Just like with watches, you tailor your suit wardrobe according to your lifestyle and your needs.

Suits are a lot like watches. They share the same elements. They come in different colors, different styles, and they serve different purposes. Similarities go beyond their external appearance. Suits can be very versatile but just like watches, you have to make sure you wear the right one for you to properly convey the image of yourself that you want to present to the public. Suits can also differ with regards to formality, which is in accordance to the event it will be worn to. In short, you want to have a suit that would match your image or the event you’re attending. While a man should have his own collection of watches, it’s only right for that man to have a collection of suits as well.

Convey the Right Image: Classic vs. Modern

There are two kinds of suits fall on the opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to conveying a classical or modern image; the double-breasted and the single-breasted suits.

(Photos from Hawes & Curtis hawesandcurtis.co.uk)

If you want a classical and vintage look, the double-breasted suit is a must-have in your collection. This conservative style tends to be longer than single-breasted suits, making it a more elegant look for taller men. Its fit accentuates one’s height and shoulders. With that being said, this suit brings more attention to the upper half of the person wearing it. This emphasis is made possible as double-breasted suits are narrower at the waist, making one’s shoulders appear to be broader. Hence, it is crucial to have your double-breasted suit to be tailored especially for you. This suit is projected more as a suit best for formal events, and it can be more fashion-forward. For you to pull this look off, you have to make sure it fits you properly.

If you’re aiming for a more modern and sleeker look, the single-breasted suit would be the right one for you. This is the suit can be more casual and more versatile than the previous suit style. Unlike the double-breasted suit, this fit is more cinched at the waist. Hence, the attention is taken away from the upper half of the person wearing it and is more evenly distributed all throughout. The casual feel comes from having less buttons as single-breasted suits only typically have two button fastenings whereas double-breasted suits have four to six.

Dress for the Right Event

There is a proper suit for every event. You can’t just have one kind of suit to wear for all the invitations you receive; you’d end up sticking out like a sore thumb. Here are several must-haves in your wardrobe.

Lounge suits are a necessity. They are intended to be used for business attire, servicing both as a day and evening wear. While this kind of suit is typically worn while you’re working in the day, you can wear this very same suit to attend company events and dinner parties. Think of it as a little more formal than smart casual but not as extravagant as cocktail attire. This suit’s main purpose is for it to be comfortable. Hence, its fit shouldn’t be too tight. It is not as restrictive as other suits so ideally; it can be worn with or without a tie. Two-piece suits are typically worn for this, consisting of a suit jacket (single or double- breasted) and trousers with no belt.

Dinner suits, otherwise known as black tie suits, are usually worn for more formal evening events. This sophisticated and stylish look have two important aspects: color and fit. Dinner suits are typically worn in darker colors. Traditionally, the suit jacket’s color must match the color of one’s trousers and tie. However, some individuals may opt to wear a suit jacket that has a different material and color than their trousers for a more fashion-forward look. As for the fit, most dinner suits incorporate a slim fit to accentuate its wearer’s physique.

(Photo: Moss Hire mossbroshire.co.uk)

Lastly, tuxedos are the most formal form of suits and it is an essential. This kind of suit is often reserved for ceremonial events such as an awarding, weddings, and more. What sets tuxedo jackets apart from suit jackets is that it has tails at the back and its lapels have a different material than the suit itself (either satin or grosgrain). This utterly formal attire is typically worn with pleated shirts, bowties, and cummerbund to complete the look.

(Photo: Moss Bros. moss.co.uk)

Should I Really Have All of These?

Upon reading this, you might be wondering; do I need all of these in my wardrobe? The answer is that it’s completely up to you! Just like with watches, you tailor your suit wardrobe according to your lifestyle and your needs. If you think you rarely attend any ceremonial events and you spent most of your time in word, it might be best to have more lounge suits than tuxedos. Ultimately, what you have in your wardrobe should reflect the life that you live. You choose the suits you have; you choose what you wear, and you choose what image you want to share with the world.