What to Wear By SuitsMen

Many people buy the wrong sized suits. And I’m not just talking about chest size and waist size. I mean those you see with a jacket that seems far too long, or the trousers with the socks showing.

 

But if there is no size chart on the suit which tells you what size jacket to buy for your height, how do you know what size to buy??

 

So here at Suitsmen, we have put together a rough guide line, of heights to Jacket Lengths. Not only should this help you decide which jacket length you should get, but also which one will look the best on you.

 

So if you are 5’7” or under…

You are put into the ‘Short’ Category. This jacket is one inch shorter in the length of the jacket and in the arm length.

 

5’8” to 5’10”…

You are our regulars. Any standard length Jacket is perfect for you.

 

5’11” and Over…

 Now you may not think you are tall, but you have been put into the ‘Long’ category. These jackets are one inch longer in back length and sleeve length than the regular jackets. Giving you just a bit more coverage.

 

But what about…

Now I know some of you will have other questions and queries,

 

I am in the regular category, but I have long arms, what should I do??

You could buy the Long Jacket, however this may look slightly too long on the body. The other option would be to have the regular jacket and show off your smart double cuff shirt underneath with some sophisticated cuff links. Some people even prefer to wear their jackets like that.

 

Do the length of the back and the arm length change with chest size too?

For a regular jacket, there would be slight changes in length throughout the sizes. Not as obvious as changing to a short or long, but the arms and back would get slightly longer in the larger sizes (estimated at about quarter of an inch per chest size)

 

This is the same for the Short and Long jackets.

 

How are the Back Length and Sleeve Length Measured?

There are two ways of measuring shirt sleeves.

Sleeve Crown to Cuff is from the end of the shoulder (Crown) to the end of the Cuff.

Or Middle Back to Cuff, which is a straight line measurement from the middle of the collar at the back of the jacket to the end of the cuff.

 

Most suits are measured with the Crown to Cuff measurement system.

 

The Back Lengths

The back lengths are measured from the top of the collar to the middle of the bottom of the jacket.

 

So Now…

Now you know exactly how to measure yourself for a suit jacket. And it’s pretty similar for the trousers too. Its 29” Short, 31” Regular and 33” Long.

 

Some suits also offer 36” unfinished, this means that the bottoms of the trousers are not hemmed up. However this can be easily solved as local dry cleaners do take trousers up and don’t charge a lot either.

 

For any other questions

Please call us on 01335 361287, or email support@suitsmen.co.uk.

 

Don’t forget there is useful information on our other blogs as well as on our Facebook page.

 

 

What do you look for in an online company? What makes you want to buy from a company again? What puts you off companies? Or is there a certain thing you would get rid of if you could?

 

We all have those little pet hates and annoyances when buying online. It could be the complicated payment system. The dread of having to put so much information across the internet. The aspect of having to pay for delivery and then pay for the return if the item isn’t want you wanted.

 

Or is it the difficult task of actually speaking to somebody from the company. We all hate those option menus….’Press one if you want to find out about….’

 

Well here at Suitsmen we try to offer the easiest and stress free shopping experience.

Everything is clear from the moment you click onto our sites.
www.suitsmen.co.uk and www.lucyalice.co.uk

 

Call Us…

And if it’s not you can phone us! We have a normal price phone line, which takes you straight through to our office. No option menus. No being put on hold. Just an Answerphone for out of hours, which if you leave a message with your name and number we will also call you back!!

We can help with any queries you have on items, sizes, delivery and returns. 01335 361287

 

Payment

Our payment system is completely secure and very easy to use. But if you don’t like paying over the internet, we also have a cheque or phone option as well as paypal.

 

Delivery

We also have free standard delivery (2-4 working days) and free returns, so just because you can’t try it on first doesn’t mean you should lose out.

Our next day delivery service is availble for all products, but orders have to be purchased before 1pm. There is a slight extra cost for this service. But you do get the wear it the next day!!

 

Returns

The Free Returns is possible from our freepost returns address. Not only is this FREE but it also means you don’t have to wait in for the parcel to be collected.

