The world of men’s suits is dynamic, especially since there’s a suit type style and design for every man. These different suits cater to varying bodies and personalities, and some are also specifically made for particular occasions. Sometimes it can be lustrous and sleek, while other times, it can be a bit rebellious or laid-back. Regardless, it’s worth noting that there’s a wide range of suit designs for men, which is why the concept of �one look fits all’ is inaccurate.
That said, here are five different types of suit styles for men.
- Slim Fit
From the name itself, a slim fit suit trims the excess fabrics away, similar to how a quality workout burns down extra fats. The slim-fit suit often gives you a form-fitting and stylish suit that narrows at your waist and chest, albeit not too much. While it may be obvious to pair athletic builds with slim-fit suits, different body types can actually pull off this look.
This is mainly because this suit – while adherent to the natural contours of the body – often stops short of emphasizing the definition. The jacket of the suit offers enough sleekness down without being bold enough to give too much of what’s underneath and is basically a more casual style than most.
- Tuxedo
The tuxedo is most probably the staple menswear for when you want to express sophistication, distinction, and class. Almost everything about the tuxedo screams regal and is highly appropriate for formal events or those with great importance, such as awards ceremonies, weddings, and more.
What makes the tuxedo different from other suits is the presence of grosgrain or satin. The pocket trim, buttons, and lapel traditionally have satin facing, with the trousers possessing a satin stripe on the side of the leg. The lapel can be shawl, peak, or notch, though the shawl one is typically the elegant choice.
On not so strictly-formal occasions, you can always break away from mainstream black and go for tan, blue, or maroon colors.
- Pinstripe
The “pinstripe” term is a pattern of textile design that’s made of numerous thin and evenly spaced parallel lines. While there are exceptions to this, most pinstripe-styled suits are composed of vertical lines. They’re called pinstripes because of the incredibly thin lines, similar to a pin’s thinness.
Pinstripe suits are historically linked with men’s business attire but are now worn by both females and males in modern times. This suit is commonly paired with a dress shirt, shiny shoes, tie, and socks, which may also be topped off with a pinstripe vest. As it’s donned with vertical stripes, it’s a typical suit choice for men of all sizes and shapes.
- Lapel (Notch, Peak, Shawl)
The lapel on a suit refers to the flaps that are placed on either side of a suit’s jacket, just below the folded collar on both sides of the front opening. A lapel can either be a shawl, peak, or notch.
A notch lapel is the most common type and is a mainstay on single-breasted jackets. It’s defined by an evident indent at the part where the lapel and collar join. Moreover, it’s also considered the most versatile among the lapel types since it’s appropriate for the boardroom as well as the cocktail lounge.
A peak lapel is an upgrade to the notch, with its top edges facing upward at distinct angles. It’s a staple on double-breasted suits and is a common player at formal functions. On the other hand, a shawl lapel is the most elegant of the choices, given its uninterrupted and smooth lining. The shawl lapel tends to be exclusively found on formal wear like fancy dinner jackets and tuxedos, exuding a sense of distinction and class.
- Single-breasted/Double-breasted
The single-breasted suit is the most abundant among all the different types of men’s suits. It tends to exude a tighter and narrower appearance and is often paired with notch lapels. These suits also follow strict codes of conduct when it comes to buttoning. For one-button suits, it’s advised to button when standing and then unbutton when you’re sitting. The opposite goes for two-button suits; you should never fasten the last or lower button. Mens waistcoats are typically worn with the single breasted suit so it can be seen.
Double-breasted suits, in contrast, incorporate extra buttons on the jacket’s sides for aesthetics. The number of buttons usually ranges from four to eight, but most have six. Because of its extra buttons, the main point shifts from the seams to the side to showcase a wider frame. This suit is popular among fashion-forward men and works well with different colors.