Obviously, not every part of the world views a three-piece suit as the standard of formal wear, but a good part does. Refinery29 referenced the AskMen.com poll and posed good questions like what do over half of the world’s men wear to weddings, funerals and job interviews?
Every man does not need a closet full of suits for every occasion, a la Rusty Ryan in Ocean’s 11 who even had a picking-up-my-friend-from-jail suit, but one sturdy suit seems necessary. With many retail and wholesale suppliers offering corporate wear, why are men avoiding suits?
The main complaint is likely that suits are expensive and I have a few responses to this:
1. Many retail stores offer regular deals through online sources like Shop It To Me. It is a free newsletter that alerts you of sales up to 70 percent off.
2. Buying in bulk, like end-buyers often need to, helps lower the price.
3. Purchasing items on sale means you might not always find the right fit. Since you spent less money on the suit, splurge to have it fitted properly. A baggy or too tight suit, even if it is Armani, is far more noticeable than an inexpensive one that fits.
4. Some things are worth the money. Unless you plan on drastically altering your body in the coming months/years, having a nice suit handy is good for corporate events, weddings, interviews, etc. Plus, you can always wear the blazer separately.
All of this goes for ladies too. While suit shopping isn’t always fun, it is an essential part of entering 9 to 5 life. I remember shopping for my first suit and being slightly appalled by what was offered to women. Most women have to go up a size or two because retail stores have yet to grasp that professional women do not want to look like House’s Dr. Cuddy. Luckily, the promotional apparel industry understands the corporate, fashionable and sizing needs of women. Tri-Mountain, Broder Bros. and SanMar are just a few of the many companies to offer well-fitted styles for men and women.
To combat the lack of suiting, show your clients just how beneficial promotional corporate wear can be. Bring a checklist of the best qualities. Here’s a good start:
Most garments are stain- and wrinkle-resistant.
Companion styles give options for the whole office.
Many apparel suppliers are incorporating performance qualities in their corporate wear to increase comfort and durability.
August’s issue holds a Corporate Apparel section filled with autumn styles for men and women of the working world. Until then, search PromoMarketing.com for office styles to attempt to get the number of suitless men at least below 50 percent.
