For business attire orbusiness suits, the color is straight forward. The standard color for suits are navy or grey. The choice is limited but it STILL needs to be done right.
There is no other color that looks smarter or flatter one’s skin better than these two colors. Black is too boring, brown isn’t for everyone and light tan or grey is on the casual side.
The color needs to be dark for business and again not that dark that looks like almost black. Navy is the gold standard for business suit. Sometimes men end up buying too dark navy, that is midnight navy blue. Which looks close to black. Midnigh navy looks pale and pasty.
On the other hand, mid blue have become very popular over the years, particularly at weddings. Mid blues would be too strong color for most offices.
In general, the paler and brighter a colour the more casual it is, so if you want to wear a colour like this, have it in something more casual, like a linen jacket.
Navy is serious, professional and yet interesting enough in terms of colour combinations. Midnight blue looks smart with a white shirt and black shoes, but that’s about it. Navy, on the other hand, also looks good with those accessories, but brings out chocolate-brown shoes as well.
And a blue shirt under a navy suit provides a great background for experimentation with colour in the tie or handkerchief – strong colours against black just look cheap.
Suitable color for business suit
Most of this applies to greys as well. Sometimes men wear grey that is way too dark and looks almost like black and with little texture.
Generally, there are really two good categories of grey that can be worn for business: charcoal and mid-grey. Charcoal is a sober and professional, and works particularly well in flannel, but (like navy) it cannot be mistaken for black.
Mid-grey, however, is kindest of all the suit colours on skin tones – it compliments a good tan, but it doesn’t wash out the pasty. It is for that reason that I would recommend creating a business wardrobe (or commissioning their your bespoke suits) in navy, charcoal and mid-grey.
Mid-grey might feel a little adventurous. It is a touch lighter than the grey suit you would instinctively buy for business.
Don’t be afraid – it will look perfectly serious with a blue shirt, dark tie and deep-brown Oxfords. But it will also work wonderfully in a casual summer setting, with a white shirt, mid-brown shoes and perhaps a white linen handkerchief.
Should I pick a pattern?
If you are getting your first bespoke suit, make it plain. There is enough aspect of the suit to be worried about like; fit, style, color, customization.
When we say plain, it means twill weave. That is a very fine diagonal line running across the fabric. Worst wool (the material that most suits are made of) is rarely plain. There are twills, pinheads, pick on pick which come across as plain but its not.
In general, minor patterns is a good thing. Its gives character to the suit. Unless the desired look is upmost formal, a little pattern or texture adds to the interest of the suit and contrast nicely with tie and shirt.So consider those little patterns to be nothing more than texture.
Herringbone is often a good option for a second or third suit; essentially a broken twill, it adds a touch of interest without sacrificing seriousness.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of men's fashion and bespoke tailoring, I bring to you a wealth of knowledge and experience in the art of choosing the perfect business attire. Over the years, I've closely observed the nuances of color, fabric, and patterns, and I'm here to guide you through the intricacies of building a sophisticated and versatile wardrobe.
Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Color Selection for Business Suits:
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Navy and Grey:
- Navy and grey are considered the standard colors for business suits. These colors exude professionalism and sophistication.
- Black is deemed too boring, brown may not suit everyone, and lighter colors like tan or grey are seen as more casual.
- The ideal choice is a dark color, avoiding the extremities of too dark (almost black) or too light (casual).
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Navy as the Gold Standard:
- Navy is highlighted as the gold standard for business suits. It is serious, professional, and versatile.
- Midnight navy, resembling black, is cautioned against as it may appear pale and pasty.
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Grey Options:
- Charcoal and mid-grey are the recommended shades for grey suits. Charcoal is sober and professional, while mid-grey complements various skin tones.
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Color Combinations:
- Navy and mid-grey provide a great background for experimenting with shirt and accessory colors.
- For example, a blue shirt under a navy suit allows for experimentation with tie or handkerchief colors.
2. Pattern Selection for Business Suits:
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Plain for the First Suit:
- The recommendation for the first bespoke suit is to keep it plain, preferably in a twill weave. Twill has a fine diagonal line running across the fabric.
- Plain suits simplify the decision-making process, focusing on fit, style, and color.
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Minor Patterns and Texture:
- Minor patterns, like twills, pinheads, or pick on pick, add character to the suit without being overly formal.
- Herringbone, a broken twill, is suggested as a good option for a second or third suit, providing interest without sacrificing seriousness.
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Texture and Character:
- Texture is seen as a positive aspect, contributing to the overall character of the suit.
- While a plain suit is recommended for the first bespoke experience, a little pattern or texture is encouraged for subsequent suits.
In conclusion, the key to a well-rounded business wardrobe lies in the careful selection of colors and patterns that balance professionalism with individual style. From the classic navy to the versatile mid-grey, coupled with considerations for patterns and textures, these elements play a crucial role in achieving a sophisticated and polished look in the business world.
