How to Style Different Types of Suits for Men

Any well-dressed man's wardrobe must include a suit. They exude confidence, professionalism, and sophistication, making them appropriate for a wide range of occasions, from business meetings to weddings. But not all suits are created equal, and knowing how to style them can make all the difference. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the world of men's suits, exploring different types of suits and how to style them.

Introduction

Before we delve into the different types of suits, it's important to understand the basics of suit styling. The fit of the suit is paramount, and it's crucial to ensure that the suit fits well before worrying about any other details. A well-fitted suit should be snug but not tight, with the shoulder seams aligning with the edge of the shoulders and the sleeves falling to the wrist bone. The length of the pants should just graze the top of the shoe, and the jacket should close without any pulling or gaping.

Once you've got the fit down, it's time to think about the different types of suits and how to style them.

1.The Classic Suit

The classic suit is the most timeless and versatile of all suits. It typically consists of a single-breasted jacket with notch lapels and straight leg pants. Any wardrobe should have a classic suit because it can be dressed up or down depending on the situation.

To style a classic suit, start with a white dress shirt and a solid-colored tie. Black, navy, and gray are all safe options for the suit itself, but don't be afraid to branch out into more adventurous colors like olive or burgundy. Finish off the look with a pair of black leather dress shoes and a matching belt.

2.The Double-Breasted Suit

A more formal alternative to the traditional suit is the double-breasted suit. It has a jacket with peaked lapels and two parallel rows of buttons. Although wearing a double-breasted suit can be a little scary, done right, it can be a genuine showstopper.

To style a double-breasted suit, keep the rest of the outfit simple. Stick with a white dress shirt and a solid-colored tie. The suit itself should be a neutral color like navy or gray. Finish off the look with a pair of black leather dress shoes and a matching belt.

3.The Three-Piece Suit

The three-piece suit takes the classic suit to the next level by adding a vest. It's a more formal option and is perfect for weddings or other formal occasions. The vest adds an extra layer of style and sophistication to the outfit.

To style a three-piece suit, start with a white dress shirt and a solid-colored tie. The suit itself should be a neutral color like navy or gray. The vest can be a different color or pattern to add some visual interest to the outfit. Finish off the look with a pair of black leather dress shoes and a matching belt.

4.The Tuxedo

The tuxedo is the ultimate in formalwear. It typically consists of a black jacket with peaked lapels, black pants with a satin stripe down the side, and a white dress shirt with a pleated front. The tuxedo is reserved for the most formal occasions, such as black-tie events or weddings.

To style a tuxedo, start with a white dress shirt with a pleated front. The jacket and pants should be black with satin lapels and stripes, respectively. Add a black bow tie and a cummerbund or vest to complete the look. Finish off the outfit with a pair of black patent leather dress shoes.

5.The Seersucker Suit

The seersucker suit is a summer staple. It's typically made from lightweight cotton and features a distinctive puckered texture. The seersucker suit is perfect for more casual events or outdoor summer weddings.

To style a seersucker suit, keep the rest of the outfit light and breezy. Opt for a light-colored dress shirt and skip the tie. The suit itself should be a light blue or gray seersucker. Finish off the look with a pair of brown leather dress shoes and a matching belt.

6.The Linen Suit

The linen suit is another summer staple. It's made from lightweight linen fabric and features a more casual, relaxed fit. The linen suit is perfect for outdoor weddings or beach events.

To style a linen suit, keep the rest of the outfit simple. Opt for a light-colored dress shirt and skip the tie. The suit itself should be a light-colored linen, such as white, beige, or light blue. Finish off the look with a pair of brown leather dress shoes and a matching belt.

7.The Plaid Suit

The plaid suit is a more daring option, but when styled correctly, it can be a real statement piece. It typically features a pattern of intersecting lines in various colors and sizes.

To style a plaid suit, keep the rest of the outfit simple. Opt for a solid-colored dress shirt and skip the tie. The suit itself should be the star of the show, so keep accessories and shoes to a minimum. Dress shoes made of leather in either black or brown will complete the outfit.

Tips on how to style suits for men

Here are a few more tips on how to style suits for men:

1. Pay attention to the details: The devil is in the details when it comes to suit styling. Make sure your shirt is neatly pressed, your tie is tied properly, and your shoes are polished. These little touches can make all the difference in creating a polished, put-together look.

2. Consider the occasion: Different occasions call for different types of suits. A classic suit is appropriate for most business meetings, while a tuxedo is reserved for more formal events. Make sure to consider the dress code and tone of the event when choosing your suit.

3. Experiment with accessories: Accessories can add a lot of personality to a suit. Consider adding a pocket square or a lapel pin to your jacket for a pop of color or texture. Just be sure not to go overboard - a few well-chosen accessories are all you need to make a statement.

4. Mix and match: Don't be afraid to mix and match different pieces of your suit collection. A navy blazer can be paired with khaki pants for a more casual look, while a vest from a three-piece suit can be worn with jeans for a dressed-down but still stylish outfit.

5. Don't forget about grooming: A well-styled suit is only part of the equation. Make sure to keep your hair neatly styled and your facial hair groomed to complete the look.

By following these tips, you'll be able to style your suits with confidence and create a look that's both sophisticated and stylish.

Common mistakes to avoid when styling suits for men:

While there are plenty of ways to style a suit, there are also some common mistakes that men should avoid.

1. Wearing a suit that doesn't fit properly: Fit is key when it comes to a suit. A ill-fitting suit might give you a sloppy, unprofessional appearance. Make sure to get your suit tailored to fit your body properly, or consider purchasing a made-to-measure or bespoke suit.

2. Wearing a suit that's inappropriate for the occasion: It's important to choose a suit that's appropriate for the occasion. Wearing a tuxedo to a casual event or a casual suit to a formal event can make you look out of place. Make sure to consider the dress code and tone of the event when selecting your suit.

3. Wearing the wrong color or pattern: Not all suits are created equal, and some colors and patterns are more appropriate for certain occasions than others. Avoid wearing bright, flashy colors or patterns to a business meeting or a funeral, for example. Stick to classic, timeless colors and patterns like navy, gray, or pinstripes for a more versatile look.

4. Over-accessorizing: While accessories can add a lot of personality to a suit, it's important not to overdo it. Stick to a few well-chosen accessories like a pocket square or a tie bar, and avoid wearing too many accessories at once.

5. Forgetting to groom: A suit can only do so much if you're not properly groomed. Make sure to keep your hair and facial hair neatly trimmed and styled, and avoid wearing scuffed or dirty shoes. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be able to create a stylish, put-together look that's appropriate for any occasion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different types of suits for men, each with its own unique style and purpose. Whether you're looking for a classic, timeless suit or a more daring option like a plaid suit, the key is to ensure that the suit fits well and is styled appropriately for the occasion. Remember to keep the rest of the outfit simple and let the suit speak for itself. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to looking sharp and stylish in any type of suit.