FAQs – Miltons - The Store for Men

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FAQs

Tailored
Sportswear
Shoes
Maintenance
Tailored
What color suit should I get for a first-time or versatile purchase?

For your first suit, solid navy or charcoal grey are excellent choices because they offer maximum versatility for weddings, interviews, business, and formal events. Visit any Milton’s location in Braintree, Chestnut Hill, or Burlington to try on different colors and fits and find the style that works best for you.

What’s the difference between buying and renting a suit?

Please note that Milton’s does not offer rental options. Buying gives you a customized fit and a suit you can wear again and again, while renting is typically a one-time option with more limited sizing flexibility. At Milton’s, we offer suits starting at $150, which can often be less expensive than renting. Stop by one of our stores to explore options at different price points and find a suit that fits both your budget and your needs.

How do I measure my suit size?

Your chest circumference, sleeve length, and jacket length are key measurements when determining your suit size. Measure your chest circumference under your arms, your sleeve length from the center back of your neck to your wrist, and your jacket length from the collar base down. While you can take these measurements yourself, a professional fitting is the best way to ensure the right size and fit. Visit any Milton’s location in Braintree, Chestnut Hill, or Burlington—no appointment necessary—and our team can measure you, help determine your ideal fit, and show you our current suit selection.

How do I measure my shirt size?

Your shirt size is based primarily on your neck and sleeve measurements. Wrap a tape measure around the base of your neck for the collar size, and measure from the back center of your neck down, across your shoulders to your wrist for the sleeve length. For the most accurate fit, stop by any Milton’s location and let our team measure you professionally. We can help you find the right collar, sleeve length, and fit while showing you our current selection of dress and casual shirts.

How far in advance should I get a suit for an event?

We recommend starting at least 4 to 6 weeks before your event to allow time for selecting your suit, shipping if needed, and professional tailoring. Need something sooner? Milton’s also offers suit separates, where the jacket and pants are purchased separately and the pants come already hemmed and ready to wear. Some suit separates may still require minor alterations, such as shortening a sleeve or adjusting pant length. Visit one of our stores and our team can help you find an option that works with your timeline.

Can you alter a suit if I lose or gain weight?

Yes. A tailor can often adjust the waist, seat, and jacket side seams. Major weight changes of more than one or two sizes may make the shoulders too large or small to alter successfully. Not sure if your suit can be saved? Bring it into your nearest Milton’s location. Our tailoring team can assess the garment, pin it for you, and explain which alterations are worthwhile.

What should I wear to a summer wedding?

For a summer wedding, look for lightweight, breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton, or tropical wool. Lighter shades like tan, light grey, soft blue, and other seasonal tones are great choices depending on the dress code. Because fabric weight, texture, and color are best experienced in person, visit a Milton’s store to try on different options. Our team can help you build the entire look; from your suit and shirt to your tie, pocket square, and shoes.

What should I wear to a winter wedding?

Choose heavier fabrics such as wool, tweed, or flannel in richer colors like deep navy, charcoal, burgundy, or forest green. Stop by Milton’s in Braintree, Chestnut Hill, or Burlington to explore seasonal suiting, dress shirts, shoes, and outerwear and let our team help you put together a complete cold-weather wedding look.

What should I wear to an evening wedding?

Lean toward more formal attire, such as a dark charcoal or black suit, or a tuxedo if the invitation calls for black tie. If you’re unsure about the dress code, bring the invitation into one of our stores and our team can help you determine the appropriate level of formality.

What should I wear to a daytime wedding?

A medium-to-dark grey or navy suit paired with a lighter dress shirt and tasteful tie creates a polished daytime wedding look. For warmer-weather weddings, lighter fabrics and seasonal colors can also work well. Visit Milton’s to try different combinations and find the right look for your event.

Why are the pockets sewn shut?

Suit jacket pockets are often basted shut during manufacturing to help maintain the jacket’s structure and crisp shape while it is on the rack. Our team can remove the temporary stitching for you or show you how to do it properly.

How much shirt cuff should show under my jacket?

Aim for approximately one-half inch of shirt cuff to show past the end of your jacket sleeve. A professional fitting can help ensure your jacket and shirt sleeves are proportioned correctly.

What’s the difference between a nested suit and a suit separate?

A nested suit comes packaged with a jacket and matching pants in a fixed size ratio. Suit separates allow you to purchase the jacket and pants individually, making them a great option when you need different sizes on top and bottom. Visit Milton’s to see which option gives you the best fit.

What’s the difference between a sportcoat and a blazer?

A sportcoat is traditionally more textured, relaxed, or patterned, while a blazer is typically a solid color and may feature distinctive buttons. Both are versatile alternatives to a traditional suit jacket and can be styled with dress trousers, chinos, or even jeans.

