What to Wear By SuitsMen

Normally it’s about showering the women in your lives with gifts, making them feel exceptional and taking that amazingly beautiful lady out to dinner or on that special romantic walk.

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!!

The aspect of buying something without being able to handle it, feel the material, try it on for size and get different opinions puts many off buying clothing off the internet.

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.

Brief History

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.

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.

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.

Until midnight on the 3rd February 2012 we are holding a prize draw competition for our customers.

What do you win?

• If your name is one of the first three to be chosen you win a Classic Skopes Suit.

This can be a two piece suit, a three piece suit or even just the jacket. The choice is entirely up to you.

• If you are chosen within the next 7 names, you can choose from either a Skopes Watch or Skopes Umbrella.

The Umbrella is a large classic black umbrella with a push opening and lightweight carbon fibre handle.

There is also a choice of two different watches, one with a leather strap and buckle fastening, and one with a metal strap and clasp fastening.

How to enter?

All you have to do is simply purchase a Skopes product worth £25 or more and you will automatically be entered into the prize draw.

The winners will be notified by 17th February 2012.

If you don’t want the Skopes suit for yourself how about winning one for your other half.

Find her a Skopes suit on our sister site www.lucyalice.co.uk

                                                                                 GOOD LUCK!

For more information on the prizes visit www.suitsmen.com

Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page or more information about Suitsmen and our products.