How to Make a Cheap Suit Jacket Look Expensive

A well-fitted, stylish suit jacket is a powerful statement piece, but not everyone has the budget for a high-end designer suit. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks. With the right tailoring, fabric care, and styling choices, you can make a cheap suit jacket look luxurious and high-end.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Proper tailoring makes an affordable jacket look custom-made.
✔ Upgrading buttons and details adds instant sophistication.
✔ High-quality accessories elevate the entire look.
✔ Fabric care and maintenance are crucial for a polished finish.
✔ Confidence and posture enhance the overall appearance.

1. Get It Tailored for a Perfect Fit

Even an expensive suit can look bad if it doesn’t fit properly, while a well-tailored, budget-friendly jacket can rival designer options.

Key Areas to Tailor:

✅ Sleeve Length: The sleeves should end right at your wrist bone, allowing about ½ inch of your dress shirt to show.
✅ Jacket Length: The jacket should cover your buttocks but not hang too long.
✅ Waist Suppression: A slightly tapered waist creates a modern, fitted silhouette instead of a boxy shape.
✅ Shoulders: The jacket’s shoulders should align perfectly with your natural shoulder line—this is one area tailors cannot fix easily, so ensure a proper fit when purchasing.

Tailoring Tip: Even budget-friendly tailoring can make a huge difference. A $50 tailoring job can make a $100 jacket look like a $500+ designer piece. Since you are in a learning mode: read our other blog: Suit Jacket vs. Blazer vs. Sport Coat here.

2. Upgrade the Buttons for an Instant Luxe Look

Most cheap suit jackets come with plastic buttons that make them look low quality. Swapping them for high-end buttons instantly elevates the jacket’s appearance.

Best Button Replacements:

✔ Mother-of-Pearl – Classic and refined.
✔ Horn or Bone Buttons – Found on high-end suits.
✔ Metal or Gold-Tone Buttons – Great for a sophisticated, statement look.

? DIY Tip: Changing buttons is an easy, affordable upgrade you can do yourself with a simple sewing kit.

3. Choose the Right Fabric and Avoid Synthetic Shine

Cheap suits often use polyester or low-quality blends that have an unnatural shine. To make your suit look more expensive, go for matte fabrics that mimic wool.

Fabric Upgrades That Look More Luxurious:

✔ Wool or Wool Blends – A fine-textured wool blend is a great alternative to full wool.
✔ Cotton or Linen Blends – For warmer climates, these materials look natural and elegant.
✔ Brushed or Textured Finishes – Avoid overly smooth, shiny synthetic fabrics that scream “cheap.”

? Fabric Care Tip: Use a fabric brush to keep the texture fresh and remove lint or dust.

4. Always keep it well steamed and pressed

Wrinkles and creases instantly cheapen the look of a suit jacket. Keeping it pressed and well-maintained makes a massive difference in its overall quality.

Best Practices for a Sharp Jacket:

✅ Steam Instead of Ironing: A steamer removes wrinkles without damaging fabric fibers.
✅ Use a Suit Brush: Regular brushing prevents fabric from looking worn out.
✅ Hang it Properly: A wide-shoulder hanger helps maintain its shape.

Steaming Tip: Always steam your suit right before wearing it for a fresh, crisp appearance.

5. High-Quality Accessories Make it Look Better

Luxury is in the details. Even an inexpensive suit jacket can look expensive when paired with well-chosen accessories.

Accessories That Elevate Your Suit Jacket:

✔ Pocket Square – A neatly folded pocket square adds instant class.
✔ Tie or Bowtie – Stick to silk or textured fabrics for a premium look.
✔ Dress Shoes – High-quality leather shoes complete the outfit.
✔ Belt or Suspenders – Match your leather accessories for a cohesive appearance.

Style Tip: Keep accessories minimal and elegant—avoid anything too flashy that might cheapen the look.

6. Focus on Fit and Layering

How you wear your jacket can make all the difference. Layering properly and ensuring a great fit will enhance your overall look.

How to Make Your Jacket Fit Better Without Tailoring:

✔ Wear a Fitted Dress Shirt: A well-fitted shirt creates a streamlined silhouette.
✔ Add a Slim-Fit Vest: A vest can add structure and formality.
✔ Choose Dark Colors: Navy, charcoal, and black tend to look more expensive than lighter, brighter shades.

Layering Tip: A lightweight cashmere or wool sweater under your suit jacket adds texture and depth.

7. Walk with Confidence and Poise

Even the most expensive suit won’t look good if you slouch or lack confidence. Standing tall, walking with poise, and owning your look can make your suit appear far more luxurious.

Confidence Hacks:

✔ Keep your shoulders back and chest slightly out.
✔ Walk with purpose and a steady pace.
✔ Smile and make eye contact—it adds to the polished look.

Pro Tip: The way you wear your suit is just as important as the suit itself. Confidence is the ultimate luxury.

Final Thoughts: Make a Budget Suit Jacket Look Expensive with Simple Upgrades

Get it tailored for a custom fit.
Swap out cheap plastic buttons for high-quality alternatives.
Choose matte, textured fabrics over shiny synthetics.
Steam and press the jacket regularly to keep it crisp.
Pair it with stylish accessories like a pocket square or quality dress shoes.
Layer wisely and stick to classic, well-fitted pieces.
Walk with confidence to complete the expensive look.

By following these easy yet effective tips, you can make even the most affordable suit jacket look high-end, stylish, and luxurious.