A suit should do quiet work. At its best, it creates balance, confidence and authority without drawing attention to itself. Yet many of the mistakes men make when wearing suits are not dramatic or obvious; they are subtle details that undermine the overall effect.

This guide breaks down the most common errors we see, from proportion and fit through to accessories and finishing touches. Addressing these details will not only help you look better dressed, but will make building outfits simpler, more intuitive and more enjoyable.

Below, you’ll find the accompanying video, followed by a written breakdown of each point so you can refer back, revisit specific sections, and apply them practically to your own wardrobe.

1. Getting Proportions Wrong Between Lapels and Ties

One of the quiet fundamentals of good tailoring is proportion. When the elements of an outfit are in balance, everything feels calm and intentional; when they are not, the eye senses something is off, even if it is hard to pinpoint why.

A slim-lapelled jacket works best with a slimmer tie and a more restrained knot, while broader lapels can comfortably support a tie with a little more substance. Always aim for harmony rather than contrast between these elements.

2. Wearing Overly Large Tie Knots

Tie knots are often chosen out of habit, but their scale matters more than most realise. Larger knots can overwhelm smaller collars and finer jackets, drawing attention away from the suit itself.

A well-balanced knot should sit neatly into the collar and create a gentle dimple rather than a bulky mass of fabric. It's a small adjustment that instantly makes the whole outfit feel more refined.

3. Choosing the Wrong Shirt and Tie Contrast

A suit looks most flattering when there is clear separation between layers. A lighter shirt against a darker suit creates clarity and sharpness, while a darker tie anchors the look and adds authority.

Pale ties worn against darker shirts tend to feel theatrical and dated. Keeping the hierarchy clear: suit darkest, shirt lightest, tie in between or darker, produces a cleaner, more timeless result.

4. Wearing a Matching Tie and Pocket Square

Matching sets are often sold as an easy solution, but they tend to feel overly deliberate once worn. A pocket square works best when it introduces contrast, perhaps picking up a colour from the shirt, the jacket, or even the overall mood of the outfit.

This approach adds depth and individuality, while still looking considered rather than decorative.

5. Over-Tailoring the Jacket

There is a common misconception that a well-tailored suit should feel tight. In reality, a good jacket should allow you to move comfortably and carry daily essentials without strain.

If the fabric pulls across the chest or waist, or the lapels begin to bow when buttoned, it is usually a sign that the jacket is working too hard. A little ease almost always looks better and feels better too.

6. Wearing a Loose or Careless Tie

A tie does not need to be worn often, but when it is, it deserves attention. A loose knot or collapsed collar can make an otherwise smart outfit feel unfinished.

If you prefer a relaxed look, leaving the tie off entirely is often the cleaner option. If you choose to wear one, taking a moment to tie it neatly makes a noticeable difference.

7. Obsessing Over Perfect Tie Length

There is plenty of advice around tie length, much of it overly precise. While extremes should be avoided, a tie does not need to land on an exact point to look correct.

A sensible length that feels proportionate to your jacket and trousers is usually sufficient, allowing you to focus on the overall look rather than rigid rules.

8. Pairing Business Suits with Jeans

Not all tailoring is designed to work as separates. Fine business suits, particularly those in smooth or plain cloths, can look mismatched when worn with denim.

If versatility is important, choosing jackets with texture or more casual fabrics makes styling far easier and more natural.

9. Neglecting Sleeve Length

Sleeve length is one of the simplest details to refine, yet it has a disproportionate impact. Showing a modest amount of shirt cuff, roughly a finger’s width, helps frame the hand and adds polish to the outfit.

It is also one of the easiest adjustments a tailor can make, making it well worth addressing.

10. Wearing the Wrong Jacket Length

Jacket length plays a significant role in how balanced an outfit feels. When it is noticeably too long or too short, the proportions of the body can appear distorted.

Classic lengths endure because they work across body types and occasions, creating a clean, flattering line.

11. Compromising on Shoulder Fit

The shoulder is the foundation of a jacket. When it fits well, the rest of the garment falls naturally into place.

While other elements can often be adjusted, shoulder fit is best addressed at the point of purchase, making it a key area to prioritise when choosing a suit.

12. Wearing High V-Neck Knitwear with Suits

Layering knitwear with tailoring can be practical and elegant when done thoughtfully. However, very high V-neck sweaters can expose too much knitwear and disrupt the jacket’s lines.

Lower V-necks or fine cardigans tend to integrate more seamlessly, adding warmth without competing for attention.

13. Treating Socks as an Afterthought

Socks are rarely noticed when chosen well and immediately noticed when they are not. Ensuring they are long enough to cover the leg when seated helps maintain a clean, uninterrupted line.

Good hosiery quietly supports the overall impression of care and consideration.

14. Wearing a Smartwatch with a Suit

Smartwatches are undeniably practical, but their aesthetic can clash with classic tailoring. Traditional watches tend to complement the materials, proportions and longevity associated with suits more naturally.

It is a small choice that subtly reinforces the overall mood of the outfit.

15. Leaving Labels and Basting Intact

Many suits arrive with small details that are intended purely for transport and presentation. Sleeve labels, loose stitching at the vents, or temporary threads on pockets are there to help the garment hold its shape in store and in transit, rather than to be worn long-term.

If you are new to tailoring, these details are easy to miss and are rarely explained clearly at the point of purchase. Before wearing a new suit, it is worth taking a moment to check for any temporary stitching or labels and carefully remove them, or ask a tailor to do so for you.

16. Buttoning Jackets Incorrectly

Jackets are designed to button in a specific way to maintain their shape. On a two-button jacket, fastening only the top button allows the fabric to drape correctly.

Double-breasted jackets typically look more composed when worn buttoned, though the lowest button is still best left undone.

17. Wearing an Overcoat That Is Too Short

Outerwear should work in harmony with tailoring. An overcoat that fully covers the jacket beneath it creates a clean, intentional finish.

Longer coats also tend to feel more elegant and balanced, particularly when worn over suits.

18. Leaving Trouser Pockets Unfastened

Buttoned hip pockets are designed to remain closed. Leaving them open can make trousers look untidy and disrupt their line.

Keeping them fastened is a simple habit that helps maintain a polished appearance.

19. Overloading Pockets

Suits are designed to carry essentials, but weight and distribution matter. Heavy items can distort the fabric and compromise the silhouette.

Spreading items across jacket pockets and keeping trouser pockets light helps preserve the shape of the suit throughout the day.

20. Misplacing Accessories

Accessories should support the outfit rather than dominate it. If you wear a tie bar, positioning it lower on the tie and keeping it proportionate ensures it looks purposeful rather than decorative.

As with most elements of tailoring, subtlety tends to age best.

21. Neglecting Creases, Shoes and Bags

Sharp trouser creases, clean shoes and appropriate bags all signal care and attention. Shoes should generally be darker than the suit and kept well.

When carrying heavier items, avoiding shoulder straps over tailored jackets helps preserve their structure and longevity.