Graduation Suits in Singapore

Graduation suits that become work suits

A graduation is often the first time you wear a full suit. Choosing navy or charcoal means the same suit works for interviews and your first job. A complete 3-piece suit at $178 is an affordable start to a career wardrobe.

What to wear to a graduation ceremony in Singapore

Graduation is one of the most photographed days of your early life, and for many graduates it is also the first time they wear a full suit. Under a gown, what shows is the shirt collar, the tie and the trousers and shoes, so those are the details to get right.

Choose breathable fabric, because ceremonies can be warm, and a fit that is comfortable sitting for long periods. Wear a suit you will use again, so the investment carries into job interviews and your first year of work.

Choosing a colour that works beyond graduation day

Navy and charcoal are the best graduation suit colours because they photograph well and are exactly what you will need for interviews and the office. Lighter shades are fine for the day itself, but are less useful afterwards.

How to dress under a gown

Gowns add warmth and hide the jacket, so you may not need to wear the suit jacket during the ceremony itself. Many graduates wear the shirt, tie, waistcoat and trousers under the gown and add the jacket for photographs afterwards. A 3-piece suit gives you that flexibility.

Keep the tie knot neat and the collar crisp, because the neckline is the part that shows. Choose a simple tie in a solid colour so the gown remains the focus.

A graduation-day checklist

Prepare these before the ceremony.

• -Suit, steamed the day before, with the shirt and shoes you will wear.
• -White or light blue dress shirt ($29).
• -Plain tie ($19) in navy, silver or burgundy.
• -Polished black or dark brown lace-ups and matching belt.
• -Handkerchief, spare tie and a small comb or brush.
• -Water and a light snack; ceremonies can be long.

Turning your graduation suit into your first work suit

A complete 3-piece suit at $178 is an affordable first step in a career wardrobe. After the ceremony, wear the jacket and trousers with a fresh shirt and tie for interviews, and use the waistcoat for formal dinners. Add a second suit in another colour once you start working.

For help choosing, see our interview suit guide and the 'first suit checklist for fresh graduates'.

Buying a graduation suit at short notice

Graduation dates are fixed, but suit shopping often starts late. Because Suit Archive suits are ready to wear, you can book a fitting a few days before the ceremony and take your suit home the same day. We do not alter in-house, so allow a few days if you need a trouser hem.

Photography tips for graduation day

Graduation photographs happen in bright light and group settings. Choose a suit with good contrast against your gown, keep the shirt collar crisp and the tie knot centred, and button the jacket for formal shots. Stand with your shoulders back and your weight on one foot to avoid a stiff look.

Graduation outfit budget

Using Suit Archive prices:

Because you keep the suit, the same outfit then serves your first interviews and your first year at work.

Common graduation outfit mistakes

Avoid these.

• -Buying a suit for the day only and never wearing it again; choose a versatile colour.
• -Wearing a heavy suit under a gown without considering the heat.
• -Leaving buying too late and settling for a poor fit.
• -Forgetting shoes and a belt that match.

A graduation timeline

Plan like this.

1. 1.Four weeks before: decide the colour and book a fitting.
2. 2.Two weeks before: buy and arrange alterations.
3. 3.One week before: try the full outfit with shirt and shoes.
4. 4.The day before: steam, polish and pack.

Gowns, hoods and what shows

Graduation gowns cover most of the jacket and trousers, so the collar, tie and shoes are what people see. Spend your attention there: a crisp white collar, a neat knot and polished shoes. Remove your jacket before putting on the gown if it feels warm, and put the jacket back on for photographs afterward.