lasts the tests of time and provides the luxurious base to a perfect corporate suit
2. Perfect (Flattering) Fit
A well-constructed suit in a high quality fabric will, if fitted poorly, look awful. It’s the golden rule of tailoring: fit is paramount to the appeal, comfort and longevity of a suit. A custom tailor will take into account your posture, shoulders and chest dimensions, ensuring that the suit flatters your form without being restrictive. A well-tailored jacket should hug the shoulders comfortably, with the sleeves cut just right to reveal a hint of cuff. For trousers, a slight break at the shoe should be the goal—allowing just a subtle gathering of fabric that enhances the lines of the legs. Luckily, all of our custom-made garments are covered by our Perfect Fit Guarantee, meaning any alterations are included in the initial price (and we’ll keep tinkering until we get it spot-on).
3. Subtle Detailing: Function Meets Form
It’s the quiet details that make a custom suit truly stand out. The introduction of subtle but unique and personalised design details that marry with your own personal sense of style and needs will elevate each garment, channeling a professional aesthetic that is detail-oriented, sophisticated and purpose-built. Bolder design choices like lapel and pocket size and style will make the biggest impact, however more nuanced decisions like pick-stitching, trouser cuffs, unconstructed or deconstructed shoulders, working button-holes and side tabs (rather than belt loops) will curate a carefully-conceived image.
4. The Jacket’s Structure: A Balance of Comfort and Authority
The key to a jacket that’s both commanding and comfortable lies in its structure. For year-round wear, we suggest opting for floating half canvas, which will ensure the jacket drapes properly (and continues to shape to your body over time) without adding too much padding and weight. Opt for a lightly padded shoulder for a more natural, modern fit, which ensures that the jacket will not only hold its shape but also provide ease of movement. Or, for a more traditional look, a more structured shoulder provides the sharp, authoritative edge that epitomizes boardroom confidence. Tailoring should ensure the jacket fits impeccably across the back and chest, offering both freedom of movement and a flattering line that accents your silhouette.
5. Personalization: Make It Yours
While a suit is a reflection of your personal style, certain bespoke details can make the garment even more distinctive. Adding a bolder lining to your garment will tie the corporate (and neutral) garment to your personal style in a way that is not over the top (or even visible, most of the time). A little monogramming on the inside of the blazer, such as your initials or an important date, will also distinguish the garment for the sea of navy suits you’ll see city-side on a Friday evening. The beauty of a tailored suit is in its ability to mirror your personality, from larger decisions like fabric and construction, to the small signature flourishes that can channel (and develop) your own unique style.
The return to the office is the perfect opportunity to refresh your professional wardrobe. A custom-tailored suit, thoughtfully crafted with attention to detail, not only ensures you’ll look your best but also feel your best. Invest in these key elements, and you’ll walk back into the office not just ready to work—but ready to conquer.
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To start designing your own custom, tailored suit, shirt, blazer, chinos and more, try our online design tool, or alternatively make a video appointment or showroom appointment.