How to Wear a Suit: Types of Suits and Styling Tips

A suit is a staple of menswear that originated in Western countries but is now popular worldwide. Generally speaking, a suit comprises a tailored, buttoned jacket and a pair of pants made from the same material and of the same color.

Depending on the material, the cut, and the color, a suit can be part of a casualwear ensemble, the basis for a business casual outfit, or a necessity for a formal event.

There are three basic types of suits: the two-piece, the three-piece, and the tuxedo. Within those suit styles, there are endless variations on the material (wool, cotton, polyester), button style (two- vs. three-button and double-breasted), pocket arrangement, venting, and cut (slim-fit, classic fit, and more).

1. 1. Two-piece suit: A two-piece suit is the most basic type of suit, consisting of a suit jacket and matching trousers. The two-piece is the type of suit you might wear to a job interview.
2. 2. Three-piece suit: A three-piece suit consists of a matching suit jacket and trousers, plus a vest. It’s the perfect type of suit for weddings and special occasions at work.
3. 3. Tuxedo: A tuxedo or dinner suit is a special-occasion suit consisting of a black or midnight blue dinner jacket with just one button and matching trousers, worn with a bowtie. Wear a tuxedo to events with a dress code that calls for black-tie attire.

Looking good in a suit starts with buying the right type. Here are three tips to consider as you make your selection.

1. 1. Get a custom fit. Tailoring is more important than expensive fabric, so invest in a good tailor who can make the necessary adjustments to an off-the-rack suit.
2. 2. Opt for neutral colors. When choosing a suit, select a color appropriate for numerous occasions, like dark gray or navy blue; straight black is too harsh for some events. Similarly, if the suit has a pattern (like pinstripe or plaid), it should be subtle enough that you can still pair it with other accessories.
3. 3. Ignore the pockets. For many items of clothing, functional pockets are critical. However, when trying on a suit, you can ignore the pockets. If you use your suit pockets, they can distort the silhouette.

There are no hard and fast rules for wearing and styling a suit but the following guide is an excellent starting place. Here’s how to wear all the elements of a suit, in the order in which you put them on:

1. 1. Undershirt: If you choose to wear a T-shirt underneath your suit, it should not be visible under your dress shirt, which should function as a type of undergarment. If the undershirt is visible, swap it out for a color that more closely matches your skin tone.
2. 2. Dress shirt: Opt for a light, neutral color (white or light blue are the standards) since it will make your shirt more versatile. Ensure the sleeves aren’t too baggy and that the shirt is long enough to tuck in comfortably but not so long that it puffs out when tucked. Your shirt cuff should just stick out from the ends of your jacket sleeves when your arms are at your sides.
3. 3. Pants: Your pants should sit at your waist without a belt for a clean look. Generally speaking, flat-front pants are more fashionable than pleated pants. Depending on your style, your pants should just break over your shoes or, at a minimum, reach the tops of your shoes.
4. 4. Belt: Your belt should fit reasonably around your waist, have a slim profile, and match your shoes in both color and material. For example, pair a black leather belt with black shoes.
5. 5. Socks: Your socks can add a pop of color to your outfit so long as they don’t clash with your shirt or tie. They should be long enough that you don’t expose your calves when seated.
6. 6. Shoes: Unless you’re specifically going for an edgy look, dress shoes are a safe bet. The black Oxford is a classic pairing with men’s suits and is a good place to start if it’s your first time dressing in one. Otherwise, loafers are a good option. Learn more about the different types of Oxford shoes.
7. 7. Tie: Your tie should have a simple knot, be darker than the shirt underneath, and ideally around the same width as your jacket’s lapels. Most importantly, the tip of your tie should just reach your waistband to define the line between your waist and upper body.
8. 8. Vest: If your suit has a vest, keep it buttoned except for the last button.
9. 9. Jacket: A well-fitting suit jacket should extend just past your butt, and the shoulder padding shouldn’t extend past your body. The sleeves should be long enough to allow a peek of the shirt cuff to extend past them. Remove the stitching from the back vents and the brand patch from the jacket sleeve if it’s your first time wearing the jacket. Do not, however, remove the stitching on the outer jacket pockets. When putting your jacket on, the lapel should be snug against your shirt collar. Always leave the last button of your jacket unbuttoned, and completely unbutton your jacket before you sit down.
10. 10. Accessories: Adding a pocket square to your chest pocket can add some fun to your outfit, but it shouldn’t match your tie in pattern, color, or material. If you opt for other accessories like cuff links or a tie pin, don’t wear them all at once, as it can create a cluttered appearance.

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