Suits: the Quality Checklist
Whether you are just beginning to build your first core wardrobe, or whether you have a closet full of suits, it's a good idea to review this Quality Checklist when you shop to be sure that you are getting your money's worth. A suit that is ill-made or does not fit properly will not help you present the image you want to present to the world. You are not likely to wear such a suit often, even if you can't put your finger on just what is wrong with it. The badly-made suit will gradually move to the back of your closet, where it will take up room without adding to your style repertoire.
When you are shopping for a suit, be sure to look for these items:
- The Fabric Whatever fabric your suit may be made of, it should not feel overly stiff or heavy. It should have a flexible, yielding "hand" or feel to it, and should drape well without being flimsy or cheap.
- The Lapels Your lapels should not have any evidence of wrinkling, and have a slight roll or curve where they fold away from the suit.
- The Lining Don't waste your money on a suit jacket that is not fully lined. A well-tailored lining will hang smoothly about 1/4 inch above the bottom edge of the coat.
- The Pattern If your jacket is made of a patterned fabric such as a pinstripe or a windowpane plaid, check that the patterns line up at the pockets and on the back where the collar meets the back of the coat.
- About Those Pockets... Make sure they hang nice and smooth without any bunching or wrinkles.  And please...empty them out when you take off the suit!
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Keep this checklist in mind when you are shopping and you can protect yourself from wasting your bank account on an unworthy suit.
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