Whether you wear a suit every day for work or only on special occasions, every man needs at least one or two in his closet. And while by definition a suit consists of a matching jacket and trousers, there are endless ways to fit it to your own personal style. From classic to modern, formal to business casual, our guide will help ensure you always look your best.
Suits for Every Dress Code
Business Formal
Classic: A navy or charcoal suit with a light-colored shirt, silk tie, and oxfords communicates stylish confidence.
Modern: For a contemporary spin that doesn’t sacrifice professionalism, wear a gray or navy sport coat, trousers, sleek leather shoes, and a crisp collared shirt with no tie.
Business Casual
Classic: A tailored blazer and contrasting trousers exudes polished ease.
Modern: To blend structure with comfort, combine a refined hybrid jacket with dark straight-fit jeans and an open-collar shirt.
Night Out
Classic: For an evening of cocktails, a slim-fit suit in black, charcoal, or navy looks polished and refined.
Modern: A loose-fit suit with relaxed shoulders and wide-leg trousers feels expressive, fashion-forward, and made for the dance floor.
Destination Wedding
Classic: For effortless elegance, pair a linen suit in ivory, sand, or pale blue with a light colored tie.
Modern: A minimally styled linen or cotton suit and soft shirt capture an easygoing confidence well-suited for beach ceremonies.
Tuxedos & Formalwear
Classic: The most formal occasions require a black tuxedo and crisp white shirt.
Modern: Loosen the rules while still maintaining black-tie credibility with relaxed tailoring or unexpected suit separates.
Dress Shirts & Ties
From traditional solids to bright colors and playful patterns, there are endless ways to mix and match your favorite styles. Here, a few of our favorite combinations for inspiration.
A crisp blue shirt under a red medallion-print tie delivers a polished look with just the right hit of personality.
Classic stripes meet relaxed texture, giving tailored dressing an easygoing vibe that works from the office to happy hour.
Soft pink brings warmth, while blue and purple stripes add confident contrast for a look that’s sharp yet approachable.
Layered shades of blue with subtle texture and pattern create interest that feels refined and modern.
Rich tonal reds play together in this bold combination that grounds sharp stripes with
a micro print.
Names to Know
A look at the leading tailoring brands.
CANALI
Synonymous with fine Italian tailoring, this family-run brand employs time-honored craftsmanship and artisanal know-how to create elegant, wearable styles.
EMPORIO ARMANI
The designer practically invented the modern suit. In the 1970s, Armani transformed the once-rigid business essential with softer tailoring, creating an enduring style reflecting the label’s timeless elegance.
ZEGNA
Artisanal expertise and relentless innovation are central to the brand’s ethos. Each piece is made of the finest materials with a keen eye for construction and fit.
BOSS
With a focus on sustainability and superior fabrics, BOSS offers timeless designs with modern innovations like four-way stretch and machine-washable suits.
PETER MILLAR
The American sportswear brand is constantly exploring what’s next in fabrics and design, creating understated styles with modern functionality.
PAUL SMITH
Before starting the eponymous label, Paul Smith honed his skill as a tailor on London’s esteemed Savile Row. This heritage craftsmanship carries through today in each refined and versatile design.
HOW TO STYLE A SUIT
Suits by Color
Complete the Look
FAQS
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A suit exudes everyday sophistication and can be worn day or night, for work or an event. Tuxedos, on the other hand, are reserved for black-tie evenings, where classic details like satin lapels and crisp bow ties lend formal elegance to the occasion.
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Show up polished and effortless no matter the setting: Think tailored suits in light or muted tones for daytime, or a sharp, dark style for evening celebrations. Refined accessories—like ties, cufflinks, and dress shoes—add personality while still honoring the occasion.
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Confidence starts with a perfectly tailored suit in a neutral palette paired with a crisp shirt and traditional tie. No matter what you wear, make sure it’s ironed and fits comfortably.
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If you want to venture into mixing patterns, there are a few simple rules for success: Pick two patterns in the same general color palette; keep the color of your tie darker than the color of your shirt; and make sure the scale of the tie print is larger than the shirt print (or vice versa).
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First and foremost, you’ll want to consider the dress code. Oxfords are a must for formal events, but loafers and boots are a great choice for more casual settings. Black will go with almost any color suit; brown or navy shoes work well with gray or blue suits. If you’re wearing a belt or leather watchband, your shoes should match their color. And socks should coordinate with the suit’s color rather than the shoes’.
GLOSSARY
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The break refers to where the hem of your pants hits your shoe. In a full break, a significant amount of the hem rests on the shoe, giving a vintage feel. For a more modern look, try a negative break, which shows a touch of ankle or sock. Want something classic? Go for a slight break—a happy medium between a full and negative break.
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The three most common collar types are button down, point, and spread. When buying a suit, keep in mind that the collar on your shirt and jacket should touch all around the neck to avoid a collar gap—an indication of a poor fit.
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Barrel cuffs are the most common type and probably what you envision when you think of a shirt cuff. French cuffs are the second most common. They have a wide band of fabric that folds back on itself and is secured with a cufflink. For either type, the cuff should extend about half an inch past the end of your jacket, which should stop at your wristbone.
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The front of double-breasted jackets crosses over the chest and features four to six buttons, though typically only one or two are used for closure. With the added fabric, tailoring is key to ensuring the correct drape. Double-breasted jackets typically lean formal and are more appropriate in colder weather.
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There are three types of lapels. Listed from least to most formal, they are: notch, defined by a V-shaped notch separating the lapel from the collar; peak, which has a sharp point that extends past the collar; and shawl, a curved piece of fabric with no points or breaks.
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Pleats are folds in the fabric that can add dimension and volume. Pants typically have either single and double pleats, which can either face the zipper or the pockets. Both types offer a relaxed fit perfect for fuller figures or those looking for a looser silhouette.
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A measurement that determines where the waistband sits on your natural waist.
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Single-breasted suit jackets have one to two vertical buttons in front. With clean and elegant lines, it’s a timeless look that’s easy to dress up or down.
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Either one or two slits in the back of the jacket that create fluid movement. They’re often sewn closed when first purchased, so don’t forget to cut the stitching!
Fit Guide
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Best for slender builds, extra-slim-fit suits hug the body closest, and offers a modern and polished look.
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Slim-fit suits are narrow in the chest, shoulders, and thighs, creating a sleek and elongating effect.
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Sometimes called regular fit, classic-fit suits have a straight cut that feels relaxed but not baggy.
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Designed with more room for movement, relaxed-fit suits offer the loosest silhouette.