Graduation Prom / Graduates: Find the Perfect Suit – 8 Golden Rules

1: Trends and Cuts

Since fashion evolves from season to season, trends have changed, even for prom suits. In recent years, suits have been worn closer to the body. If you’ve never worn this clothing, you might initially find it a bit uncomfortable. However, remember that fabrics are now more stretchable to ensure ease of movement—perfect if you plan to dance for hours!

2: The Timeless Black Suit

If colors don’t appeal to you or if you prefer a more discreet and chic look, the black suit is your best choice. Pair it with a white or light gray shirt, a subtle tie, or a bow tie, and don’t forget a pocket square in your jacket pocket. You’ll effortlessly achieve a James Bond-inspired look. Plus, you can always wear the jacket with a T-shirt and jeans for future occasions like your graduation ceremony.

3: The Right Suit and Dress Shirt Size

There are many price ranges for suits, but if it’s not the right size, it can quickly look like you borrowed it from your dad or uncle. Choosing a model designed for young men and their body shape is essential.

Remember to tuck your shirt into your pants. It should fit close to your body and not create a bunching or bulging effect around your waist. To check if the collar fits properly, make sure there is about a finger’s width of space between your neck and the collar. A solid shirt is a classic, versatile choice, but with all the options available today, you might be tempted by a subtle micro-pattern or even a bolder design.

4: Adjustments to the Jacket and Pants

Don’t worry if the suit that caught your eye doesn’t fit perfectly on the first try. It’s common to need a few alterations to ensure it matches your body shape. A tailor or seamstress can adjust the sleeve length, taper the back if required, work on the waist or crotch area of the pants, shorten the hems, and more.

Nowadays, men’s suit jacket sleeves are worn shorter, ending at the wrist bone, allowing about 1/4 inch of the shirt cuff to show. This also highlights a nice watch or bracelet on your wrist.

Your pants, on the other hand, should rest just above your shoes. They should create a slight break on top of your shoe for a classic length. If you want to follow modern trends, the hem of your pants should sit at your ankle, revealing your stylish socks. Depending on the type of shoes you wear, you might even go sockless!

5: The Two-Button Suit is the Best Choice

The standard choice is a suit jacket with two buttons. Trust our experience—it’s the style that stands the test of time! You might come across double-breasted jackets or three-button models while shopping. However, these styles are bolder and less timeless.

6: The right accessories: bow tie, tie, and pocket square

No matter which suit and shirt you choose, what will set you apart from other graduates is your accessories. A neutral bow tie or one with fun patterns, a floral tie, a silk pocket square, elegant cufflinks… this is your moment to have fun and choose combinations that reflect your personality. The pocket square no longer has to match your bow tie or tie. Professionals can guide you in your choices, but you have the final say.

7: The Belt Matches the Shoes

Good news: this year, your choice of footwear isn’t limited to classic dress shoes. While they’re still very popular, more casual styles (including popular Converse sneakers) can be considered—as long as they’re perfectly clean. It just goes to show that you can have style without compromising your comfort! That said, don’t forget to match your shoes with an appropriate belt. Since you’ll be tucking your shirt into your pants, you’ll need to choose a nice belt to go with it. Be careful not to look for a cognac belt that perfectly matches the exact shade of your shoes—natural leathers can vary slightly in tone. Just stay within the same color family. Want to wear sneakers to prom? Simply choose a more casual, stretchable belt, and you’re all set.

8: Create beautiful memories, with or without a date

There was a time when prom was the perfect occasion to ask your “crush” to accompany you to this special evening. You would then make sure your date had a small color or accessory detail to create the perfect match for official photos. Today, you can go alone, with friends, or with someone you love.

No matter what your outfit looks like, the most important thing is to be yourself. Your prom is a special moment—a milestone, an achievement! Be proud, smile, and fully enjoy the results of your efforts. After all, you’ll only experience this moment once.

Have an amazing prom!

Ernest Stores congratulate you on this achievement and offer you an exclusive promotion. Visit our graduation section to learn more—and once again, congratulations!!!

Find the nearest Ernest store for your graduation outfit.