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Different colours and fabrics for suits: well dressed for every occasion

Not only is having a suit with a good fit important, but also choosing the right colour and fabric so that you can stand out and look stylish for every occasion. To ensure that you are appropriately dressed for every season and celebration, we will show you which colour suit you should wear depending on the occasion. We will also explain which suit fabrics are best suited to summer and winter.

Men’s suit & size guide

Fabrics for suits and their characteristics: how to choose the perfect suit

Every suit fabric has its own unique characteristics, which influence not only its appearance but also how it feels to wear and its durability. The suit fabric therefore plays a key role in how a suit feels to wear, how it hangs and which occasions it is suitable for.

Which suit fabric is best suited to you depends on the occasion, your desired level of comfort and your personal style. Generally, the finer and smoother a suit fabric is, the more formal it tends to look. Coarser and textured fabrics, on the other hand, convey a more casual impression.

To make your choice easier, we’ve put together a brief overview of the characteristic properties of various suit fabrics.

Suit fabrics: close-up of a woollen suit fabric.

Virgin wool: the classic suit fabric

Depending on how it is processed, virgin wool is suitable for both business and formal suits. Wool generally regulates temperature well and retains its shape. Suits made from lightweight virgin wool or breathable blended fabrics can also be worn in warmer months, particularly if they have a looser fit. Virgin wool as a suit fabric therefore ensures an elegant look and a high level of comfort.

Suit fabrics: close-up of a suit fabric containing cotton.

Cotton: the lightweight, versatile suit fabric

Cotton is lightweight and breathable, ensuring it is comfortable to wear. Cotton suits are versatile and suitable for a range of occasions, from casual to business.

Tip: Thicker cotton fabrics are also well suited to winter suits.

Suit fabrics: close-up of a suit fabric containing linen.

Linen: the airy, summery suit fabric

This natural fabric is lightweight and ensures an airy, comfortable feel. Linen suits give the wearer a relaxed, casual look and are therefore ideal for informal and semi-formal occasions.

Suit fabrics: close-up of a blended fabric used for suits.

Blended fabric suits for every occasion

Blended fabrics are particularly practical for suits worn regularly in everyday life or whilst travelling. The combination of natural and synthetic fibres can enhance certain properties such as durability, shape retention and ease of care.

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Fabric blends for everyday suits

Blended fabrics are particularly practical for suits worn regularly in everyday life or whilst travelling. By combining natural and synthetic fibres, certain properties such as durability, shape retention and ease of care can be enhanced.

  • Viscose: this man-made fibre is pleasantly light to wear, whilst just as breathable and moisture-regulating as cotton. Suits containing viscose are easy to care for, comfortable to wear and have a cooling effect in summer.

  • Polyester: This synthetic fabric is now used in many everyday suit styles, as it makes suits more durable, easier to care for and less prone to creasing. You can wear suits containing polyester every day, as, unlike suits made from virgin wool, they do not need to be left to air out.

  • Stretch fabrics (e.g. elastane): These elastic fibres increase freedom of movement, even in figure-hugging suit styles.

Fabrics for men’s summer suits

For a summer suit, you should opt for light, airy fabrics that don’t trap heat.

  • Linen is particularly breathable and has a cooling effect, which is why this suit fabric remains comfortable to wear even in warmer temperatures. To avoid creases, you can choose a blend of linen and cotton.

  • Cotton regulates moisture, is breathable and feels comfortable against the skin. It is therefore particularly suitable for summer suits with a more casual or modern style.

  • Silk is the perfect fabric for luxurious suits. Especially in summer, silk feels pleasantly cool against the skin.

Fabrics for men’s winter suits

During the winter months, it’s important that you feel comfortable in your suit, that it keeps you warm and that you look stylish at the same time.

  • Winter suits made from virgin wool keep you reliably warm whilst remaining breathable and hard-wearing.

  • Tweed is robust and is characterised by its distinctive coarse texture. Winter suits made from tweed still feel pleasantly soft to the touch.

  • Flannel suits are perfect for the cooler months. This suit fabric is soft, warm and has a slightly brushed surface.

Which suit colour is suitable for which occasion?

Whether it’s a formal business lunch, a festive event or a casual get-together – the colour of your suit can have a significant impact on the overall effect of your outfit and is key to making a good impression.

Black suits: very traditional

A black suit is an absolute classic when it comes to menswear. This colour is ideal for formal occasions. It exudes elegance and sophistication and is an excellent choice for evening events, weddings and black tie events. A black suit can also be worn to business meetings when a particularly formal dress code is required.

Discover our range of black suits

Blue suits: a chic all-rounder

The blue suit is extremely versatile and an absolute must-have in any wardrobe. This makes it one of the most popular must-haves for every man’s wardrobe. It suits a wide range of occasions, including business meetings, weddings, cocktail parties and even casual events. Light blue is perfect for spring and summer, whereas dark blue can be worn all year round.

Blue suits for every occasion

Grey suits: a smart alternative

Grey and anthracite-coloured suits are a stylish alternative to black and blue suits. They are great for work and formal events, but they also offer flexibility for less formal occasions. Light grey suits are perfect for summer and informal occasions, whereas darker shades of anthracite are ideal for business meetings, evening events and formal occasions.

Find your new grey suit

Beige suits: ideal for informal occasions

Beige suits are a good choice for relaxed, summery occasions and informal events. They convey a sense of lightness, whilst remaining stylish. Depending on the dress code, they can therefore also be worn for formal occasions such as summer weddings. Beige suits are ideal for a relaxed yet elegant look in spring and summer.

Suits in bold colours & pastel shades: ideal for standing out at any party

Suits in pastel shades, red or green add a vibrant touch to your look and make you stand out from the crowd. They are the ideal choice for special occasions where you can show off your individual style, such as themed parties, summer weddings, garden parties or other casual events. Suits in pastel colours, red or green will make you stand out, which makes them less suitable for formal events or business meetings.

Get your new suit in your favourite colour

FAQs on suit colours and fabrics

What colour shirt should you wear with a blue suit? What colour suit should you choose for going to a wedding? Find answers to these questions and more in our suit FAQs below:

What shoes should you wear with a blue suit?

  • Black shoes go very well with blue suits.

  • Dark brown shoes will make your smart blue suit stand out.

  • Blue shoes will either need to match the colour of the suit or be a lot darker.

What shoes should you wear with a black suit?

  • Black shoes always look very smart. Combine your suit with a coloured shirt or tie to brighten up your look.

  • Dark brown shoes will create a subtle contrast without standing out too much.

I’m wearing a blue suit with a pair of brown shoes, but what colour socks should I wear?

Black socks are generally a low-key choice. Alternatively, you could choose a pair of socks in the same shade of brown as your shoes for a matching look.

Find the perfect socks to match your suit
What colour suit should you wear to a wedding?

Your choice of colour depends on the dress code and style of the wedding. If there is no dress code, black, blue or even coloured suits are appropriate for summer weddings.

You’ll find further tips and inspiration in the following article: Wedding guest outfits.

Conclusion: finding the perfect suit colour & suit fabric

Once you know your size and preferred fit, you can think about what suit colour or type of fabric you would like to have. It is important to choose the correct colour and fabric for the occasion. Get inspired by our large collection of suits and find your new favourite suit:

Discover our collection of stylish suits

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Image sources in chronological order:

Cover photo: odayaka - stock.adobe.com
1st – 10th image in text: C&A
11th image in text: caftor - stock.adobe.com