The classic suit style is a staple piece in every man’s wardrobe. It is typically a single-breasted style and should be tailored to your body shape, hugging the shoulders and torso without feeling restrictive.
Choose peak lapels for a traditional look or notch lapels for a modern twist. Jacket sleeves should reach your wrists and show 1/2 inch of shirt cuff.
Jacket
A jacket is a short coat that fits over the top of the body. It may be paired with pants or worn on its own for casual wear. There are a number of jacket styles, including blazers, suit jackets, and jean jackets. Some jackets have zippers, while others use buttons for closure. Many jackets have lapels, which add a classic touch to any outfit.
Jackets are typically designed to be tailored for a slim fit and come in both single-breasted and double-breasted versions. These types vary by the amount of overlap and lapel width, which can create a more formal or informal look.
Depending on your taste, you can choose between a peak or notch lapel. Notch lapels are a more subtle and versatile option, while peak lapels are more suited to formal attire. Regardless of your choice, you should ensure the lapels aren’t too wide, or they’ll overwhelm the rest of the suit.
The jacket’s sleeves should be long enough to reach the bottom of your hand. They should also neatly line up with the shirt cuff. If you have thick arms, consider adding shoulder pads to the jacket. However, they should be minimal, so you don’t look like an ‘80s power player.
The back of the jacket is often vented, which allows you to move more freely. The vent can be cut up in the middle or near the collar. You can also opt to have no vent at all, which will give a more formal and sleek appearance. Vents are usually made of either lining or mesh fabric.
Pants
Pants are a type of suit clothing worn on the lower body, covering both legs from around the waist down to the knee or ankle. They can be either tight or baggy, depending on the desired style. For a tailored suit, pants need to fit well, fitting snugly around the waist, bum, and thighs. For a more casual look, pants can also be skinny jeans or chinos. Pants can be worn separately from jackets and shirts or with a shirt for a business casual look.
Pant styles vary widely, from khaki chinos that can be worn with a polo shirt to dark blue jeans for a more formal evening outing. The fabric used in a pair of pants can also affect the way they look. Cotton twill pants, for example, are usually a little more casual than wool blend trousers. Some style guides also use the terms slacks and pants interchangeably, but others make distinctions between the two. For instance, dress pants are typically slightly more fitted and formal than slacks and should never be worn without a matching jacket.
Some pants are made from stretchy, comfortable fabrics that allow you to move freely while looking sharp. Other types of pants may need a bit of tailoring to get the perfect fit. For example, slim-fit pants tend to be narrower and shorter than other pants, and they may be slightly cropped or be made from a material with slight stretch. There is also a wide range of pant pocket styles, from pockets that hang straight down to those with an angled front to give the appearance of being zipped up. The type of pocket can also impact the look of a suit.
Waistcoat
A waistcoat, or suit vest as it is known in America, is a formal and sleeveless upper-body garment that is worn over a button-up dress shirt. Waistcoats are typically made of the same fabric as pants and jackets and can be single or double-breasted. In addition to being a component of a three-piece suit, waistcoats can also be worn as part of a separate suit or in combination with other outfits for more casual occasions.
A suit vest can be a great way to add some extra warmth to your wardrobe during cold weather. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that a waistcoat should be loose enough to fit comfortably over your suit jacket and that it should not be so tight that it restricts your breathing or movement.
It’s a good idea to take a few minutes before wearing your waistcoat to de-wrinkle it for maximum comfort. This will ensure that it fits well and looks uniform with the rest of your suit. Also, make sure to fasten all the buttons on your waistcoat before putting it on so that there are no loose threads hanging from the front of your body.
Historically, waistcoats were worn in place of a coat when the temperature was too cold to wear a jacket or overcoat but not hot enough to require a light jacket or vest. Waistcoats were often embroidered or hand-painted and sometimes used for dressy events.
Today, waistcoats can be found in many different colors, and they are worn for a variety of reasons. Some men choose to wear them at work, while others prefer them for more formal occasions such as weddings and funerals. Whatever the occasion, a well-fitting, wrinkle-free waistcoat will always enhance your appearance.
Lapels
One of the most important elements in a suit or blazer, lapels are the folded flaps on the front edges of your coat or jacket. These help define your style and personality, whether you’re looking for a classic or modern look. They are a key part of the art and sculpture of tailoring, helping to draw attention to your shoulders and elongate your torso. Depending on the style of lapel you choose, it can also highlight different aspects of your physique.
There are three major types of lapels: notched lapel, peaked lapel, and shawl lapel. The notched lapel, also known as a step lapel or step collar, is the most common and versatile choice for both suits, tailored and ready-made. It features a small gorge (sometimes called fish mouth) or notch cut into the lapel’s shape and is often adorned with a lapel pin. It’s a classic, timeless look that can easily take you from a date to a business meeting.
The peak lapel is a more stylish and formal version of the notched lapel. Its edges are pointed upwards towards your shoulders and can make you feel instantly more elegant and sophisticated. It is often used in double-breasted suits, tailcoats, or morning dresses but can also add a touch of elegance to a single-breasted suit or blazer.
The shawl lapel is a continuous rounded shape with no notches or points and is typically found in tuxedos and other eveningwear. It has a sleek, contemporary look that can add an element of drama and sophistication to any outfit. It can be adorned with boutonnieres or lapel pins for added flair. The left lapel traditionally has a buttonhole for holding a boutonniere or decorative flower on a single-breasted suit.
Fabrics for Suit Style
A good suit should be made from durable, breathable, high-quality materials. It should also have fine details like contrast stitching, jacket vents, and interior pocket lining. Often, these finishing touches are what separates cheap suits from great ones. Lapels are also an important aspect of a suit style, with notch lapels being the most versatile option. Typically, a suit’s lapels should be around 4.5 inches wide. There are many different styles of children’s clothing to choose from, so you can find something that fits your child’s personality.
The fabric used to create a suit is also crucial, as it will impact how the garment looks and feels. Wool is a popular choice due to its durability and versatility. It can be crafted into a variety of finishes, from smooth worsted wool to textured tweed.
Cotton is another popular choice, as it provides a more casual alternative to wool suits. It’s also breathable and lightweight, making it ideal for summer or casual wear. It’s also easy to care for, as it wrinkles less easily than other fabrics.
A suit’s waistcoat can also make a difference in its appearance. Traditionally, this part of the suit is in a solid color, but it can be made to feature stripes or other patterns for a more flamboyant look.
There are also a variety of options for the suit’s buttons. Two-button jackets are classic and formal, while three-button jackets are more conservative. A two-button jacket usually has the top button fastened while the bottom is left unbuttoned, allowing for a small V-opening in the front.
The suit’s pockets can say a lot about its style, too. Formal dress suits usually have ‘jetted’ pockets sewn into the jacket lining and are almost invisible. More casual suits may have ‘flap’ pockets, which are similar to jetted pockets but have a small flap sewn over them.
