Suits are essential attire for men in formal settings. With evolving design concepts, an increasing variety of suits now accentuate masculine charm. Yet if you rarely wear suits, choosing one can be daunting. So what colors suit men best? What details should men pay attention to when wearing suits?
What colors suit men best?
1. Navy Blue: The Timeless Essential
Navy blue suits form the foundation of any business wardrobe, making at least one essential. Classic options include solid and pinstripe patterns. Solid colors convey greater formality than stripes. However, their simplicity—devoid of embellishments—makes fabric quality immediately apparent, demanding particular attention to material selection.
While stripes are less formal than solids, they enhance the suit's overall effect, creating a more upright posture and a slimmer silhouette at first glance. Both styles share a common feature: navy blue suits allow for richer variations in the V-neck area depending on shirt and tie combinations.Pairing it with a glossy tie and shirt creates a more fashionable look, while a knit tie lends a casual feel.
2. The Extremely Versatile Gray Suit
Following the navy suit, the next essential is the highly versatile gray suit. Gray suits offer considerable variation in patterns and fabrics, making them a mainstream choice that's hard to resist.Traditional patterns like houndstooth and small checks define gray suits. To emphasize British style, gray is the go-to choice. While often considered a conservative color with a gentle aura, it also includes youthful shades like light gray and khaki. A fresh take blending light gray with a hint of beige khaki is gaining attention.
Styling remains largely similar to navy suits, pairing exceptionally well with boldly contrasting ties. Brown ties offer a refreshing summer feel. If you're accustomed to navy suits, why not try a gray one?
3. Wearing black is essential etiquette for formal occasions
While blue and gray form the core palette for business suits, black suits are gaining popularity. Their modern, stylish appeal makes them particularly favored among those aged 20 to 35. Given black's inherent intensity, the key to styling lies in softening the overall tone.A white shirt paired with a tie featuring narrow navy stripes or silver tones works exceptionally well.
However, avoid overly tight fits—such as excessively narrow lapels or a cinched waist—as they can create an overly "edgy" impression. Additionally, much like navy solid suits, the quality of black suit fabric is easily discernible, so pay special attention to material selection.For formal occasions like weddings, funerals, or celebrations, a black suit is the most appropriate choice. It's advisable to have two sets prepared.
What details should men pay attention to when wearing suits?
1. Men with larger stomachs should avoid three-button suits
Those with a wider midsection should steer clear of suits with overly defined waists, especially styles with three or more buttons. These can draw attention to flaws and create visual pressure.Three-button or larger styles suit tall, slender builds. For shorter, stockier frames, double-breasted suits are recommended. Among single-breasted options: two buttons convey stability, three buttons appear youthful, and four buttons suggest a relaxed vibe. If you're lean yet prefer double-breasted styles, explore six-button or four-button double-breasted suits for a distinctive, sophisticated look.
2. Correcting Misconceptions About Sizing
Wearing the wrong size is a common issue among Taiwanese men, with many preferring suits one size too large. In reality, oversized suits fail to project elegance and instead reveal poor taste—like a small person wearing an oversized coat.After all, JustFit is the ideal principle for expressing personal spirit and bearing. Therefore, the primary considerations for sizing are a well-fitting shoulder and a crisp, tailored silhouette. The ideal length is achieved when the jacket hem reaches just below the hips with arms hanging naturally, or approximately to the second knuckle of the index finger when arms are relaxed. Sleeve length should end at the web of the hand or align with the thumb, avoiding both excessively long or short sleeves.The visual impression should reveal a one-to-one ratio of suit jacket to trousers for perfect proportions.Recommended buttoning guidelines: For single-button suits, buttoning is optional; double-button suits should be fully buttoned; three-button suits or more should leave the bottom button undone. However, double-breasted suits must be fully buttoned. 4. Leaving the sleeve label visible to show off the brand>Many still believe that after splurging on a suit costing thousands, they shouldn't remove the fake sleeve label—the easiest way to show off brand value. This mistake is only for beginners wearing a suit for the first time. Keeping the sleeve label is absolutely incorrect sartorial thinking. The label is solely for displaying the brand during sales and is deliberately attached to the back vent's fake seam. It should be removed before wearing.However, some choose to leave the dummy stitching inside the front pockets intact. This practice can help prevent distortion after washing.
5. Black dress shoes with white athletic socks
White athletic socks or sneakers are major faux pas with suits—a point we've emphasized in numerous articles. The correct approach is pairing suits exclusively with leather shoes. Socks should be dress socks or at least dark-colored, matching or coordinating with trouser hues.Leather shoes should match the belt color for a proper ensemble.
6. Short-sleeve shirts under suits
One wonders whether to admire the resourcefulness of those who wear short-sleeve shirts under suits or lament their lack of Western dress etiquette. The correct and only way is to always wear a long-sleeve shirt with a full suit.
7. Stuffing Suit Pockets with Clutter
In many settings, we observe men filling their suit or trouser pockets with wallets, keys,phones, loose change, PDAs, and other items. This completely ruins the elegant look of a suit. Ideally, keep pockets empty, as bulging pockets can also cause the suit to lose its shape. Experts suggest that if you must carry these items, opt for a quality leather briefcase instead.