This year has seen the emergence and rise of streetwear fashion as we know it. From humble beginnings in the 2010s, the styles and trends set by mainstream social media have spread like wildfire – and for good reason.
Whether you call it fashion streetwear, millennial-approved fashion or style memes, there’s no denying this subculture’s influence. In fact, it was probably streetwear’s influence that gave birth to the renaissance of traditional men’s suitwear in the 2010s.
Traditionalists and traditional fashion may still put a smile on your face, but when it comes to the daily grind of working life, you may want to consider adopting a more contemporary look. That’s why we’ve curated this guide – to help you navigate the world of trendy fashion and find your ideal suit.
The Classic Vs The Timeless
There are two main types of suits you’ll encounter – classics and classics for a reason. The first is the quintessential dark blue or black suit for men. Cut slim with sharp shoulder lines and tapered down to a very narrow tail, the classic is usually made of a thick material (usually wool or cotton) and is designed to last years of heavy wear. If you’re looking for a classic, then buy one in either navy or charcoal. A timeless suit is what you should really go for if you want your wardrobe to last a lifetime. Cut thick and slightly baggy with slightly rounder shoulders and longer tails (remember those?), the timeless suit has a very conventional look with a notch lapel and a striped tie accentuating the conservative fit.
Peak Season Vs Autumn-Spring
It’s crucial to take into consideration the time of year when buying a suit. If you live in a country where the seasons are distinctly marked, then you know what we’re talking about. In the Northern Hemisphere, we are usually blessed with longer, warmer nights during the summer months. This means that traditional, thick clothing is usually best abandoned in the name of fashion and style. When the temperatures start rising, you may want to swap your business suit for an open-neck shirt and maybe even a small or medium hat to keep your head cool and stylish. Just make sure you remove these accessories before you go to bed – and we mean that literally!
During the summer months, especially the warmer months, you’ll want to avoid heavy clothing and layering as much as possible. Instead, focus on keeping cool and comfortable by opting for light and breathable fabrics such as linen, chambray and gingham. If you have a larger budget, then consider splurging on a good-quality summer suit made of a smoother and more luxurious fabric – like silk or cashmere. Of course, the choice is entirely up to you. Just make sure you follow the general rules of thumb for the best fitting and most comfortable experience possible!
Body Size
We’ve all been there. We’ve all seen a picture of a really cute baby elephant in a really tiny clothes and we’ve dashed off to grab ourselves one of those super duper tight babydoll dresses – only to find out that it’s actually a size bigger than we thought. If you’ve ever found yourself in this predicament, then you know how painful it can be. It’s the same with clothes for men. There are certain measurements that are standard for men’s suits – primarily the chest and waist sizes. If you aren’t sure what to look for, then head over to Google and type in “men’s suit measurements” – and you’ll find several easy-to-understand charts to help you out.
Style
If you want to look stylish, then opt for a slim-fit suit with a notch lapel and a striped tie accentuating the narrow fit. It’s a great way to pull off a classic yet stylish look. If you want to go for a more modern and trendy look, then go for a closer-fitting suit with a box-pleat back and shorter tails.
When we say closer-fitting, we mean that the suit should be just a little bit snug – not so much that it’s uncomfortable, but you know that it’s there. A good tailor can help take care of any last-minute fit adjustments before you have your suit tailored – and this is especially important if you want to look your best on that big day. A little bit of advice: if you’re wearing a dress shirt with a tie, then make sure that the tie is not too wide and that it matches the shirt – and vice versa.
Where To Buy
It’s best to buy your suit from a reputable store that offers excellent customer service and a money-back guarantee if you meet the right conditions. When it comes to fashion and style, it’s all about shopping for what feels good and fitting comfortably. If you are not sure where to buy, then look for a store that offers an in-house tailor to make sure that your suit fits you perfectly before you buy it.
At the end of the day, it’s all about you and what you want – and we want you to look and feel your best on that special day. For that, you may want to consider buying a suit that is a good fit, that you feel comfortable in and that makes you look and feel your best.