What does “black tie optional” actually mean?

Black tie optional means a tuxedo is encouraged, but a dark, formal suit with a conservative dress shirt and tie is also acceptable. If you’re unsure what to wear, our team can help you choose an appropriate look based on the event.

What is cocktail attire?

Cocktail attire is a polished middle ground between casual and formal. For men, this typically means a well-fitted suit or sportcoat and trousers, a dress shirt, and dress shoes, with a tie depending on the event. Visit Milton’s and we can help you build a cocktail look that feels polished without being overly formal.

Do I need a suit or just a sportcoat?

A full suit is the better choice for formal business settings, weddings, and galas. A sportcoat paired with trousers or chinos is ideal for smart-casual dinners, dates, rehearsal dinners, and more relaxed office environments. If you’re unsure which direction to go, stop by one of our stores and our team can help you choose based on the event.

Can I wear a suit jacket with jeans?

Yes, but choose a more casual or textured jacket, such as a sportcoat, rather than a formal suit jacket. Pair it with clean, dark denim for a polished look. Visit Milton’s to explore sportcoats that are designed to work with both dressier and casual pieces.

When do I wear a 2-piece suit versus a 3-piece suit?

A 2-piece suit is the standard choice for business, weddings, and most events. A 3-piece suit adds a vest for extra formality, traditional weddings, special occasions, or cooler weather. Our team can help you determine which option best suits your event and personal style.

Can I wear a suit without a tie?

Yes. Going tieless can work well for modern and more relaxed events. Keep your dress shirt clean and pressed and leave only the top collar button or two undone. If you're unsure whether a tieless look is appropriate, bring your event details into Milton’s and we can help you put together the right level of formality.

Can I wear a patterned shirt with a patterned tie?

Yes, as long as the patterns vary in scale. For example, a micro-check shirt can work well with a broader striped tie. Our team can help you coordinate patterns, colors, and accessories when you shop in store.

Can I wear suspenders with a belt?

No. Suspenders and belts serve the same purpose, so choose one or the other. Suspenders can be a great way to add personality to a formal or wedding look.

Do I have to wear a dress shirt with a suit?

Traditionally, a dress shirt is the standard choice. For more modern or casual styling, a fine-knit merino wool sweater or high-quality crewneck can also work depending on the suit and occasion. Visit Milton’s to explore different ways to style your suit.

Can I wear a suit with sneakers?

You can for fashion-forward or casual events. If you choose sneakers, keep them minimalist, clean, and preferably leather in white or another neutral color. Our team can help you find the right balance between polished and casual.

How should a suit fit?

A properly fitted suit should follow your natural body shape without pulling at the buttons, bunching at the back, or restricting your movement. The shoulders and chest are especially important because these areas are more difficult to alter. Visit Milton’s for a professional fitting and let our team help you find the right cut for your frame.

What’s the difference between slim, modern, contemporary, and classic fits?

Slim fits are closer to the body with a more streamlined silhouette. Modern or contemporary fits offer a tailored appearance with additional comfort and room, while classic fits provide a more traditional cut with more room throughout. Trying on different fits in person is the best way to determine which works for your body and personal style.

How should a suit actually fit on the shoulders and chest?

The jacket shoulder seam should end where your natural shoulder ends, without drooping or extending beyond your arm. The chest should lie flat without puckering or pulling when the jacket is buttoned. A professional fitting at Milton’s can help identify the right size and determine whether tailoring is needed.

When shopping in store, do you handle alterations in-house and how much does it cost?

Yes! Milton’s offers in-house tailoring services at our stores. Pricing varies depending on the specific alterations needed, so you only pay for the tailoring your garment requires rather than having the cost built into the price of the suit. Visit your nearest Milton’s location to have your garment assessed and receive guidance on the alterations needed for the best fit.

Are these performance fabrics or traditional wool?

Performance fabrics typically blend traditional fibers with synthetic stretch materials for benefits such as wrinkle resistance, stretch, and breathability. Traditional wool offers classic structure, drape, breathability, and durability. The best choice depends on how and where you plan to wear the garment. Visit Milton’s to feel and compare different fabrics in person.

Sportswear
What can I wear instead of a full suit for a “business casual” or “cocktail” dress code?

A tailored sportcoat with crisp chinos or dress trousers, a button-down shirt, and leather loafers or dress shoes is a great alternative to a full suit. Visit Milton’s to mix and match sportcoats, shirts, trousers, and shoes and create a complete look.

How do I pair a sportcoat with casual jeans or chinos/trousers?

