Best Suits for Men: How to Style Different Types of Suits

A well-dressed man's wardrobe is incomplete without a suit. The best suits for men exude confidence, professionalism, and sophistication, making them essential for various occasions—from business meetings to weddings. However, not all suits are the same, and knowing how to style them can elevate your overall look. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of suits and the best ways to wear them.

Introduction

Before diving into different suit styles, it's essential to understand the basics of suit styling. The fit is the most important factor—without a proper fit, even the best suits won’t look sharp. A well-fitted suit should be snug but not tight, with shoulder seams aligning perfectly and sleeves ending at the wrist bone. The trousers should gently rest on top of the shoes, and the jacket should button without pulling or gaping.

Once you've nailed the fit, it’s time to explore the best suits for men and how to style them for any occasion.

1. The Classic Suit: A Timeless Essential

When it comes to the best suits for men, the classic suit is a must-have. This timeless style features a single-breasted jacket with notch lapels and straight-leg trousers, making it one of the most versatile choices for any occasion. Whether you're heading to a business meeting or a formal event, a classic suit offers effortless elegance.

To style a classic suit, start with a crisp white dress shirt and a solid-colored tie for a polished look. Traditional colors like black, navy, and gray are always reliable, but don’t hesitate to experiment with rich tones like olive or burgundy for a modern twist. Complete the outfit with black leather dress shoes and a matching belt for a refined, put-together appearance.

2. The Double-Breasted Suit: A Bold Statement

For those looking to elevate their style, the double-breasted suit is a sophisticated and formal alternative to the traditional single-breasted design. Featuring peaked lapels and two parallel rows of buttons, this suit exudes confidence and authority. While some may find it intimidating, when styled correctly, it becomes a true showstopper.

To wear a double-breasted suit effortlessly, keep the rest of the outfit simple. Pair it with a white dress shirt and a solid-colored tie for a refined look. Stick to classic shades like navy or gray for the suit itself, as these neutral colors enhance its elegance. Complete the ensemble with black leather dress shoes and a matching belt for a sleek, polished finish.

3. The Three-Piece Suit: Elevate Your Formal Look

A three-piece suit takes classic tailoring up a notch by incorporating a vest, adding an extra layer of elegance and sophistication. As one of the best suits for formal occasions, this style is perfect for weddings, business events, and black-tie affairs. The vest not only enhances the suit’s structure but also allows for a more refined and polished appearance.

To style a three-piece suit, start with a white dress shirt and a solid-colored tie for a timeless look. Opt for neutral suit colors like navy or gray for versatility, while the vest can introduce a contrasting color or subtle pattern to create visual interest. Complete the ensemble with black leather dress shoes and a matching belt for a sleek, put-together finish.

4. The Tuxedo: The Pinnacle of Formalwear

When it comes to suits for men in formalwear, nothing surpasses the tuxedo. This timeless ensemble is reserved for black-tie events, weddings, and high-profile occasions, exuding sophistication and class. A traditional tuxedo features a black jacket with peaked lapels, black trousers with a satin stripe, and a white dress shirt with a pleated front for a refined, polished look.

To style a tuxedo correctly, start with a white pleated dress shirt and a black bow tie. The jacket and pants should feature satin details, adding a touch of luxury. Complete the ensemble with a cummerbund or vest for added elegance, and finish with black patent leather dress shoes for a sleek, polished appearance.

5. The Seersucker Suit: A Summer Essential

For warm-weather occasions, the seersucker suit is one of the best suits  looking for style and comfort. Made from lightweight cotton with a distinctive puckered texture, this suit is perfect for outdoor weddings, garden parties, and summer events. Its breathable fabric keeps you cool while maintaining a sharp, sophisticated look.

To style a seersucker suit, keep the outfit light and effortless. Pair it with a light-colored dress shirt—white or pastel shades work best—and skip the tie for a relaxed yet polished vibe. Traditional light blue or gray seersucker suits are the most versatile choices. Complete the look with brown leather dress shoes and a matching belt for a refined finish.