Not only are the returns free but we also offer Exchange or Refund. We don’t do store credits!!

 

If you have any other questions or queries about Suitsmen please call us on 01335 361287, email us on support@suitsmen.co.uk or visit our Facebook page. Also don’t forget to have a look at our other blogs!!

 

 

We also want to know what your pet hates are. It could be about the way companies are run, or what you think companies should and shouldn’t do or offer. We would love to hear from you so please write your pet hates on our Facebook wall.

Here at Suitsmen we have a wide range of leather bags, in all styles, colours and with every use in mind.

So if you have a particular type of bag you want to get, then we can help you find it.

 

For the Ladies…(Hang on lads we’re getting to you)

 

On www.lucyalice.co.uk, Suitsmen’s little sister site, we have a large variety of bags. All top quality and made from the best leather.

CCHA London a range of bags from handbags, clutchs, laptop bags to shopping bags.

 

The Miranda Leather Satchel is brilliant as a small bag, with a detachable shoulder strap. Small and square in shape it is ideal for a quick nip to the shops or just to keep your phone and purse in whilst nipping out. Available in Tan, Lemon Yellow, Pistachio and Tang.

   

 

The Thelma Shopping Bag and Louise Shopping Bags are similar items that just differ in pattern design. This larger bag is ideal for shopping trips, with many colour varieties, and internal pockets and zips. You won’t need any other bag.

 

The Ella City bag is perfect for nights out. With a small over the should handle, and a magnetic press stuff fastening, it looks and feels right with a smart dress or casual night out. Available in Black, Red and Bubblegum.

 

With two amazing clutches to choose from, the Ella Black Clutch and the Olivia Red Hot Clutch, it would be hard not to buy them both! The Ella Clutch looks amazing on a formal night out with the little black dress, or with a suit, its zip fastening and wrist strap mean you have no fear of losing it.

 

The Olivia Clutch is perfect with its gold chain shoulder strap and gold logo. It adds glamour to any outfit and is the perfect size for essentials on a night out.

 

The Olivia Leather shoulder bag is a larger version of the clutch with a braided leather shoulder strap and chain. Available in Hot Red or Pearl White, this is a gorgeous bag for everyday use.

 

The Lady Irene Business Handbag is ideal for work. Large enough for papers yet small enough to not look bulky. Available in Chocolate Brown, Pearl White and Tan as well as in a Black Crocodile effect giving off the ‘wow’ factor.

         

We have plenty more bags avaliable on www.lucyalice.co.uk

 

Now Lads, it’s not all about the girls….

 

The Marvin Leather Messenger Bag is brilliant for taking out with you for everyday use. Small and compact but roomy enough for your day to day needs with a fold over flap and adjustable shoulder strap.

 

The Blake Briefcases are brilliant for work; in black and tan they are smart and sophisticated whilst holding all your files! With a shoulder strap and 2 short handles you can carry it how you wish.

  

And for the long weekends away we have the Darren Holdall Cabin Bag. Not too big and bulky, but just enough. With an adjustable shoulder strap and two carrying handles it is ideal for those work meetings away. Available in Black and Tan.

It’s not just Bags, Lads…

We also have a wide variety of wallets, from coin purses to card holders; we even have the ones that hold both. In a variety of styles and colours, including the crocodile skin effect and an ostrich print effect. They are fantastic quality and will last you a lifetime!

 

 

For more information on any of the bags or the wallets visit…

For the Ladies, www.lucyalice.co.uk
For the Men, www.suitsmen.co.uk

 

Or ring 01335 361287 for answers to any questions you might have. Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page for more information and other blogs!

The Scottish Highland Dress is often worn to formal occasions in the place of the traditional black tie outfit.

 

It consists of a black barathea jacket with silver buttons and a matching or tartan waistcoat. The traditional kilt with a white shirt and shirt studs, French or barrel cuffs and a turn-down classic collar.  Also a black bow tie or white lace jabot are needed. Evening dress brogues and full dress kilt hose are worn with silk flashes or garter ties. A dress sporran with a silver chain and a black, silver mounted sgian dubh with the option of wearing a dirk.

