Five Quick Tips for Looking Cool in a Suit

by Peter White
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The humble suit can achieve a range of looks. Our bespoke tailoring inspiration ranges from traditional style icons such as Fred Astaire and the Duke of Windsor all the way to less polished figures such as James Bond, Don Draper and Luther.

Whatever look you’re trying to achieve, most stylish gentleman generally have one key thing in common. What are we talking about? They all look seriously cool in a suit.

Do you want to do the same? No problem. Below we’ve shared five quick tips for getting it right.

1. A perfect fit is vital 

Worried about looking like your dad in a suit? One surefire way to make sure you do is to step out in a suit that doesn’t fit you. Make your suit your own by working with a great tailor who will ensure the fit is perfect. 

2. Never button the bottom button

Tongue twister or style mantra? Either way, leave your bottom button alone. Looking for bonus points? Make sure you undo all your buttons whenever you sit down. 

3. Co-ordinate your accessories

No matter how gorgeous your suit, if you’ve paired it with novelty socks, a sports watch, an anorak or a beanie hat you’re unlikely to be doing it justice. 

4. If you’re wearing a tie, get it right

The end of your tie should sit at the top of your trouser waistband, no shorter, no longer. 

5. Understand that it’s all about confidence

Seriously, trust us on this one. Yes, fit, shape, style and trend are all important things to bear in mind, but true coolness comes from within. Simply put: if you truly believe you look cool, then you probably do. 

Want more tips on dressing well? Sign up for our free email course: Improve Your Wardrobe in Five Days.

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Considering Bespoke?

Every commission begins with a conversation. Here are answers to some of the questions we're often asked.

Business suits start from £999 for single or double breasted, and from £1,299 for a three-piece with waistcoat. Wedding suits start from £999, averaging around £1,500 depending on cloth and detailing.

The standard turnaround is 10 weeks from first fitting to collection. An express service is available in 5 weeks for an additional fee.

Yes. Alongside the York and London showrooms, Mullen & Mullen serves Sheffield and Manchester by arrangement, with fittings available at a client's home or office.

An independent, family-run business with over 50 years of combined experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on exceptional value: quality that speaks for itself without the inflated price tag. Fittings are in person and unhurried, built around a conversation about how a garment should look, fit, and feel, from a standout velvet jacket to a quietly sharp business suit.

The York showroom is at Unit 3, Middlethorpe Business Park, Sim Balk Ln, YO23 2BD, open by appointment Monday to Saturday, 9:30–5:30.

The London showroom is at 35 Sackville Street, Mayfair, W1S 3EG, open by appointment only.

Yes. Fittings can take place at a client's home or office instead of a showroom, at no extra call-out fee.

Bespoke shirts start from £180, made from English and European mill cloths with a choice of over 60 collar and cuff styles.

A bespoke suit is cut to a client's own measurements rather than a standard size, through a multiple-fitting process designed to get the fit right before it's finished. Cloth, lining, buttons, and detailing are all chosen individually rather than fixed in advance.

This individual approach also means better quality and longevity. A bespoke suit is made to fit and move with you, making it a garment built to last for years, not seasons.

Yes, alongside our bespoke suits, we also make bespoke shirts, overcoats, velvet dinner jackets, and shooting attire. Whatever the garment, the same approach applies: an unhurried, in-person fitting process built around getting the look, fit, and feel exactly right.