Choose a textured sportcoat, such as tweed or hopsack, and pair it with slim dark-wash jeans or neutral-toned chinos. This creates a balanced look that works for dinners, dates, events, and smart-casual occasions. Our in-store team can help you find combinations that work with pieces you already own.

Can I wear a polo with a sportcoat?

Absolutely. A fine-knit or mercerized cotton polo can look sharp under a sportcoat, especially for warm-weather events and smart-casual occasions. Stop by Milton’s to try different polo and sportcoat combinations.

What should I wear for a nice dinner?

A smart-casual combination of a sportcoat, crisp shirt or fine knitwear, dark denim or tailored trousers, and clean dress shoes is a great choice. Visit one of our stores and we can help you create a complete dinner look based on your personal style and the restaurant or occasion.

What should I wear on vacation?

Pack lightweight, breathable pieces such as linen shirts, cotton chinos, tailored shorts, and comfortable loafers or canvas sneakers. Stop by Milton’s before your trip to build versatile outfits that can take you from daytime activities to dinner.

Does linen wrinkle?

Yes. Linen naturally wrinkles, and those soft creases are part of its relaxed warm-weather character. If you prefer a cleaner look, look for linen blends or other lightweight performance fabrics. Our team can help you compare options in store.

Shoes
What’s the difference between plain toe, cap toe, and wingtips?

A plain toe has a smooth, unadorned upper. A cap toe features an additional stitched seam across the toe and is typically more formal. Wingtips feature decorative brogue detailing, often with a distinctive W-shaped design. Visit Milton’s to see and compare different styles in person.

Can I wear dress shoes with jeans or chinos?

Yes. Versatile styles such as loafers and casual dress shoes can dress up denim and chinos nicely. More formal styles, such as patent leather oxfords, are better reserved for formal occasions.

Can I wear brown shoes to a formal event?

Dark brown shoes can work well for many business and wedding settings. For true black-tie events, black formal shoes are the traditional choice. If you're unsure which shoe works best with your suit, bring it into Milton’s and our team can help you coordinate your entire look.

Do I need shoe trees?

Yes. Cedar shoe trees can help absorb moisture, reduce odors, and maintain the shape of your shoes between wears. Ask our team about proper shoe care when you shop in store.

What color shoes are you supposed to wear with a navy suit?

Dark brown, oxblood or burgundy, and classic black shoes can all pair well with navy. The best choice depends on the formality of your event and the rest of your accessories. Visit Milton’s to try different combinations with your suit.

Are you supposed to match your shoes with your belt?

Generally, yes. Your belt leather should coordinate with the color and, ideally, the finish of your shoes for a cohesive look. Our team can help you coordinate your shoes, belt, and other accessories.

What kind of socks should I wear with loafers?

For a relaxed summer look, invisible no-show socks are a great option. When dressing up, fine dress socks that complement your trousers create a more polished appearance. Visit Milton’s to explore socks and accessories to complete your look.

What color socks should I wear?

Traditionally, socks should coordinate with the color of your trousers rather than your shoes, creating a seamless and elongated leg line. For weddings and special occasions, a fun patterned sock can also add personality to your outfit.

Maintenance
How do I clean and store my suits versus my casual wear?

Store suits on sturdy wooden hangers inside breathable garment bags. We recommend leaving a zippered garment bag partially open or unzipped to allow the suit to breathe and prevent moisture from becoming trapped. Casual clothing should be hung or folded based on the fabric. Structured pieces, delicate silk, and linen are generally better hung, while durable cotton, denim, and heavy sweaters can be folded to help maintain their shape.

How often should I dry-clean my suit?

It depends on how frequently you wear it. If you wear a suit frequently or weekly, you may need to have it professionally cleaned every 4 to 6 weeks. For occasional wear, once or twice a year may be sufficient. Avoid excessive dry-cleaning when possible, as repeated chemical cleaning can eventually affect the wool fibers.

How do I get wrinkles out of my suit? Can I steam a suit?

Yes. A handheld garment steamer can be used to gently relax wrinkles. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric and avoid pressing it directly against the suit. If your garment needs more attention, bring it into Milton’s and our tailoring team can advise you on the best way to care for it. Please note that if your suit needs tailoring, your suit must be dry-cleaned before our tailors can alter the garment.

Store Locations

[**Chestnut Hill Square**](/content/pages/chestnut-hill-square "Chestnut Hill Square"/index.html)

176 Boylston Street

Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

617-969-4547

[**South Shore Plaza**](/content/pages/braintree-south-shore-plaza "South Shore Plaza"/index.html)

250 Granite Street

Braintree, MA 02184

781-848-1880

[**Burlington Mall**](/content/pages/burlington-mall "Burlington Mall"/index.html)

75 Middlesex Turnpike

Burlington, MA 01803

781-202-3258

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