 

The last two items being swords and knives…

(Quick explanations)

Jabot – a delicate item worn near the throat. Similar to a piece of jewellary.

Brogues – Shoes

Sporran – the Pouch worn around the waist.

 

Very different to the Jacket, Waistcoat and Pleated or plain trousers.

 

Here at Suitsmen we do offer a similar version of the Scottish Highland Dress,

By Brook Taverner and of the highest quality, the Prince Charlie has the traditional jacket with peaked lapels, satin facing, a centre vent, decorated cuffs with 3 buttons on each cuff. Braided Epaulettes and a six show button front.

 

There is also a three button waistcoat, also with lapels and a strap and buckle adjuster.

 

 

 

The Black Watch Tartan Trousers have a plain front with slanted side pockets, belt loops and hip pockets. All items are Pure New Wool and the trousers have a classic tartan pattern.

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.suitsmen.co.uk, or call 01335 361287. Don’t forget to visit our facebook site and our other blogs!!

 

The dinner suits and ‘black tie’ events that we know now are our smartest and most formal way of dressing and celebrating in style. Whether it be a work’s party, presentation evening, wedding or the most prestigious event you have ever been to.

Or is it?

The ‘black tie’ consists of the traditional black jacket, trousers with or without a satin stripe, black waistcoat, wing collar shirt, black bow tie and patent shoes.

This however is the ‘informal’ version of ‘White Tie’.

 

White Tie

White Tie was and still is used for those events that were not to be topped by anything else. There is a strict dress code that cannot be undermined. It is not to be worn before 6.00pm; however sometimes if it went dark first there could be a slight change on the time.

Men were to wear black or midnight blue dress coats, or more commonly known as tail coats. With trousers of matching fabric with one wide stipe or two narrow stripes of satin. A white and plain stiff fronted shirt and a white wing collar (preferably detachable) however most now are just attached and are a whole shirt. A white bow-tie is worn, with a white waistcoat, black silk socks or stockings and black court shoes.

The ‘Black Tie’ and its black waistcoats, bow ties and the choice of trousers with or without satin stripes were joined by the more casual ‘Dinner Jacket’. No top and tails now…

 

  

 

Where did the Satin and Top and Tails come from?

The Tailcoat was designed with a cutaway at the front to only leave the long back hanging down, giving the ‘tails’.

The dress coat and the morning coat are the two surviving tail coats, both used throughout history for prestigious occasions and to emphasise the fashion and importance of an event.

The dress coat was generally worn to these events, and only worn in the evening. The morning coat was a principal item with morning dress. It was regarded as formal half dress and received its name through the 19th century horseback riding exercise for gentlemen. The jacket was regularly worn on horseback, with the detailing of the buttons on the back being used to hold the tails up out of the way whilst riding. (There are practical uses for the little details we see now)

 

Changes to Black Tie

There have been some slight changes to the way that black tie can be worn.

The waistcoat and jacket sometimes omitted and a red cummerbund and trousers with red piping are worn in replacement. This is called the Red Sea Rig and is general worn in tropical areas, primarily in Western diplomatic and expatriate communities.

Also for formal dining, armed forces officers and non-commissioned officers normally wear mess uniform with is equivalent to civilian black tie. The mess uniforms may vary according to the wearers’ respective branches of the armed forces.

There is also the changes with the Scottish Highland Dress, for more information on this dress code please look at our other blog, Scottish Highland Dress

 

 

 

And Finally…

So black tie, white tie, and Scottish highland dress are all traditional and run along the same lines, being worn for formal occasions and all being similar throughout history!!

Giving the occasions an edge that informal dress couldn’t bring. These outfits and rules of what to wear not only make the formal occasion that much better but they also make everyone look fantastic and feel important, especially when matched with the female partner in their full length dress.

 

Please use the links below for more information on any of the pictured suits.

Prince Charlie

Douglas and Grahame Dinner Suit

Torre Dinner Suit

Skopes Tuxedo

 

Don’t forget to visit www.suitsmen.co.uk for more tuxedo’s and our facebook site for more info, blogs, advice and competitions.

