When it comes to men's formal wear, there's no substitution for a suit. Typically consisting of a button-up shirt with a jacket and matching trousers, it's become the de-facto standard for men's formal wear. Whether you're attending a job interview, business meeting, wedding, graduation, etc., you can't go wrong with a suit. It enhances your appearance while presenting yourself in a professional manner. With that said, there's a lot of misinformation floating around on the topic of men's suits. Today, we're going to explore some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding men's suits.
You Have to Wear a Necktie with a Suit
While most men do in fact wear a necktie with their suit, there's no rule requiring it. On the contrary, some men prefer the more casual and relaxed appearance of a tie-less suit. Without a necktie around your collar, you'll feel cooler and more comfortable. Furthermore, this can help you achieve a balanced outfit that's not too casual but too formal, either.
You Shouldn't Mix Blue and Black
Who says you can't mix blue and black colors when wearing a suit? There are some colors that shouldn't be worn together, such as brown and black. Normally, however, it's perfectly fine to wear blue and black together in the same outfit. Blue -- particularly dark navy blue -- looks great when worn in conjunction with black. If you have a navy blue suit, for instance, you can pair it with midnight black shoes to create a stunning two-tone look. So, don't overlook this simple color combination when wearing a suit.
Tailoring is Essential to Getting the Right Fit
Another common myth is that suits
must be professionally tailored to get the perfect fit. According to RealSimple, the average cost to shorten the sleeves of a suit jacket is $23 to $28. Assuming you have multiple jackets that need tailoring, it can quickly burn a hole in your wallet. The good news is that you can find the perfect fit without wasting money at the local tailor. Rather than buying an off-the-rack suit, such as those sold at retail and department stores, consider ordering a custom suit here at
StudioSuits. We offer custom sizing on all suits, meaning you get the perfect fit every time. When ordering, simply specify your body measurements and we'll use those measurements to customize your suit; thus, eliminating the need for costly tailoring services.
You Can't Wear Suits During the Summer
Contrary to what some men believe, you can wear suits year-round, regardless of season. Whether it's summer, spring, fall or winter, there are suits available for all seasons. In the summer, for instance, you may want to wear a lightweight linen suit, whereas a traditional cotton or wool suit is a better choice for the cooler months. Ultimately, the secret to wearing suits year-round is to choose an appropriate fabric. Lighter fabrics should be worn during the spring and summer, whereas heavier fabrics are a better choice for the fall and winter.
Socks Must Match Your Trousers
Conventional wisdom may lead you to believe that it's best to wear socks in the same color as your suit trousers. Of course, this has been an unwritten rule for countless years, with many men believing that it's essential to conceal their socks. By wearing socks in the same color as your trousers, the two blend together, essentially hiding your socks. While there's nothing wrong with wearing socks in the same color as your trousers, you can still wear other colors as well. Recently, for instance, there's been a growing fashion trend surrounding multi-colored socks. As long as your sock colors flow cohesively with your trousers and the rest of your outfit, it's perfectly fine to wear.
You Should Always Wear a Jacket
There are times when you should wear a jacket with a suit, such as formal events and occasions. Other times, however, you wear a suit without a jacket to achieve a cooler and more casual look. If you can't decide whether or not to wear a jacket, go ahead and wear it. Remember, you can always take off your jacket if you get too hot or otherwise uncomfortable. Suit jackets are also great for storing small items in the pockets.
Vests are No Longer Worn with Suits
Also known as a waistcoat in the United Kingdom, vests were once a popular garment worn with men's suits. Around the 1970s, however, their popularity began to decline, with fewer and fewer men choosing to wear them. While vests still lack the popularity they once had several decades ago, there's no rule stating that you cannot wear them. In fact, wearing a vest is actually a great way to differentiate yourself from the crowd while creating a more formal and stylish appearance in the process. Just remember to choose a vest color and design that matches with the rest of your suit.
Pinstripe is The Only Acceptable Pattern for Business Suits
Pinstripe is a great choice of pattern for business suits, though it's not the only pattern available. If you spend a little time shopping for business suits, you'll notice they are available in countless other styles and designs, only one of which is pinstripe. Windowpane checks, for instance, is a popular alternative, along with larger stripes. The bottom line is that you shouldn't limit yourself to only choosing pinstripe when shopping for a business suit. Feel free to explore some of the alternative patterns.
Loose-Fitted Suits are Recommended for Big and Tall Men
A loose-fitted suit is never recommended, regardless of your size. Even if you're considered a "big and tall" man, you should still choose a suit that fits your body properly. If a suit is loose-fitted, it essentially means it's too big, in which case it's going to look awkward. If you wear a suit that fits properly, it will conform to your body while enhancing your appearance in the process. So, make sure your suit fits properly before heading out the door.
