THE SUITED & BOOTED CENTRE LIMITED

ABOUT THE SUITED & BOOTED CENTRE LIMITED

Suited & Booted is a charity based in the City of London. Public agencies refer vulnerable, unemployed and low-income men to us, and we help them get into employment by providing suitable interview clothing donated by companies and professionals. We also offer our clients interview advice and mentoring. In our first year, we helped about 800 men for their job interview by providing them with a suit, shirt and tie, and accessories. There is a huge demand for our services, and now in our second year, we expect to help at least 1000 clients. At Suited & Booted, we recognise that wearing a great suit or smart clothing can be an empowering, transformative experience, giving the wearer the self-esteem and confidence necessary to succeed at job interview and into employment. Stepping into a new suit or outfit not only changes the way others see you, but also changes the way you see yourself. When you feel and look your best, you exude confidence and ability. Psychologist Dr Mair says: ‘Being well dressed can improve our self-confidence and what we wear affects how we are perceived by others. Therefore, wearing appropriate clothes, for example, a formal suit for an interview, builds our confidence and can make us appear more serious, conscientious and respectful.’

recently visited Suited & Booted, while there, a client called Max dropped in for his appointment. He was referred to us from Soldier’s Arts Academy which is a charity dedicated to helping serving and ex-serving military men. After serving for the British army in Kosovo, Max started to experience mental health problems that caused his life to derail. He became homeless, did a stint in prison and didn’t know where to look for help. “That military pride stops you from seeking support” he told VICE.

Max has since managed to turn his life around. A musician since childhood, he became involved in theatre through the Solder’s Arts Academy and has even started putting on Shakespeare productions in collaboration with The Globe. Now, he was in Suited & Booted to get himself fixed up ahead of an interview for full time work. “I don’t have many clothes which is why I was referred. It’s fantastic. Now, I want to volunteer here. I am fantastic at ironing and polishing. Before they give you a gun in the army, they give you an iron, teach you to sew and polish your boots.”