Posted September 5Sep 5 Ever tried on a new suit and felt… underwhelmed? Maybe it was the bargain you scored online or a department store “deal.” On the hanger, it looked sharp. But once you slipped it on, something felt off. Instead of commanding respect, it looked flat, wrinkled, and—let’s be honest—cheap. Here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend thousands to look like you did. With the right adjustments, even an affordable suit can pass for a tailored, high-end piece. In this guide, you’ll learn 15 proven ways to make a cheap suit look expensive—from tailoring and accessories to grooming and seasonal tweaks. Let’s dive in. Rule #1 – Fit Is King A $200 suit that fits will always look better than a $2,000 suit that doesn’t. The silhouette is what people notice first, not the label. Cheap suits often come boxy with extra fabric, but tailoring can solve that instantly. Shoulders: Must align with your natural shoulder line—this can’t be fixed later. Jacket length: Should cover your seat and end around your knuckles when arms hang naturally. Sleeves: End at the wrist bone, showing ¼–½ inch of shirt cuff. Trousers: Hem so they just touch the shoe or break slightly. How A Man's Suit Should Fit Rule #2 – Upgrade Your Accessories Accessories set the tone of your outfit. The right ones elevate even the cheapest suit; the wrong ones drag everything down. Belt: A high-quality leather belt that matches your shoes. Avoid oversized buckles. Watch: Choose a classic design. Flashy or oversized watches cheapen the look. Pocket square: A crisp square adds sophistication. Choose colors that complement, not match, your tie. Cufflinks: If your shirt has French cuffs, keep the links simple and elegant. These finishing touches may seem minor, but they’re often what people subconsciously notice most. Rule #3 – Shoes Make or Break the Look Your shoes are one of the first things people notice, and they can instantly reveal whether your style is polished or careless. Leather Oxfords or brogues in black or brown are timeless. Keep them polished and scuff-free. Use shoe trees to hold shape and prevent creases. Pro Tip: Spend more on shoes than the suit itself. They anchor the entire look and make your outfit appear more expensive. Men’s Leather Dress Shoe Styles Rule #4 – Choose a Quality Shirt A cheap synthetic shirt will undo all your efforts. Shiny fabrics and poor fit are dead giveaways. Fabric: Always opt for 100% cotton over polyester blends. Fit: The collar should sit cleanly, with shoulders and chest fitted—not tight, not baggy. Colors: Stick to crisp white, light blue, or subtle patterns for versatility. The right shirt frames the suit and gives you a sharper overall impression. How To Determine If A Dress Shirt Is High Quality? Rule #5 – Get the Tie Right The tie is the centerpiece of your suit. A poor tie cheapens everything else. Material: Silk ties look refined and drape better than synthetics. Pattern: Stick with stripes, polka dots, or solids. Avoid novelty or overly bold prints. Length: The tip should touch your belt buckle. Knot: Master the Windsor or Half-Windsor for balance and symmetry. A clean, well-chosen tie pulls the entire outfit together. 7 Tips To Buying A Tie | How To Buy A Quality Necktie | Details To Look For When Purchasing A Necktie Rule #6 – Grooming Is Non-Negotiable Even the best-tailored suit falls flat if the man wearing it looks unkempt. Grooming is the foundation of style. Hair: Keep it neatly trimmed and styled. Facial hair: Whether beard or clean-shaven, maintain it daily. Skin: A basic skincare routine helps you look fresh and healthy. Nails: Keep them clean and trimmed—details people do notice. The suit frames you, so make sure you look as polished as your clothes. Rule #7 – Care for the Fabric Wrinkled, dusty, or lint-covered suits look cheap—no matter the brand. Steam: Remove wrinkles; avoid ironing directly to prevent fabric shine. Lint roller: Keep fabric clean, especially dark suits. Storage: Hang on a sturdy wooden hanger and use a garment bag. Treat your suit like it cost a thousand dollars, and it will start looking like it. Rule #8 – Perfect the Small Fit Details Beyond major alterations, small tweaks add refinement. Lapels: Should lie flat against the chest without puckering. Waist: Jacket shouldn’t pull or gap when buttoned. Trousers waistband: Should fit snugly without relying on a belt. Attention to these micro-details separates “off the rack” from “tailored.” Rule #9 – Master Color Coordination A cheap suit can look sharp if styled correctly. Color harmony is key. Match shoes, belt, and watch strap. Complement shirt, tie, and pocket square without looking overly matched. Stick to versatile suit colors like navy, charcoal, or grey for maximum mileage. Cohesive color schemes always read as more expensive than mismatched ones. Color in Men's Wardrobe | How Men Use Colors | Style Video Guide Rule #10 – Add Layers for Depth Layers create dimension and give the impression of a custom look. Vest: Adds refinement and formality. Sweater: A fine-knit cardigan or crew-neck adds texture and sophistication. Layering shows intention in styling, making the outfit appear elevated. Rule #11 – Don’t Overlook Socks They seem small, but socks matter—especially when you sit and show ankle. Material: Cotton or wool—not polyester. Length: Long enough to cover calves when seated. Pattern: Stick to subtle, classic patterns. Avoid loud novelty socks. Even this detail signals attention and sophistication. Rule #12 – Inject Personal Style (Carefully) The right detail gives personality without shouting. Tie bar: A sleek, simple one works best. Lapel pin: Adds individuality when kept tasteful. Pocket square: A patterned or colored square gives flair. But keep it minimal—over-accessorizing can make the suit look cheap again. Dress Better As A Man And Develop A Signature Style Rule #13 – Smell As Good As You Look Fragrance is an invisible accessory. It enhances presence when used well. Choose a high-quality cologne suited to your personality. Apply lightly—two sprays on pulse points is enough. The goal is subtle sophistication, not overwhelming presence. A well-groomed man who smells good never comes across as cheap. How To Buy Cologne – Understand Fragrances, Signature Scents & Buy Online Rule #14 – Upgrade the Details Cheap suits often cut corners here, but you can fix that. Buttons: Replace plastic with horn or metal. Stitching: Check for loose threads and clean them up. Finishing touches: Polished, intentional details elevate perception. Quiet upgrades like these make your suit feel bespoke. Rule #15 – Dress for the Season Styling seasonally makes any suit feel more purposeful. Summer: Go lighter with fabrics, shirts, and accessories. Winter: Add wool, tweed, scarves, and leather gloves. Adapting your outfit to the season gives the impression of sophistication—even if the suit itself wasn’t expensive. Looking sharp isn’t about price tags—it’s about presentation and confidence you project. When you nail the fit, choose classic accessories, maintain grooming, and care for the small details, no one will guess your suit cost less than a weekend getaway. With these 15 steps, even the cheapest suit can look like it came from Savile Row.The post How To Make A Cheap Suit Look Expensive appeared first on Real Men Real Style. View the full article
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