 

The time has come again for the Christmas Parties to start, the trying to impress colleagues and bosses, and looking better than everyone else.

And all Christmas Parties seem to go smoother and better when you have a comfy suit, that looks the part and makes you shine out from the rest.

Here at Suitsmen we have a range of Tuxedo’s and Dinner Suits to enable you to look fantastic at every Christmas Party and Work’s do.

 

Dinner Suits

Our cheapest Dinner Suit is still a fantastic suit, with looks and quality that will have you standing out.

The Skopes Fashion Dinner Suit is a single breasted 1 button jacket, with a satin trim around the lapel and pockets to give it the edge that many dinner suits don’t have. The trousers also have a satin trim just below the waistband.

Brook Taverner offers a Dinner Suit ideal for Balls and Work’s Parties. With its classic cut it is perfect for black tie affairs. One button and single breasted, with a traditional notched satin lapel the Jacket complements the outfit entirely especially when put with the matching trousers with satin stripe side seams.

The Daniel Grahame Dinner Suit is a smart single breasted one button jacket with satin lapels and satin jetts. The trousers are also presented with a satin stripe down the leg giving a smart and sophisticated look.

From Scott, by The Label, there is a single breasted one button, satin lapel and satin jetts suit jacket with plain fronted or pleated trousers which have a satin braid on the seam. This gives you the choice to make your suit up to your own tastes whilst making you look extremely smart.

 

If Double Breasted is more your thing…

Torre have a double breasted suit jacket, with 1 x 3 buttons and satin peak lapels. There is also a plain back on this jacket. The trousers have a single pleat, strap and buckle, side adjusters and a satin stripe. Making this the ultimate Dinner Suit.

 

The Traditional Tuxedo

This single breasted, one buttoned cream Tuxedo from Skopes will have you looking amazing at your Christmas Party. The jacket is available in black and white, and both jackets can be matched with the black tuxedo trousers. These plain fronted trousers have a satin side seam and side adjusters.

 

For Everything Else…

Not only can we provide you with the suit, but we can provide you with everything you may possibly need to make this outfit complete. Try our white dress gloves, armbands and white dress scarf. Or our range of cufflinks and shirt studs, we have a large array of bow ties and every type of shirt to suit, wing collar, pleated, plain, and classic. We also have cummerbunds and silver topped dress canes.

We have matching colours in cummerbunds and bow ties’; making sure that your outfit matches and is completely perfect.

We have suits available in Black, Cream and White so if you haven’t found the right one here, have a look at the other Dinner suits and Tuxedo’s we have to offer.

 

Ready for the Party?…

We will soon have you looking more like James Bond than you can image! Giving you a Suit and Christmas Party to remember.

 

For more information visit www.suitsmen.co.uk, and don’t forget to visit our Facebook page.

There are only 31 days left now until Christmas, and as we speak the seconds are sliding away.

How many presents have you still go to get? Have you even started yet?

The list of family members and friends gets longer every year, and the task of finding the best presents but without breaking the bank seems to get harder every year.

Christmas seems to be the most stressful time of year, but yet we continue to be completely and utterly childish with excitement, counting down the days.

Now do you have any males in your life who you are struggling on finding gifts for? Nephew, Grandson, Granddad, Dad, Uncle, Boyfriend…

Here at Suitsmen we have gifts and items for every time of man.

For those that like their knitwear…

Within the Wolsey range we have lambswool sweaters in long sleeve and as slipover jumpers.

Skopes offer a pullover with high neck and zip fastening in lambswool as well as a v-neck jumper.

Our newest member, Hawick have a large variety of knitwear, from lambswool jumpers and slipover jumpers to merino and cashmere.

If you fancy more of a pattern Hawick also offer the Argyle Patterned jumper, Fairisle Jumper and a Birdseye Patch Jumper. They even have a Cable lambswool Jumper.

 

Neckwear…

We also have a collection of scarves, Hawick offer a lambswool unisex version. As well as Folkspeare offering a variety of scarves in many different colours.

