A television interview lasts only a few minutes, but the image you leave behind may be watched again and again. The camera is not an easy judge: it blurs small patterns, exaggerates creases and catches every spot where the jacket pulls. That is why a suit for television needs to be chosen a little differently from the suit you wear to work every day.
Quick answer
A suit for television should be navy or charcoal, in a plain cloth or a large pattern, with a white or pale blue shirt, a cut that fits the shoulders and trousers that fit well. Avoid fine stripes, small checks, shiny fabric, and pure white or pure black, because they blur, glare or lose detail on screen.
Choosing colour: not too dark, not too light
- Navy and charcoal: look composed, show detail clearly and suit most studio backgrounds.
- Pale blue (for the shirt): easier on the eye than bright white and reduces glare under the lights.
- Avoid pure black: it loses the texture of the cloth and looks heavy.
- Also avoid all-white: it can blow out under strong lights.
Pattern: the simpler, the better
Pinstripes, tiny checks and small herringbone patterns can flicker and blur on screen. If you like a patterned suit, choose a broad stripe or a large check; plain cloth is the safest. You can look at the colours and weaves in Mon Amie's fabric library before you decide.
Fabric and fit
- Smooth wool with little sheen: a very shiny fabric reflects the lights and looks wet.
- Low-crease: after sitting for a few hours before going on air, it still has to look neat.
- Fitted shoulders, a trim body: when you sit, a well-fitting suit creases less at the shoulders and chest than a loose one.
A made-to-measure suit, taken on 30 measurements and baste-fitted, usually keeps a cleaner shape when you sit for a long time. You can see the prices on the price list.
How to sit and button
- Button the top button when standing (two-button jacket) and unbutton when sitting, so the jacket is not pulled tight.
- Tug the hem down lightly when you sit, so the shoulders do not ride up towards your ears.
- Sit upright, leaning slightly forward, shoulders relaxed.
- Watch the sleeves: let a little shirt cuff show, but do not raise your arms so high that the sleeves ride up.
Lapel microphone and earpiece cable
Many broadcasts use a lapel microphone. Choose a suit with a flat lapel that leaves room to clip the microphone, and ask the crew how to run the cable inside the jacket. Do not let the cable show, and do not clip the microphone off the lapel.
Before you go on camera
- Press the suit and shirt the day before.
- Check the mirror in three positions: standing, sitting and turned to the side.
- Bring a spare tie, because a tie's colour can look completely different on camera.
- Shave neatly and smooth your hair, so the suit is set off rather than overshadowed.
Frequently asked questions
What colour should I wear on television?
Navy or charcoal with a white or pale blue shirt is a safe choice. Ask the crew about the colour of the studio background to avoid clashing with it.
Should I wear a patterned suit?
You can, if the pattern is large. Avoid pinstripes and small checks because they blur on screen.
Is an old suit acceptable?
Yes, if it still fits and is smooth and crisp. What matters most is that it fits at the shoulders and that the fabric is not shiny or worn.
An invitation from Mon Amie
If you have a broadcast or a filmed interview coming up, book an appointment and a Mon Amie stylist will advise on a suit that suits your build, or visit a showroom near you to try one on in person.