Suit Up

Suits are the height of men's fashion. Many people don't think there's much to them, but, in reality, they are a very complex and interesting aspect of style, so suit up, and let's dive in.

When to wear a suit
Suits can be worn to many occasions which include:
Weddings (Depends on season and how formal it is.)
Business meetings (Navy or charcoal two piece suit)
Interviews (Dark colored two piece suit.)
Dances (Dark colored suit.)
Gala's (Usually dark suit or tuxedo.)
Casually (Depending on how you like to dress.)

Types of suits
Most people think that suit's only come in one style, but inreality there is a wide vareity of suit styles to choose from. Here are some of the things that make suits unique

3-piece v.s. 2-piece. 
The difference between these two suit types is a single item. If a vest is worn, it is a 3-piece. If no vest is worn, it will be a 2-piece. The one thing that both of these styles have in common are usually the whole suit comes in corresponding colors and from the same company. Suits are rarely mixed and matched pieces, but a single company in one suit.

Double breasted v.s. Single breasted
The main difference between double and single breasted suits is the form of closure. Single breasted suits have a single row of buttons, while double breasted ones have, yup, you guessed it, two. This makes them seem more formal. In general, it's best to go with a single breasted jacket if you're not sure.

Peaked, notched, or shawl lapels
The lapels of the suit are the extension of the collar on either side of the opening, and there are three different types, as listed above. The most formal one is the peaked lapel, shown in the first picture. These are the only types of lapels found on double breasted jackets. Notched lapels, shown in the second picture, are the most common shape of lapel. It can be worn to most occasions and is a middleground between peaked and shawl lapels. The shawl lapel, shown in the third picture is most commonly found on tuxedos. It is an interesting style of lapel which is mostly put on evening wear.

Suit Jacket v.s. Sports Coat
There is no inherrent difference between suit jackets and sports coats. The only difference is in the pants. This may seem counterintuitive, but a suit jacket only qualifies as a suit jacket when worn with pants of the same color, otherwise it's a sports coat. This can be an interesting way to create more combinations with less clothes. By using the jacket for a suit and as a sports coat you can add some diversity to your style.

Tuxedos
Tuxedos are slightly different from suit jackets in a few ways. They have only one button, the lapels are wider, they are worn with a tuxedo shirt, and they are worn with a bowtie and cummerbund. These are the basic rules of tuxedos. The most common lapels for tuxedos are peaked and shawl.

Suit Etiquette
There are a few more rules you have to know before suiting up.
1. If your jacket has three buttons remember the mantra: Sometimes, always, never. If it has two buttons, start from "always".
2. When you sit down, unbutton your suit. There my be a crease if you sit.
3. Remember to always wear an button down and undershirt when wearing any suit.
4. Lint rolling is very important!
5. It is important to have a strong posture when wearing a suit, no slouching.
6. Always try to match pieces of the suit with the jacket if they do not come all in one color.

Now you're ready, so get on out there, and Suit Yourself!

Have any questions or concerns? Comment on this post or email us at suityourselffashion@gmail.com

-Quinn and Mike