How To Buy Vintage Suits Online

Suits are essential in any modern man’s wardrobe. They’re great for many occasions from interviews to office parties, weddings or just every day in the office. Buying a brand new suit can set you back which is why going vintage or second-hand for your suits can be a penny-saving option with the added benefit of being environmentally-friendly. As connoisseurs of second-hand and vintage clothing, we have come up with some tips and tricks for you when buying a vintage suit online:

Know How To Measure Yourself For A Vintage Suit

Knowing your measurements when shopping online saves you a lot of hassle and time. When browsing Messina Hembry you will be able to understand the true size of the suits as we meticulously take their measurements. We include armpit to armpit, armpit to cuff, length of the collar to the hem, and waist measurements on all our listings. You can take your measurements yourself or find a tailor for a more accurate reading. A quick tip for self-measuring: measure your waist and the waist of your favourite pair of comfortable trousers and compare the measurements to find your ideal fit.

Find The Best Fitting Suit

Suits typically come in three different fits and knowing the shape that suits you will take you from shabby to sharp and suave.

The Classic Suit

This is the more traditional suit out of the three. With a looser (but not baggy) fit, there is room for the shoulders and body.

The Modern Suit

This suit has a slim silhouette but still has room in the body. It meets in the middle of the classic suit and slim fit suit.

The Slim Suit

Slim fit suits follow the contours of your body and show off your physique. This fit is popular at the moment. If you aren’t sure about what kind of fit you’d like you can always order in a size larger and get it tailored. Even buying a vintage suit and getting alterations can be cheaper than buying a suit new!


A Quick Guide On How A Suit Should Fit

While buying a vintage or second-hand suit can save you money it will most likely need some alterations to fit you perfectly. If you are lucky you might find a suit that was made for you and won’t need to be changed. Here is a quick guide on how suits should fit:

Shoulders

  • The shoulders should be snug enough to give you a straighter posture.
  • Shoulder pads should sit flush with your arms and shouldn’t go past the shoulder when buttoned up.

    Lapels

  • The inside lapel should lay flat. If there is a gap, the jacket is too tight around the waist or chest.

    Chest

  • The jacket should sit comfortably from armpit to armpit and across the torso.
  • There should be no gaping or pulling. Like the lapels, the chest should sit flat.

    Sleeves

  • To have sleeves that are just right they shouldn’t gape or sag with excess material or be too wide.

    Cuffs

  • The cuffs should graze the wristband of your shirt.
  • The shirt should be visible by one centimetre.

    Buttons

  • Another element that should sit flat on your torso without a gape or pull.

    Trousers

  • Trousers should be fitted at the waist.
  • Use the two finger rule with your waist can ensure a perfect fit that isn’t too tight or too loose.
  • The bottom of your trousers should sweep the top of your shoe.


    The Finishing Touches To Your Vintage Suit

    Now that you have your suit you need to complete the look. This can be achieved with accessories like watches, pocket squares, ties, belts and shoes. However, to really complete the look you need a sharp shirt and nothing can complement a vintage suit more than a vintage shirt. We carry a range of shirts including vintage Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker and more - all at affordable prices. You can check out our collection of vintage shirts here.

    So what are you waiting for? Check out our collection of men’s vintage suits & tailoring including brands like Hugo Boss, Jaeger and Paul Smith. Happy hunting!
    • December 21, 2018
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