Whether you're shopping for big and tall clothes or you're on the shorter side, the variety of different suits that are available for you to choose from can be a bit staggering. There are a variety of cuts, fabrics, and colors to choose from.  How do you know what's right for different occasions?

There are two traditional cuts for mens suits: single breasted and double breasted. Luckily for those who aren't the most fashion-focused, it's very easy to tell these styles apart.  Double-breasted suits are distinguished by a significant overlap of the two sides and a double row of buttons. Single-breasted suits have a smaller overlap and a single row of buttons. The latter represents most of the tailored suits that one would see today in corporate America. Suits can be made of a variety of fabrics. The most common is wool, generally a solid neutral color or a very subtle pattern such as a pinstripe.

A three-piece suit, also known as a vested suit, is a more classic and formal look, one that is a bit more unusual in today's corporate environment. While three-piece suits were very popular up until the 1940s and experienced a revival in the 1970s, they are definitely less common today. If you want to stand out in a crowd and make a real statement, this might just be the style of suit for you.

For those who have trouble distinguishing the formality of a suit, the old standby of counting the buttons on the sleeve can still be used on occasion. Generally, the more buttons on the sleeve, the more formal the suit.  However, as four-button sleeves have become more popular in business suits and even casual suits, this isn't always the best method. When in doubt, try asking a sales clerk for advice.