At some point in their life pretty much every man has to wear a suit.
Whether that be for a job interview or to wear in the office, or at their wedding, a fancy dinner, funeral or court date, sometimes they just need to look smart.
On these occasions, there are many different types of suits and formal wear you can put on. But with so many choices available it can be confusing knowing which one to pick.
Style, fit and material is very important factors in shaping how you look and feel and many guys struggle to find the right option. If this is a boat you find yourself in, don’t worry, we are here to help.
Allow us to present to you our men’s style guide to different types of suits and formal wear. (You can thank us later!)
About Men’s Suits
First things first let’s define what we mean by men’s suits and formal wear.
Essentially, men’s suits are a type of formal attire typically consisting of a jacket, trousers, and sometimes a waistcoat.
They are often made from wool or a wool blend and come in a variety of colours, patterns, and styles.
Suits are typically worn for formal or business occasions, such as weddings, religious ceremonies, job interviews, and presentations, as well as for special events and parties.
The style and fit of a suit can vary greatly, with options ranging from classic and traditional to modern and fashion-forward. The choice of a suit can be influenced by personal style, body type, occasion, and other factors.
Suits are considered a staple of men’s fashion and are versatile and timeless pieces that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
Types of suits and formal wear
As mentioned, there are several different types of suits and formal wear available. Here is a brief rundown of some of the main ones.
Slim Fit Suit
A slim fit suit is a type of men’s suit that is cut close to the body for a more modern and streamlined appearance.
It has a narrower shoulder, a tapered waist, and a snug fit through the chest, arms, and legs. The slim
fit style is considered more fashion-forward and is suitable for occasions where a more contemporary look is desired.
Classic Fit Suit
A classic fit suit has a more traditional, relaxed cut. It has a looser fit through the chest, waist, and hips, and offers more room in the sleeves and pants.
This fit is viewed as a more timeless style and is suitable for a variety of occasions. It is a very good choice for those who prefer a comfortable, less form-fitting suit.
For this reason, it is often referred to as a ‘regular fit’ or ‘traditional fit’ suit.
Modern Fit Suit
If you are looking for something with a more contemporary and updated cut you should try a modern fit suit.
Generally, this type of suit has a slimmer cut through the jacket, pants, and sleeves, creating a more defined silhouette. It is a style often favoured by younger, fashion-conscious men who want a modern and stylish look.
The modern fit suit can be worn for a wide range of occasions, from business meetings and presentations to social events and parties, and is considered a versatile and fashionable option.
However, it is important to note that the modern fit suit may not be suitable for all body types, and some men may prefer a more traditional or relaxed fit.
Notch Lapel
A notch lapel is a type of lapel that has a triangular cut-out (notch) at the point where the lapel meets the collar.
Notch lapels are the most common type of lapel found on men’s suits and are considered a classic, timeless style.
This type of lapel is versatile and practical, and is suitable for a wide range of occasions, from business meetings and presentations to formal events and special occasions.
The notch lapel provides a good balance between formality and versatility, making it a popular choice for many men.
In terms of width, the size of the notch lapel can vary. With wider lapels being seen as more traditional and narrower lapels being viewed as contemporary.
Shawl Lapel
Shawl lapels are a type of lapel that is rounded and has a smooth, continuous curve, without a notch.
These are typically found on formalwear, such as tuxedos, and are considered a more elegant and
sophisticated style.
This type of lapel creates a smooth and streamlined look, without any break or interruption in the line of the lapel, and is often seen as a classic and timeless style.
Shawl lapels can help to create a refined appearance and are often favoured by those who want a more traditional look for formal events. These include weddings, religious ceremonies, and other notable special occasions.
Peak Lapel
In contrast to notch and shawl lapels, a peak lapel suit has a lapel that points upwards and away from the neck, creating a peaked or triangular shape.
They generally feature as part of formal and traditional styles of suit such as tuxedos and other formalwear, which might be worn at gala dinners and black tie events.
This type of lapel creates a bold and distinctive look. As they are often wider than other lapels, they can help to create a more commanding presence. Subsequently, they are a popular choice for executives and public speakers.
Single Breasted Suit
A single-breasted suit is notable for having a single column of buttons down the front. This style is the most common and is considered a classic, timeless look for men’s suits.
The single-breasted jacket typically has a narrower lapel and less overlap in the front, creating a more streamlined, modern appearance.
Suitable for most occasions, from business meetings and presentations to formal events and special occasions, the single-breasted style is versatile and practical. It can also be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion and personal style.
Double Breasted Suit
As you might imagine, a double-breasted suit has two columns of buttons that run down the front, instead of the traditional single column as outlined above.
Typically, they also have a wider lapel and overlap in the front, creating a more distinctive and formal look.
Often worn for formal events it is considered a more traditional style. A few years ago this type of suit actually fell out of favour for a time. However, it has recently made a comeback and is again thought of as a classic, timeless style for men’s suits.
Unstructured Blazer
An unstructured blazer is a men’s jacket that has a more relaxed, casual cut compared to traditional blazers.
It is characterised by a lack of internal padding or structure, which provides a softer, more natural drape and gives the blazer a more relaxed, informal appearance.
The lack of structure makes these types of blazers more comfortable to wear, and they are often favoured by those who want a casual look for business meetings or social gatherings.
Unstructured blazers can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion and personal style. They can even be paired with a variety of pants, from dress pants to denim.
Patch Pocket Blazer
A patch pocket blazer is similar in style to a traditional blazer but has patch pockets instead of flap pockets.
Patch pockets are pockets that are sewn directly onto the front of the jacket, rather than being attached with flaps.
These types of blazers can be worn with a variety of different pants, from dress pants to chinos. They can also be paired with a dress shirt or a more casual shirt for a variety of looks. Subsequently, it is considered suitable for informal social gatherings and weekend events.
Single Vent Suit
The single vent suit comprises a men’s suit jacket that has one vent, or opening, at the back.
The vent is typically located near the centre of the jacket and is used to improve mobility and comfort when wearing the suit.
All things considered, they are more traditional in style and are often perceived as a conservative and formal option, as compared to double vent jackets.
Single vents provide adequate ventilation and ease of movement, making them suitable for both formal and semi-formal events.
Double Vent
As its name suggests, a double vent suit has two vents, or openings, at the back.
The vents are typically located near the bottom of the jacket and are used to improve mobility and comfort when wearing the suit.
Double vents are seen as quite contemporary, versatile and practical in style for many different occasions. They allow for better ventilation and ease of movement, which is especially useful for business meetings or networking events where you need to be mobile.
No Vent
Popular in Italy, no vent suits are a type of suit construction that is commonly used for more formal
or traditional occasions. They are best known for not having a vent or opening at the back.
Designed to be worn without being opened, it provides a clean and smooth appearance that gives the wearer a very distinguished look.