Now if scarves are not what you are looking for we also have patterned ties. With the Gold Sea, Blue Sea and Turtle patterns available. Perfect for wearing at Christmas and for many other occasions.

A Gorgeous New Shirt…

You could even buy them one of our fantastic quality shirts from the extensive range we have on Suitsmen.

The Long Sleeve Luxury Shirt from Skopes is a brilliant shirt for any occasion, especially parties and family get-togethers or to wear at the office or for formal meetings. This 100% cotton shirt is not one to be without.

The Skopes Party Shirt is another good seller with the patterns bringing out a more casual side to the shirt, making them casual but still extremely smart.

 

Accessories….including the tradition socks.

We also have 2 different watches, a metallic and leather strapped. Both very good quality watches, perfect for work and for the busy business man. But cheaper than a Rolex!

 

We have socks for every type of man. Sports socks, tradition knee length Wolsey socks, Indestructible socks, very very thick seaman and shooting socks. And all come in varying colours.

I’m positive you can find the perfect present.

And if you can’t, just give us a call on 01335 361287 and we will see if we can help find what you need!

 

Check out our Facebook Page for more info.

Can you find Santa???

Suitsmen have hidden Santa somewhere on www.suitsmen.co.uk

He could be hiding amongst the socks, the suits or on any page within the website.

Finding Santa could lead to you winning a 5 pair pack of Morley/Wolsey Jazzy Heel and Toe socks.

Perfect for a quick Christmas present, or even just to keep for yourself, these Jazzy Toe and Heel socks are perfect! More colourful than usual socks (and easy to pair up) they are still smart!

How to win yourself a pack?

All you have to do is find Santa! It’s really that simple.

 

I’ve found Santa, now what do I do?

Just click on him and a form will appear. Filling this out will add your name to our list of ‘Santa Finders’.

We will then randomly pick 5 winners from this list.

You will be notified by email when you have won and you will soon have your own 5 pair pack of Morley/Wolsey Jazzy Heel and Toe Socks!!

 

                                                              GOOD LUCK!!

 

The closing date is 15th December 2011 giving you time to get your socks for Christmas!!

 

Rules:
Only UK entrants please.
Automated and Bulk entries are not permitted.

 

Don’t forgot to visit our Facebook Page, for more information, new products, advice and more photos.

 

WEBSITES HOLDING OUR COMPETITION

Competitions
ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions
OfferOasis.co.uk – Competitions and Freebies in the UK
Competitions Time
http://www.UKwins.co.uk

hint, Jacket of a Skopes suit.. a new product, 100% wool. Deliciously soft fabric…. or search for “Santa”

Does your other half, female friend or family member need a good quality, hard wearing and incredibly smart suit??

Suitsmen’s little sister site has the answers for all the female suit questions.

Not only does LucyAlice stock suits, but we organise them within collections.

 

These collections consist of various jackets, trousers and skirts, all available in the tradition colours and pinstripes. And, they are all mix and match.

 

Any trousers match any jacket, which match any skirt from the same collection. (As long as they are all in the same colour of course!!)

 

Another of these collections is the Skopes 24/7 Mode Range which includes…

A Range of 2 Jackets, 2 Trousers and a Skirt to give you the choice of a perfect suit!!

 

Jackets…

The 24/7 Range offers the Bridgette Single Breasted Blazer. This Jacket has 4 button cuff detailing, 2 slanted hip pockets, 2 internal pockets, a full contemporary lining. It is fully darted and has a central back vent. It is also fully machine washable and has 2 Way Stretch and Teflon Coated Fabric.

The Juliette Jacket is a 3 button Single Breasted Jacket, with slanted side pockets, 2 internal pockets and a plain back. Again with 2 way stretch and Teflon fabric, it is also machine washable. Making these jackets the suit must have!

 

 

Trousers…

The Monique Bootcut Trousers are low waisted, front fastening and lined to the knee. Very smart with side pockets and the Teflon stain protection material they are very easy care.

