LOOKING GOOD FOR LOTS LESS
— Dress Like A Fortune 500 CEO On A Mailroom Budget!
FIT
IS FOREMOST
by James F. Brown
When it comes to dressing well and looking good in what you’re wearing, proper fit is the single most important consideration. It’s more critical than quality, coordination, or accessorizing. Although it pains me to say this, you’ll look far better in a cheap outfit that fits well than in high quality attire that does not.
What constitutes proper fit? First of all, it means that your clothes must conform to your body snugly. Second,
everything you’re wearing must meet that standard. Even a single item that doesn’t fit well can blow the entire look. Loose, baggy clothing — the “fat man” fashion so popular with the young— is the most egregious example of poor fit. But clothes that are too tight also look bad. Imagine the Pillsbury Doughboy in size 0 spandex, popping out all over.
For correct fit, start with underwear. Briefs and boxers should fit comfortably. T-shirt type underwear — recommended over tank tops because they provide underarm coverage — need to fit the torso cozily.
Shirts must fit well to look good and be comfortable. With the top button fastened, you should be able to insert two fingers under the collar. If the collar’s too tight, you’ll choke and be miserable. Too loose and you’ll look like a pencil neck. Sleeves should end at your wrists, not up on the forearms or down on the palms. The shirt body should fit your torso. Too tight and the buttons will look like they’re ready to pop. Too loose and the shirt will billow and look sloppy. Whenever possible, try a shirt on before buying. If your waist is 38 inches or less, try fitted shirts. If you can wear fitted shirts, you should.
Pants need to be worn at the waist, not the hips, and you should be able to insert your hand comfortably in the waistband. Check your butt in the mirror. If pants are baggy, they’ll need to be altered. Too tight, and they’ll be uncomfortable. Try bending over and squatting down. You should be able to without fearing the pants will rip. Hem the legs for a slight break. The pants should touch the shoes without bagging.
Shoes should be comfortable, not loose or tight. Make sure your toes have enough wiggle room. Feet swell during the day, so avoid buying shoes in the morning.
It’s vital that suit and sport coats fit properly. Coat shoulders should end at your shoulders, not beyond them. A half-inch of shirt collar should show above the coat collar. There should be no “humping” in back between the shoulder blades. Your fingers should curl around the coat bottom when the arms hang down. The coat should be comfortable when buttoned, with the lapels lying flat. You should be able to pull the buttoned coat straight out no more than an inch or so from the body. More than that and it must be taken in.
Following these guidelines for proper fit will help you look great in whatever you wear.
James F. Brown is a business consultant, writer, and expert on professional attire. His e-mail address is
jfbrown@LookingGoodForLotsLess.com. copyright 2008 James F. Brown, all rights reserved.