As we mentioned last time, there is a wide variety of designs, cuts, fits, and styles of (usually men’s) suits. There really is no concept of “one suit fits all”— everyone has different tastes, body types, and body sizes. Additionally, suit trends are constantly changing and cycled through with each decade or so.
Today, we’re going to outline a few mens suit styles you should be familiar with.
Slim-Fit Suit
Contrary to what its name suggests, the slim fit doesn’t only have to necessarily be an option solely for athletic and slim men. Many different male body types can get away with wearing the slim-fit suit.
This suit trims away excess fabrics— characterized by a style that’s narrow at the waist and chest (but not to the point where you feel like a constricted sausage in a plastic casing).
Although the slim fit suit fits in a way to highlight the natural contours of the body, it doesn’t reveal too much beyond that. Sure, there’s a sleek and somewhat snug fit to the suit, but it doesn’t necessarily give away too much of what’s going on underneath.
This suit is typically more of a casual style choice— suited less for corporate and more for a day at the races.
Jacket: Slim fit jacket, contoured to the body, slim but has some room for comfort, fashionably shorter.
Lapel: Marginally slimmer lapel to match shoulders and fit.
Pant: Slim fit pants, narrower legs, small leg opening, typically cropped.
Classic Fit Suit
For those who aren’t sure as to how to go about the suit-buying process, a classic fit suit is a way to go. This style of suit for men is comfortable in feel and simple in design, in addition to providing breathability without resorting to a loose or unkempt aesthetic–they don’t call it “classic” for nothing. An easy choice if you want something that’s perfect for the office Monday to Friday, but with a suit jacket that can be put with chinos for a smart casual weekend look. It’s safe to say, classic suits will never go out of style.
Jacket: Classic, best suits man with a fuller build, covers your rear end, reaches the end of your fingers.
Shoulder: Comfortable, softer.
Lapel: Standard collar design, suitable for all suit jackets.
Pant: Regular fit, classic and comfortable.
Modern Fit Suit
If you don’t think you can pull off the slim fit suit just yet, but want to exude a heightened sartorial sensibility, by all means, consider the modern fit suit. These types of suits for men hover squarely in the realm between a slim fit and a classic fit. It thereby delivers a tight look with breathing room to spare. If you get the material and the accessories right then you can make this work for just about any occasion. Modern suit styles are made to conquer any outing, from casual to dressy.
Jacket: Slim fit, contoured, shorter length.
Shoulder: Modern, squared-off style.
Lapel: Slim, presents a modern look.
Pant: Flat front.
Notch Lapel
A mainstay on single-breasted jackets, and arguably the most common type of suit lapel, the notch lapel is defined by a visible indent at the spot where the collar meets the lapel. As the most versatile of lapel styles, the notch lapel is as fitting for the boardroom as it is for the cocktail lounge. Consider it your safest bet if you’re on the fence about which men’s lapel type to choose.
Key features: Popular style from the 80s where the classic ‘V’ style was a mainstay.
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