The Lion King | 39
By Nonso Nduanya
LK Fashion
O
ne of the key considerations
in choosing a business suit
is the fit therefore, it is vital
that you know your body shape
and type and what suit optimally
flatters your body. Ideally, your
suit should compliment your body
type by accenting its strengths and
minimizing its weaknesses.
From a wide range of designs -
button closure, lapels, venting
of the jacket and cuts, suits are
generally categorised into: the
American suit, the European
suit and the English suit. A fair
understanding of these categories
of suits will help you in picking the
right suit for your body.
American-style suits are usually
large and best for large body
frames. Heavy-set men may
consider the single-breasted suit
with plain front trouser. Jackets with
double venting tend to conceal
the wide posteriors while sitting or
moving and are befitting for bulky
men.
European suits (particularly Italian
suits) have close cut, severe
shoulders, shorter length and are
usually single-breasted with slim-
cut trousers. These are ideal for
slim body frames, and if worn right,
can be quite sexy. However, men
with extremely lanky frames are
advised to avoid skin-tight suits.
Such men should choose slightly
loose suits, thereby adding a bit of
bulk.
An English suit, due to the
semblance to a military uniform,
tends to confer an authoritative
appearance on its wearer. They
usually have tapered sleeves,
nipped-in waist with flared skirt
and are most flattering on average
and athletic body types, especially
on tall men.
Whether you are tall or short, slim,
bulky or athletic, being mindful
of your body type makes it easier
to choose the right fit. There is no
such thing as ‘one size fits all’, so
if you buy a ready-to-wear suit
as most up and coming white
collar workers are wont to do, get
your tailor to make the necessary
amendments to achieve the best
fit.
your body type
Choosing the
right suit for
