Joe Button Suit Tips for Dads

Joe Button Suit Tips for Dads

You may have heard of the dad bod as the latest trend for men. It's that cuddly, unpretentious physique sported by the likes of Hollywood heartthrobs Jason Segel and Leonardo DiCaprio, favouring a gentle paunch and cuddly torso over tree trunk arms and rippling abs.

Online tailor Joe Button is encouraging women to celebrate the dad bod this Father's Day with clothes that make the man in your life feel special.

'Hiding behind baggy t-shirts and loose hoodies really doesn't do the dad bod credit. If you want your father or partner to feel good about themselves, a shirt or suit that flatters his larger physique in all the right places is a sure-fire way to make him feel like a million bucks," said Modi Song, co-founder at Joe Button.

While fit is important for all body shapes, Ms Song says men with a bit of meat on their bones tend to dress in clothes that are far too big for them in the hopes it will hide their larger frame – not realising that it actually makes them look bigger.

'The trick is to find garments that rest lightly on their bodies without too much tugging and pulling. As a general rule of thumb, you should be able to fit a fist in between their torso and the shirt or jacket lapel. Finding the perfect fit can be difficult, however, as something that fits well across their shoulders may not fit their waist," said Ms Song.

Lightweight fabrics are a better choice for dad bods over thicker cloths that add bulk and hug any unflattering lines. A smooth, lightweight wool drapes across the torso nicely and makes a man look slimmer. Clothes that frame the body, such as suits, blazers and sports clothes are preferable for dad bods over figure-hugging tees.

If you want to do something extra-special this year, nothing makes a man feel like a Hollywood hunk better than a custom-tailored suit, especially for those with a dad bod, who'll have a harder time finding a well-fitting suit off the rack.

'A tailored suit is the perfect present for the man in your life, whether for Father's Day or any other occasion. It's thoughtful, highly personal, and if properly taken care of, can last for decades," said Melissa Lee, co-founder of Joe Button.

'There's a misconception that a high-quality tailored suit sets you back four figures, but our suits start at an affordable $600. That's less than what you'd pay for an entry-level iPad Air 2, and if you look at it from the perspective of the years of use you'll get out of the former, it's definitely the smarter investment," said Ms Lee.

Joe Button has the following advice for purchasing suits for men with dad bods:

1)    Choose a single-breasted suit: Double-breasted suits hug the entire mid-section, and if there's a bit of beer belly action happening, the jacket will gape open at the front unflatteringly.

2)    Select a two- or three-button suit: These are preferable over a one-button suit, which accentuates the mid-section.

3)    Avoid super skinny or super wide lapels: While these might be trendy at the moment, you're best off getting the lapel width custom-made to suit your chest size.

4)    Go with the double vent: This is a suit jacket option that will give you more room to move.

5)    Consider pleated pants: Pleats are a little old-fashioned, but they do give you a little more wriggle room. It's far better to have something that fits you well versus going with whatever's trendy at the moment, especially if it's impractical for your body shape.

6)    Opt for the vest: Vests are perfect for dad bods. Never mind that they add that extra bit of class to the overall ensemble, they also hide and smooth out the middle section.

7)    Look for darker solid colours or textured solids: Navy, charcoal or grey are the best colours for dad bods, as the darker colours have a slimming effect. Avoid large check patterns, as these make you look larger. Some stripes are okay, such as skinny or pin stripe as again, these have a slimming effect.

To receive a Joe Button shirt or suit in time for Father's Day, orders need to be placed by 19 August. Customers can either input their measurements via the website (www.joebutton.com) or book in for a visit at the Sydney showroom for a complimentary fitting:http://www.joebutton.com/showroom/.

'We're set up so that you can order shirts and suits via the website no matter where you are using an off-the-rack size or entering your own measurements.  But the Sydney showroom experience is highly recommended if you're in the area. You'll be able to browse through our fabric selection in person, get tips from our professional stylists, and also browse through our accessory range that consists of bow ties, cufflinks, lapel pins and pocket squares," said Ms Song.