6. The Linen Suit: Effortless Summer Elegance

For men seeking the best suits for summer, the linen suit is a must-have. Made from lightweight linen fabric, this suit offers a relaxed fit and breathable comfort, making it ideal for outdoor weddings, beach events, and tropical vacations. While more casual than wool suits, a well-styled linen suit still exudes sophistication.

To style a linen suit, keep it simple and airy. Pair it with a light-colored dress shirt—white, beige, or pastel tones work best—and skip the tie for a relaxed, effortless look. Stick to light-colored linen suits in white, beige, or light blue for a classic summer aesthetic. Complete the ensemble with brown leather dress shoes and a matching belt for a refined yet laid-back finish.

7. The Plaid Suit: Bold & Fashion-Forward

A plaid suit is a statement-making choice among the best for men, offering a stylish and modern edge. Defined by its intersecting line patterns in various colors, this suit is perfect for fashion-forward professionals, special events, or bold everyday wear. When styled correctly, a plaid suit radiates confidence and sophistication.

To style a plaid suit, let it be the center of attention. Pair it with a solid-colored dress shirt and skip the tie to maintain a balanced look. Stick to minimal accessories to avoid clashing patterns. Finish off the ensemble with black or brown leather dress shoes for a polished, cohesive outfit.

Tips on how to style suits for men

Here are a few more tips on how to style suits for men:

1. Pay attention to the details: The devil is in the details when it comes to suit styling. Make sure your shirt is neatly pressed, your tie is tied properly, and your shoes are polished. These little touches can make all the difference in creating a polished, put-together look.

2. Consider the occasion: Different occasions call for different types of suits. A classic suit is appropriate for most business meetings, while a tuxedo is reserved for more formal events. Make sure to consider the dress code and tone of the event when choosing your suit.

3. Experiment with accessories: Accessories can add a lot of personality to a suit. Consider adding a pocket square or a lapel pin to your jacket for a pop of color or texture. Just be sure not to go overboard - a few well-chosen accessories are all you need to make a statement.

4. Mix and match: Don't be afraid to mix and match different pieces of your suit collection. A navy blazer can be paired with khaki pants for a more casual look, while a vest from a three-piece suit can be worn with jeans for a dressed-down but still stylish outfit.

5. Don't forget about grooming: A well-styled suit is only part of the equation. Make sure to keep your hair neatly styled and your facial hair groomed to complete the look.

By following these tips, you'll be able to style your suits with confidence and create a look that's both sophisticated and stylish.

Common mistakes to avoid when styling suits for men:

While there are plenty of ways to style a suit, there are also some common mistakes that men should avoid.

1. Wearing a suit that doesn't fit properly: Fit is key when it comes to a suit. A ill-fitting suit might give you a sloppy, unprofessional appearance. Make sure to get your suit tailored to fit your body properly, or consider purchasing a made-to-measure or bespoke suit.

2. Wearing a suit that's inappropriate for the occasion: It's important to choose a suit that's appropriate for the occasion. Wearing a tuxedo to a casual event or a casual suit to a formal event can make you look out of place. Make sure to consider the dress code and tone of the event when selecting your suit.

3. Wearing the wrong color or pattern: Not all suits are created equal, and some colors and patterns are more appropriate for certain occasions than others. Avoid wearing bright, flashy colors or patterns to a business meeting or a funeral, for example. Stick to classic, timeless colors and patterns like navy, gray, or pinstripes for a more versatile look.

4. Over-accessorizing: While accessories can add a lot of personality to a suit, it's important not to overdo it. Stick to a few well-chosen accessories like a pocket square or a tie bar, and avoid wearing too many accessories at once.

5. Forgetting to groom: A suit can only do so much if you're not properly groomed. Make sure to keep your hair and facial hair neatly trimmed and styled, and avoid wearing scuffed or dirty shoes. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be able to create a stylish, put-together look that's appropriate for any occasion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different types of suits for men, each with its own unique style and purpose. Whether you're looking for a classic, timeless suit or a more daring option like a plaid suit, the key is to ensure that the suit fits well and is styled appropriately for the occasion. Remember to keep the rest of the outfit simple and let the suit speak for itself. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to looking sharp and stylish in any type of suit.