But it’s not just about making the women look and feel fantastic, you have to look good too!

You can’t stand next to a gorgeous girl and not put any effort in for yourself.

So here at Suitsmen, we have done the searching for you and found items for every occasion. Whether you go for a completely kitted out romantic dinner, or something more casual, we’ve even covered that lovely romantic walk!

So you’re going all out…

Fancy restaurant, presents, romantic looks at each other. The entire evening is going to be perfect, so the same should go for your outfit and we believe the Skopes Chatsworth Dinner Suit is the best suit for the job.

With the satin stripe on the trousers, and worn with a wing collar shirt and bow tie, you can even wear a cummerbund. This suit will have you looking just as fantastic as your partner.

Add to this our large collection of dinner suit accessories and you will look the best you can.

Not up to the Glitz and Glam…

Don’t worry, if the bow tie and accessories isn’t for you we have got a more casual suit, that still gives the crisp, clean and extremely sophisticated look.

The Skopes grey mohair suit has flat front trousers and a 2 button jacket. Very smart and perfect for special occasions, wearing with a classic shirt and tie, you will definitely look the part.

Just a shirt…

Now if a suit isn’t for you and you prefer a smart shirt, we have chosen a couple out which we believe are perfect for these occasions. For the pinstripe look our Disley Fine Stripe shirts in blue or lilac will have you looking smart with that little bit extra from the colours available.

For something more plain, we have a wide collection of colours from Rael Brooks plain shirts, with a classic collar and colours ranging from bolds to pastels we have a shirt to suit you. (And the occasion)

Now of course you can’t just go out in a shirt…..

And if you don’t want to wear a suit the perfect alternative is one of our blazers.

The Otley Single Breasted Blazer by Brook Tavener, still has the smart and sophisticated look whilst letting you stay casual and comfortable.

But if you want something less suit like, try the Brook Taverner Salisbury Wool Jacket, with a more casual and country effect this jacket is perfect for wearing over a shirt, allowing you to look smart but be completely comfortable.

100% Wool

To really treat yourself and still look fantastic try the 100% Cologne Wool Blazer from Douglas and Grahame.

Or again for a more country look the 100% Pure New Wool Camberley Jacket by Brook Taverner, the 3 timeless colours allow you to dress for all occasions!!

The casual Date…

For those not going on the meal but prefer the more romantic walk across the countryside or just the two of you and the dog, we have found the perfect items for you…

The Skopes Country Check Casual Shirt is another that keeps the smartness flowing whilst letting you stay in your comfort style zone.

Matched with the Hucklecote Salzburg, you will look fantastic whilst walking through the country.

Or why not try the Skopes Cashmere Overcoat with a plain shirt for a walk around the town, or gardens. Still keeping you smart whilst keeping you warm!

Still not right…

Now if nothing above suits your tastes just have a look at what else we have to offer on our site, www.suitsmen.co.uk.

We have something for everyone and will have you looking fantastic on Valentines Day!!

For any help please call 01335 361287, or email, support@suitsmen.co.uk.

Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page and see our other blogs for more items!!

Especially if it’s an expensive suit.

Gadgets and advice have been put onto websites to ensure that customers can where possible buy the right size.

But sometimes a chart or estimated size doesn’t help that much at all.

There could be ‘Virtual Fitting Rooms’. Where you can see a model in ‘your’ size wearing the clothes to help you imagine what it would look like. You could even put up a picture of yourself.

But these can be complicated and frustrating if they won’t load on your computer. They are also very expensive for the company to run.

Now, putting in your size is easy enough, with the information on ‘how to’. But sometimes people do idealize their shape, pulling in their stomach when measuring around the waist. This only means the suit jacket may be tight when you finally get it.

Or standing up broad and tall when normally you have a slight slouch, this could lead to the wrong size being ordered and therefore an ill-fitting suit.

Here at suitsmen, we have clear size charts with our products telling you the back length, arm lengths and various other lengths of the items you are looking at. As well as diagrams to help you visualise what to do.

We also clearly state how to and where to measure these lengths from, so you can do it yourself at home, and all you would need is a tape measure.

Not only that, but our system also saves the sizes you have ordered. So next time when you log on, if you ordered a 44” Regular jacket and 40” Regular (31”) length trousers, then these would be highlighted for you on the products you choose.

And if you still don’t understand, or don’t know which to choose, you can just give us a call on 01335 361287 and we will help you pick the perfect size.

Our FREE delivery and FREE returns also means it doesn’t cost you anything if the suit or item is not right. (Within the UK)

For any more information or advice call 01335 361287, or email support@suitsmen.co.uk and we will help in any way we can.

Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page for more advice and suit information, or our website: www.suitsmen.co.uk, as well as our other blog entries.

Many may not have heard of Burns Night, that takes place around the 25th January, generally in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Burns Night is based around the Romantic Poet, Robert Burns.

It is a celebration of the life and work of Robbie Burns, who was the author of many Scot Poems.

The first Burns Night Supper was held in Ayrshire at the end of the 18th Century by Robert’s friends on the anniversary of his death. 21st July, they have been a regular occurrence since.

The first Burns Suppers was held on what was thought to be Robert’s Birthday, 29th January 1802. However in 1803 it was discovered in the Ayr Parish records that his birthday was actually on 25th and therefore Burns Night moved.

Even though they are most popular in Northern Ireland and Scotland, Burns Night Suppers can be held anywhere where there are Burns Clubs.

They may be formal, or informal. The informal suppers generally include haggis, Scotch Whisky and the recitation of Burns’ poetry.

The formal dinners are hosted by organisations, and occasionally end with dancing when ladies are present. However all formal dinners follow a general standard format….

Order of the Supper

1) The host says a few welcoming words and the event is declared open.

2) After the guests are seated, grace is said. It is usually the Selkirk Grace. This is a well-known thanksgiving said before meals using the Scots language. ( A link to the Grace is below)

3) The supper is then started with the soup course.

4) When the Haggis is brought in everyone stands. It is always on a large dish and is brought in by the cook. Generally a piper plays bagpipes and leads the way to the host’s table.

5) The host (or guest with talent) then recites the Address to a Haggis. (A link to the poem is below)

6) At the end of the poem a scotch whiskey toast is made and everyone goes on the enjoy the meal which is generally served with neeps (mashed swede) and tatties (mashed potatoes).

7) After the desert, cheese and coffee/whisky courses more core speeches and toasts are made.

8 ) A host gives a short speech, remembering some of Burns poetry or aspects of his life.

9) There is a Toast to the Lassies – thanking the women who prepared the meal.

10) Then the Toast to the Laddies – a reply to the Lassies toast.

11) After the speeches the work of Burns may be sung, and poems read out. This goes on for as long as the guests wish.

12) At the end of the evening (to which the host calls halt) everyone stands, joins hands and sings Auld Lang Syne.

Selkirk Grace 

Address to a Haggis

What to wear to this event…

Many would opt for the traditional Scottish Dress, which is the equivalent of the formal black tie.
Here at Suitsmen we offer a tradition Scottish Formal Outfit, as well as some well needed essentials, such as kilt socks.

We have got to have you looking your best.

To see our Scottish outfits or to learn more about the Scottish Formal/Highland Dress, please click on the link below.

Suitsmen, Scottish Highland/Formal Dress.

For more information don’t forget to visit our Facebook page, call on 01335 361287 or email support@suitsmen.co.uk

                                                HAVE A GREAT BURNS NIGHT!!!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.