Everyone likes to dress down at work from time to time. A trend that started in the states was brought across the pond in the late 90’s by companies like American accounting giant Arthur Andersen, who made a big deal about the psychological benefits of bridging between work and the weekend. For those of us who experienced that trend, it was a big change as well as a big headache for a lot of men, who had for years hidden their casualwear shame from their work colleagues in favour of a trusty (and often crusty) suit. Quite frankly, some of the specimens that emerged from behind desks during that time, held a mirror to the sorry contents of some men’s casual wardrobes!

Not so, for Racing Green’s fine followers. We know how it’s done and we like what we see in the mirror. And we’ll be showing you what we think in a couple of weeks, when we review smart casual dressing, in time for the Christmas outings.

However, that’s not the reason for this message. In fact we are putting pixel to paper in support of THE SUIT.

Apparently it takes around SIX SECONDS for someone meeting you for the first time, to form a first impression about you and, as the saying goes, “ First impressions last”. That’s why we love our smart clothes as much as our casuals. We don’t believe that you necessarily need to have a collection of casual clothes that blurs and morphs into a formal suit. Sometimes it’s better to have good clear separation between your really casual kit and your work and occasion wardrobe.

Some folk may believe that all suits are much the same, but we can confirm that not all suits are made equal. The style and the fit of a suit is essential to the final impression. You wouldn’t dream of heading off to work without a wash or shave in the morning, so why should your suit look like you just got out of bed!

Here are some tips, to make sure that one of your most expensive items of clothing does the job you want:

1. If you’ve had a suit for more than a couple of years, it’s probably time for a change. Look at it in the mirror and if it looks as though the lapels have dropped and the shoulders are tired, then it’s time for a change. Check the trouser pockets and if they look like you could strain vegetables through them, replace urgently – and this time buy a second pair of trousers with your suit, so you can “rest” a pair and get more use from the outfit. We sell our tailoring as separates, so it’s as simple as changing the quantity when you add to the basket.
2. Check your size and fit. For a ready made suit, this mainly involves your chest, waist, sleeve and leg lengths. We offer different lengths, so you should be able to get a close fit and if you really want to get it perfect, there are tailors who can even tweak the length, to suit your shoes.
   Important: - Don’t kid yourself about your size. We all change shape and a tight fitting suit will look tired in no time at all. A suit should be both draped & tailored on the body. It’s not built to hold you in.
3. Never wear dirty shoes. This is bordering upon criminal activity, for the Racing Green man and if you ask any influential man or woman, what is the most obvious sign of good grooming, they will tell you – The Shoes. Clean and in good condition. The good news is that we have an amazing brogue that will speak volumes about your taste and breeding. If you don’t own a pair, then try some. They will make you look good and feel even better.
4. Keep a good assortment of shirts and replace them when they get tired. If you wear a shirt once a week for work, you should expect to replace it after six months. That way it won’t look discoloured and buying a fresh new one will liven up your suit. Most of us take our jackets off most of the day, so your shirt’s the thing that people see. Keep your shirt collection moving.
5. One final thing – The Tie. Do you go with or without? The answer depends on the occasion. Open neck is great, if you have the right shaped collar (and we do)– cutaway collar is best, but if you have a more formal meeting, a review or a job interview – WEAR A TIE. it’s a symbol of respect for the occasion and the person you’re meeting and it will not go unnoticed. The smallest item in your wardrobe, with the biggest impact.

 

Words by Craig Ferriday