In this article I will talk about:
The history of a men's suit, a symbol of masculine elegance
The men's suit, over time, has been and remains the most representative symbol of masculine style and elegance.
The earliest references to the men's suit can be found around 1666, but it was only after the 1800s that it was given its due importance.
Over the years, the suit has undergone changes due to social trends, thus becoming perhaps the most important men's clothing, continuing to influence contemporary society.
Returning to the historical roots of the men's suit, the great aristocratic society of the 17th century wore the suit in the form of combinations of long coats, jackets, and trousers, thus establishing the foundations of masculine clothing that would change masculine elegance.
Although at the beginning of its appearance, the suit was considered a luxury men's garment, the influences of society, economic changes, the emergence of new clothing styles and, of course, the emergence of more fabric manufacturers, made this clothing item a must-have for every gentleman of the time.
The most prolific period of the men's suit is the 20th century.
The fact that it was more affordable in terms of price, men's desire to assert themselves in society through elegance and refinement, but also the emergence of the film industry, made this masculine clothing item receive its due attention.
Every year changes were made in terms of style, the materials they were made of, the cut was adapted so that there would be a perfect fit between its contemporary period and male anthropomorphology, thus reminding us that at the beginning of the 1900s, suits were worn cut wide with a single row of buttons, as in the following years the famous double-breasted suit would appear, the slim Italian cut, followed by the cut with wide and massive shoulders (due to the padding used).
The men's suit, the meaning of the components of a men's suit
As you well know, a men's suit consists of two basic pieces: jacket and trousers.
The vest being an optional clothing item, but we consider it an important piece to complete the entire clothing ensemble.
The jacket is the most important component of the suit. In today's society we find different variations of the jacket in terms of the row of buttons, this being a single row of buttons (the most common jacket model) or the double-breasted jacket, the latter offering a more elegant style.
In terms of lapel types, the men's jacket can be with a peaked lapel (a V-shaped notch arranged horizontally with the tip pointing towards the inside of the suit), a notch lapel or a pointed lapel (in common terms) or a shawl lapel, this being specific to evening suits, ceremonial suits.
Each of these details contributes to the style and shape that a men's jacket can have.
Trousers are the second component of the suit, but with fewer details in terms of style.
Their cut and length, as well as the small details regarding the belt loops or their termination (the hem) outline the elegant style of the suit.
The third component of the suit, otherwise optional as we mentioned above, is the vest. The vest can represent the component that offers the extra refinement of the suit.
Otherwise, a men's suit consisting of three pieces can represent a formal look.
If you opt for a vest of a different color or fabric, the suit can be differentiated more easily in terms of style.
In what follows I want to detail a few elegant men's suit models.
Masculine sartorial elegance that transcends fashion trends, a classic men's suit
If you have ever wondered why a classic men's suit does not go out of style, the answer is as obvious as it gets: this type of men's suit, since its beginnings, is the symbol of refined style, versatile when it comes to new trends, while also being the basic elegant men's clothing in a gentleman's wardrobe.
Previously, we told you that the 1800s, the 19th century, represented the first years of importance and distinctiveness of this type of clothing, this evolving stylistically to its current form, while preserving its essence. Despite the sometimes strange trends in the fashion world, the classic suit has remained as a symbol of formality and perfect masculine professionalism.
In terms of the specific elements of a classic suit, we remind that a classic suit consists of the two basic components, the single-breasted jacket with a peaked lapel (a lapel more specific to this type of suit), and trousers that can be as simple as possible.
On the other hand, a classic men's suit is the type of masculine clothing that can be very easily adapted depending on the event.
For example, for formal events, such as weddings, you can opt for a black or navy suit, these two suits being a very good choice when we talk about a groom's suit, and if we also add a gray suit to the colors mentioned above, these can represent business outfits for business meetings.
For a more relaxed look, the transition from a formal look to a smart-casual one can be made by changing the shirt, from a white shirt to a colored or differently patterned shirt.
Classic men's suit slim fit, tailored fit, regular fit
Throughout its history, the classic suit has undergone several adaptations in terms of its cut, giving birth to several types of cuts, but we remind you of the basic ones:
Slim fit cut – a slim fit suit is fitted to the body, following the body line closely, being recommended for thinner people in terms of build.
Regular fit cut – a regular fit suit is very loose on the body, this being recommended for people who are more developed in terms of build.
Tailored fit cut – probably the most elegant and sophisticated type of cut, this offering the comfortability that a man needs, at the same time a tailored fit suit being the suit that contours the contemporary gentleman's silhouette. Most of our suits are cut in this type of cut.
Men's double-breasted suit
A double-breasted suit, through its elegance and distinct charm, is the outfit that has kept its importance intact in a man's wardrobe.
Its image full of refinement, imposing style, made this type of men's suit a pillar in the fashion world.
Having its origins also around the years 1800 – 1900, being a garment dedicated to military units, the double-breasted suit consists of a jacket with the specific closure, overlap, front flaps and of course, the two rows of buttons arranged parallel.
The most prolific period of this men's suit is the period of the years 1930 – 1940, considered also the golden age of the double-breasted suit.
The popularity of this suit grew thanks to Hollywood celebrities, as well as influential people from that period, given that this outfit offered an imposing style.
Compared to its predecessor, the classic suit, the double-breasted suit has several distinctive elements, such as the number of buttons arranged in two parallel rows.
The number of buttons is always even, starting from two buttons, up to eight buttons arranged parallel., and the number of buttons, determines the formal style and elegance of the suit.
The lapels of a double-breasted suit can be both pointed and notched. Pointed lapels being more elegant, more formal, on the other hand notched lapels being less formal, offering a simpler look.
A double-breasted suit is more fitted at the waist, the jacket line contouring the masculine waist in an elegant way.
Of course, over time, it has undergone changes with the role of contemporary adaptation.
A double-breasted suit is a safe choice for formal events, an elegant wedding suit, and a commanding men's suit for business meetings.
This suit is much more versatile than a classic suit, and when paired with different clothing items, it can create a variety of sophisticated outfits.
All its characteristics, cut, style, and features make a suit a unique piece of menswear that withstands contemporary changes, giving a man a commanding air and the confidence he needs.
Its presence in the fashion world throughout time is a symbol of resistance to less conventional influences in fashion.
What a men's suit represents in contemporary society
In this contemporary society, menswear has become fragile, with modern trends influencing it both positively and negatively.
Technically, the garment industry is much more developed, with more precise stitching and fabric cutting.
On the other hand, looking at color palettes, the basic colors of black, navy blue, and gray continue to be the safest choices (those colors that never go wrong), while we look optimistically at unique colors that are becoming increasingly popular.
Analyzing the versatility of the men's suit, we see that its utility has extended beyond formal events.
When worn with jeans, the jacket creates a smart casual look, while a men's suit made of linen or cotton is a must-have for spring and summer.
In conclusion, regardless of the style a man may adopt, whether he prefers a thinner material or an all-season one, a men's suit has been, is, and will be a symbol of masculine elegance.