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 occasion, we will show you different suit colours and explain which colour suit you should wear depending on the occasion. We will also explain which suit fabrics are best suited to summer and winter so that you feel comfortable whatever the weather.
Contents
Fabrics for men’s summer suits
Fabrics for men’s winter suits
Suit patterns and colours
The colour of your suit plays an important role whether you're going to a formal business dinner, a special event or a casual party. Below you will find helpful tips and information on suit colours and which hue you should wear depending on the occasion.
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.
Blue suits: a chic all-rounder
Blue suits are currently very trendy as they are extremely versatile. 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.
Grey suits: a smart alternative
Grey and charcoal coloured suits are a chic alternative to black and blue. 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 grey are ideal for business meetings, evening events and formal occasions.
Beige suits: ideal for informal occasions
Beige suits are a great choice for informal events. They have a lovely light colour and are ideal for outdoor weddings or garden parties. These suits look less formal than darker shades and work well for a smart but casual look during the summer months.
Suits in bold colours & pastel shades: ideal for standing out at any party
Suits in pastel shades, red or greens 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 at 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.
Popular suit patterns
You can spice up your wardrobe with a suit that has a quirky pattern. Below we will show you the most popular styles of patterned suits that are timeless classics.
Checkered suits: simple yet elegant
Suits with a subtle checkered pattern or houndstooth suits are popular choices for men who would like to add a bit of elegance to their look. Small, checkered patterns visually add subtle texture to a suit and are ideal for formal occasions such as business meetings or evening events. Houndstooth suits are versatile and suitable for business meetings and informal events alike.
Glen check suits: a traditional pattern
Suits with a glen check pattern, also known as a "Prince of Wales" pattern, are classic and timeless. This pattern adds a touch of elegance to your suit and is therefore well suited to men who are looking for a traditional yet stylish look. Glen check features a complex checkered pattern and is perfect for business meetings and everyday office wear.
Pinstripe suits: a smart and popular pattern
Suits with stripes, including pinstripe suits, are a classic choice for work and formal occasions. They look very smart and are perfect for men who would like to look stylish yet professional at work. Pinstripe suits are also popular for weddings, which makes them very versatile.
Tweed
Tweed suits are also a popular choice. They can be worn to dress up for a formal occasion or to dress down for a smart casual event.
Fabrics for suits
Each type of fabric has its own advantages and individual properties. Different types of fabrics will also play a role in the durability and feel of your suit. Below we will show you the common most used fabrics for suits and we will also give you some tips on which fabrics you should choose for summer and winter suits.
Fabrics for men’s summer suits
For a summer suit, you should opt for light, airy materials which will help to keep you cool. These types of fabrics are ideal for summer suits:
Linen summer suits
This natural fabric is light and airy, which makes it comfortable to wear. Linen suits look fantastic, and they are ideal for both casual and formal occasions. You can avoid creases by opting for a cotton linen blend suit.
How to wash linen
Cotton summer suits
Cotton is light, breathable and feels lovely on your skin. Suits made of cotton are versatile and suitable for a range of occasions, from casual soirées to formal business meetings.
Tip: Suits made of thicker cotton are great for winter.
Silk summer suits
Silk is the perfect fabric for luxury suits. Especially in summer, silk will keep you cool and it is also a breathable fabric. Visually, silk looks very classy due to its special sheen and it is also crease-resistant.
Fabrics for men’s winter suits
During the winter it is important that you wear something trendy and that keeps you warm at the same time. Therefore, the fabrics below are recommended for winter suits:
Virgin wool suits
Virgin wool is a high-quality material that is often used for suits. Winter suits made of virgin wool will keep you warm whilst being breathable and durable.
Tip: Virgin wool can also be a suitable fabric for summer suits. Suits made of virgin wool or blended fabrics with breathable properties can also be worn during the summer months, especially if they are loose-fitting.
Tweed suits
Tweed is a wool blend that can be worn in winter to help keep you warm. The fabric is robust and is well known for its coarse texture and yet it feels pleasantly soft.
Flannel suits
Flannel suits are perfect for autumn and winter. It is similar to virgin wool but is produced differently. This type of fabric is soft, has a slight rough surface and will keep you warm.
Cashmere suits are a luxurious option for winter. This cosy high-quality wool is made of the finest fibres that will help keep you warm.
Fabric blends for everyday suits
Suits that you wear every day must be particularly durable and easy to care for. Some fabrics are combined to make suits comfortable and hard-wearing. Below we have listed common fabric blends used in suits:
Lycra or stretch: these elastic fibres ensure lots of comfort, which means you can wear close-fitting suits that will not feel too tight.
Viscose: viscose is a man-made fabric that feels as light as silk, yet just as breathable and absorbent as cotton. Suits with a viscose content are easy to care for, comfortable to wear and will keep you cool in the summer.
Polyester: this synthetic fabric is found in a lot of different suit styles as it makes your suit hard-wearing, crease-resistant and easy to care for. Polyester suits can be worn every day because, unlike virgin wool, they don't need to rest or be left to air out.
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? Or what is the best colour for a prom suit? 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?
Dark brown shoes will create a subtle contrast without standing out too much.
Black shoes always look very smart. Combine your suit with a coloured shirt or tie to brighten up your look.
Dark red leather shoes will make a statement and they are also appropriate for the workplace.
I’m wearing a blue suit with a pair of brown shoes, but what colour socks should I wear?
It is best to wear a pair of black socks. Alternatively, you could choose a pair of socks in the same shade of brown as your shoes for a matching look.
Prom suit: what colour suit should you wear to a prom?
Dark blue or shades of grey are classically elegant suit colours that you can't go wrong with. Add a colourful or patterned shirt to give these classics a modern twist.
If you prefer a lighter and more modern colour, then a beige or pastel blue suit would be a great choice.
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:
