Finding the perfect three-piece suit can be a headache for many men. Will you be able to find the right match straight off of a hanger and at an affordable price at any menswear shop? Or will you have to break the bank and pay a (somewhat intimidating) visit to a tailor in order for the suit of your dreams to fit like a glove? And when comes the time to know what fits and what doesn’t, what should you be on the lookout for?

We know finding the perfect timeless suit that’ll last you years is no small feat, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to break the bank anymore for a perfectly tailored suit. Simply follow these steps from our expert, who has provided countless gentlemen with that go-to suit for all occasions.

Picking a Tailored Suit Wisely Starts with Good Fit

Every discerning gentleman deserves a suit that fits him well, and rushing to the nearest menswear shop to buy the first suit in sight is clearly not the best course of action here.

A timeless three-piece suit need not follow the latest trends. Minimalism is the key to a classic, timeless suit. A snug fit that embraces and flatters all of your manly shapes is key to looking effortlessly dashing. Since all men are different and so many factors are coming into play here — from height, to chest and torso lengths, to shoulder broadness — going the tailor-made route has clear benefits. “People will notice a man of style and substance with great attention to detail in the perfect suit”, says Anthony Horner, owner of Empire Outlet, a company that provides luxury tailored suits at affordable prices for the modern day gentleman.

The perfect cut will fit every body type. It will elongate the shorter man, fit the tallest amongst us to perfection, slim down and hide any unwanted bulges for the self-conscious. A good tailor will know what is best for you — and if you trust them, the results will surprise you.

The Colour: A Matter of Choice, but Don’t Get Too Crazy

You may think of black as the go-to colour for your first suit, but it might be too formal or severe to fit any occasion. Instead, colours like navy blue, grey, and beige, as well as light checker patterns or pinstripes, are fantastic options. These timeless options allow a three-piece suit or any tailored suit to fit any occasion. Tweed has always been a material to consider over the years, but has recently seen a further surge in popularity. Today, it’s a modern essential in every gentleman’s wardrobe and a fantastic option to keep in mind.

The lining of your suit and colour of your tie is where you can get a little more creative. Don’t hesitate to use your tie as a fashion statement, which can give your neutral suit a more current or classic twist, depending on the occasion. As far as colours go, you could pick something that matches your eye colour, or even your partner’s outfit colour. Be creative; ties are a cheap way to jazz up an otherwise classic outfit!

Quality Fabric Makes All the Difference

To look dapper and comfortable, seek out a three-piece suit that’s 100% wool — a durable and breathable fabric. Suits made out of a blend of wool and 2%-5% of elastane for added comfort and ease of movement are also a great option. Beware, however, that some luxury fabrics, such as silk, will make the suit a lot more expensive and a lot less durable. Sticking to wool really is your best bet.

A suit made of exceptional fabric quality and craftsmanship will look straight and even when hanging, with perfectly symmetrical legs and sleeves. The seams should all look even and regular, with no bulging or ripples. Always put your suit to the hanging test!

Finding the suit of your dreams is easy if you follow these simple rules, especially as online tailored suit purchasing has come such a long way in latest years. You can now order fabric samples before committing to having the suit of your dreams made. And you may be surprised to know that such a beautiful, timeless, bespoke item doesn’t need to set you back any more than £200 to £300 from the best companies.

Make sure you take care of your perfectly tailored suit! In order for your it to remain beautiful and fresh for years to come, always make sure to hang it on a padded hanger. To keep it clean, treat it like a coat. Have it aired as often as possible, and dry cleaned only as needed.