| We usually think of a suit as being an expensive item, | | | | can be so drastic that starting out with a made to |
| but smart suits needn't cost the earth if you mix and | | | | measure can be the cheaper option. But with mix and |
| match. Long gone are the days when getting a suit | | | | match there need be no additional costs in making the |
| meant that having it made to measure was your only | | | | garments fit. You simply get a pair of trousers that fit, |
| real choice. You can still do that of course, but through | | | | and then you get a jacket that fits and that's it! |
| a flexible system commonly known as mix and match, | | | | Another way you can save money with a mix and |
| you can get pretty much the same results. | | | | match system is to buy two pairs of trousers instead |
| Mix and match can largely overcome a tradition that is | | | | of the usual one pair. This might sound like a more |
| deep-rooted in suit manufacturers. When you buy an | | | | expensive option at first glance, but it isn't really. You |
| off the peg suit, it will usually conform to the 6 inch | | | | see, the trousers get more wear and tear than the |
| drop sizes. This means that waist size of the trousers | | | | jacket does. They usually wear out first, so you end |
| is 6 inches smaller than the chest size of the jacket. | | | | up with a perfectly serviceable jacket, but a |
| For example, if the jacket is a 40 inch chest, then the | | | | somewhat ragged pair of trousers. |
| trousers will have a 34 inch waist. This works great | | | | Getting two pairs of trousers when you buy your mix |
| for all those who conform to the 6 inch drop sizing | | | | and match suits means that you will have smart suits |
| standard, but not everyone does. In fact, most of us | | | | for longer every time. You can alternate wearing the |
| probably don't. What is the answer to this dilemma? | | | | trousers between dry cleaning cycles and no one will |
| Mix and match! | | | | ever know that you don't have just one pair of |
| With a mix and match system smart suits are within | | | | trousers for that suit. |
| everyone's reach. If your waist size is a portly 44 | | | | It may seem that you can simply buy new trousers |
| inches compared to a chest size of 46 inches, mix and | | | | when one pair wears out. This is not a good idea. If |
| match. If your waist size is a skinny 30 inches | | | | you do this you will then have an old jacket and new |
| compared to a chest size of 46 inches, mix and match | | | | trousers, and that's if you manage to find new |
| again. You can get what you want and save money | | | | matching trousers as manufacturers don't keep the |
| too. | | | | same stock forever. Wearing the jacket and |
| How you can save money with this system is simply | | | | alternating the trousers regularly will mean that the |
| by not having to get the trousers or the jacket | | | | three items will wear evenly together. Smart suits |
| re-adjusted to a size that actually fits. In some cases it | | | | needn't cost the earth if you mix and match. |