The parallel leg trousers are the Isabelle trousers. These wide leg trousers have a front/side fastening, a deep waist with belt loops and side pockets. They are low waist and lined to the knee. Also with the Teflon stain protection material and 2 way stretch lycra.

 

Skirts…

This 24/7 mode range offers the Marie Straight Skirt, with a back zip and back vent, it is also fully lined. It has 2 way stretch lycra and Teflon stain protection material. This skirt is totally easy care!!

 

 

All of these items are available from sizes 6 to 24 and in the colours, Navy and Navy Pinstripe.

 

Look amazing with a variety of suits with this mix and match collection. Any skirt, matches any jacket which matches any of the trousers.

If this collection doesn’t take you fancy have a look at the others we have on www.lucyalice.co.uk

 

Don’t forgot to visit our Facebook Page, for more information, new products, advice and more photos.

Does your other half, female friend or family member need a good quality, hard wearing and incredibly smart suit??

Suitsmen’s little sister site has the answers for all the female suit questions.

Not only does LucyAlice stock suits, but we organise them within collections.

These collections consist of various jackets, trousers and skirts, all available in the tradition colours and pinstripes. And, they are all mix and match.

Any trousers match any jacket, which match any skirt from the same collection. (As long as they are all in the same colour of course!!)

 

One of these collections is the Asti Sophisticated Collection by Brook Taverner which includes…

A range of 6 jackets, 3 trousers, 2 skirts and a waistcoat to give you the choice of a perfect suit.

 

Jackets…

Within the jackets we have the Novara 2 Button Jacket, this single breasted jacket has a central back vent, 3 button detailing, 2 external pockets and contrasting peaked lapels. It is also fully machine washable.

TheCatania Jacket is a 3 button single breasted jacket, with no vents, 2 slanted inside pockets and 1 internal pocket. This jacket is also machine washable!

The Susa Single Breasted Jacket is a 3 button jacket. It has a curved collar and revere, mock flap pockets and 1 internal pocket. It also has no vents and is fully machine washable.

Our 1 button single breasted jacket is the Asti, it has double breasted lapels, it is edge stitched and has 2 slanted side pockets with flaps. It is machine washable with no vents and has 1 internal pocket.
A very smart and sophisticated jacket for formal occasions.

If you prefer a shorter jacket we have the Monza Short Fly-Front suit jacket. This has a 5 button front with concealed fastening. Straight side pockets with flaps. 1 inside pocket and no vents. Also fully machine washable.

We also have a long line jacket for those who prefer a longer jacket. The Avola has a 5 button front, slanted side pockets, Teflon fabric protector and a centre vent. This is also machine washable.

We have a jacket to suit every type of suit, and just because they are machine washable doesn’t take away any of their quality or professional feel.

 

 

Trousers…

The Loreto Bootleg Trousers are low waisted and light weight with a front fastening. Perfect to complete a suit.

Our flared leg trouser is the Miranda Trouser. These also have a low waist and front fastening. Mock hip pockets and 1 waistband pocket. They are lightweight and superbly tailored.

The Varese Parallel leg trouser has a low waist, front fastening, 1 waistband pocket and beltloops.

All these trousers match the jackets above in the same colours, with the same quality and superbly tailored materials.

 

 

However if trousers are not for you, have a look at the skirts…

The Numana Short Skirt has shaped back panels, seam detail, a back zip and button fastening and a centre back vent.

The Assisi Long Lined Suit Skirt is our long skirt for this collection. It has a 14” centre vent front and back and is fully lined.

 

 

To complete the look…

The Scapoli Cloth Backed Waistcoat. With a 4 button front, 2 welt pockets, centre vent and a cloth back. It finishes off any suit ensemble.

 

 

All of these items are available from sizes 6 to 24 and in the colours, Charcoal, Charcoal Pinstripe, Black, Navy and Navy Pinstripe.

 

 

Look amazing with a variety of suits with this mix and match collection. Any skirt, matches any jacket which matches any of the trousers.

 

Don’t forgot to visit our Facebook Page, for more information, new products, advice and more photos.