The Checked Suit

With the majority of men still purchasing suits in standard shades of navy or grey, a subtle check is all you need to mark yourself out as a confident, stylish gent who is aware of the latest trends, but not a slave to them.

From windowpane to gingham, there is certainly a lot of choice on the current market – but to ensure versatility and longevity, we recommend you opt for a timeless neutral hue and a classic, muted pattern such as Prince of Wales check.

Those who don’t want to make so much of a statement should try breaking up the suit and wearing the jacket with solid colored trousers and brogues for an evening out – heritage chic at its finest. Alternatively, team your check trousers with a neutral blazer, white shirt and smart leather Derbies for dinner with the other half.

Which Pattern Should You Pick?

For those looking to invest in a suit that isn't made in a solid color, the following are classic suit patterns perfect for the season and beyond, but don't forget that you can also work these same cloth patterns into components of men's suiting without making it and actual suit; that is, sport coats, blazers and trousers. In no particular order, there are the dominant suit cloths / patterns available this year that sit at the more conservative end of the spectrum.
                                            GLEN PLAID               DAMIER CHECK
                    

A Tie Bar For Your Custom Suit

The tie bar. A quintessential menswear accessory that has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity thanks to a revitalized interest in classic men’s style. A tie bar is a small detail that can have a big impact on a look. Here’s how to wear it properly.

– Purpose: A tie bar is meant to keep your tie fastened to the placket of your shirt. It sounds obvious, but bears repeating lest a perfectly fine tie bar be attached only to a tie and simply left to swing in the breeze.

– Styles: Tie bars come in two styles: pinch clasp and slide clasp. In general, I prefer a pinch clasp as I find it holds the tie more securely and stays in place better. However, if you have a thin tie, a slide clasp may be more appropriate as many pinch clasps are made to secure thicker fabrics and may not lay flat in that situation, making the clasp visible.

– Size: A tie bar should never be wider than your tie. It should range in size between one inch and the width of your tie. 3/4 the width of the tie is just about perfect.

– Placement: A good rule of thumb is to fasten the tie bar between your third and fourth buttons, around the sternum, and just below the pectoral muscles.

– Detail: Just before fastening the tie bar, pull your tie upward to blouse it slightly. This will add a nice bit of depth and visual appeal and will also keep you from feeling constricted or like the tie bar is holding you in place.

– Angle: Always wear the tie bar perpendicular to your tie; never at an angle.

– Color: You can’t go wrong with silver. It’s classic, matches almost anything, and looks great on everyone. But if gold is your thing or you’re wearing gold accessories, then go for it: it’s always best to make sure your metals match. Avoid colorful tie bars; it will just look like you are trying too hard. As with most menswear details, a tie bar should be an accent, not the topic of conversation.

– Bonus Tip: A tie bar should not be worn with a waistcoat or cardigan. Remember, the purpose of a tie bar is to hold the tie in place. If you are wearing a waistcoat or cardigan that’s already taken care of and at that point, a tie bar just becomes unnecessary and redundant.

Make It Custom!

Make it custom. Because in this day and age, anything and everything in your closet can be customized. Options range from computerized made-to-measure ( those nifty Web sites that ask you to measure your own shoulders) to full-blown bespoke (rendered with you in mind from the first stitch). The happiest of mediums comes from BookATailor : Its made-to-measure program for suits and shirts. It is overseen by its team of tailors and craftsmen, who customize the fits and finishes to your liking. The possibilities are practically endless.

Checked Blazers For The Winter

If you don’t want to go all out with a checked suit this winter, or simply have no need for one,  we’d suggest testing the waters with a blazer. The perfect piece to take you effortlessly from day to night, a checked blazer works just as well on off-duty days as it does in the office. Ideal for when temperatures begin to plummet, a textured wool (or wool-blend) version will add some much-needed warmth to your autumn/winter ensembles. Team a tailored grey plaid jacket with a crisp pale blue shirt and black trousers to create a stylish formal contrast. A blazer is also a go-to piece for smart-casual occasions, helping to sharpen up any look instantly. For events such as this, or creative working environments with relaxed dress codes, try combining a checked tweed blazer with slim-fit indigo denim jeans; the rugged, heavyweight fabrics complement each other perfectly.

Make Women Jealous

Most men think "fashion" means a straightforward suit-and-tie look. But we don't fault guys for thinking this way -- the pressed slacks, button-up shirt and tailored jacket have long defined men's clothing, and it can get pretty boring. While women get an endless variety of skirts, dresses and even dressy pants, men get the same plain, solid colored suits their fathers wore. But it doesn't have to be that way. BookATailor offers so many styles and fabrics that will make women jealous.

What to Wear, When to wear it

Leave the Old you behind, the new you wants new suits.

         

               Certain colors are acceptable only during a certain period of time. Yellow doesn't necessarily look styling during fall or winter, just like black doesn't stand out in the summer. So, considering the fact that we are walking upon winter why not get rid of all your old dark colored suits and get a whole new set before it's to late.  All our specials are still going on but new ones will be approaching but wouldn't you much rather come get your measurements done now rather than coming in bad weather to do the whole process from the beginning. That's what i thought.

Too Hot For Pants

90 Degree Weather doesn't sound like working weather. A tank top and shorts is all everyone wants to wear, but of course that's no way to dress to an office. Here at Book A Tailor we know fashion, we know style and we know how to make you look your best even in this type of weather. Who said you must wear Suit pants with a suit coat daily? Your Boss? Well, your boss clearly doesn't know New York Summer weather. Stop wearing the same suit coats with those same pants, change your wardrobe up a bit and go some short shopping.