If Clothes Could Talk: What Your Suit Actually Says About You - Family Britches (2024)

According to a 2016 study, American men over the age of 18 spent $85 per month on menswear, like designer suits, dress trousers, and button-down shirts.

But even if you’ve spent a pretty penny on your men’s professional attire, do you really know what those clothes are communicating to potential employers, friends, or dates?

Whether you wear only the finest men’s suits or you’d rather get everything second-hand, here’s what your dress clothing might be saying about you:

Navy and Grey Suits: Dependable and Honest

A plain navy or grey suit will never be the most exciting in a given room, but they are timeless and definitely has a time and place. If you want your tailored clothing to make you look reliable and trustworthy, this can be a great way to go. To keep it from looking too boring, don’t be afraid of a pop of color or a textured weave in the fabric.

Black Suit: Classic and Formal

When you wear a black suit, you may give off James Bond vibes… or make people ask if you’re going to a funeral. You’ll want to look more debonair than dour, so don’t go too traditional here.

Three-Piece or Double Breasted Suits: Detail-Oriented and Driven

A three-piece (coat,vest and pant) or Double Breasted tailored suit shows everyone that you really have your life together. Even though getting dressed in the morning doesn’t necessarily take more effort, it does illustrate that you care about how you’re perceived and that you pay attention to the little details. And when you put as much intention into your clothing as you do your life responsibilities, there’ll be no stopping you in the professional or personal realm.

Unique Color an/or Patterned Suit: Creative and Daring

Like your tailored clothing with a bit of a twist? There’s nothing wrong with showcasing your unique personal style. A suit, shirt, or tie with a pattern can be be a great addition to your wardrobe and can communicate your creativity in an instant. When you dare to be different, you’ll appeal to those who like thinking outside the box. Just make sure you showcase the coordinating ensemble, rather than having every part of your suit be a competing statement.

Made to Measure Suit: Confident and Successful

No matter what color or pattern you personally like, tailored clothing shows that you want to be taken seriously and that you have the means to get the job done. A study conducted by Psychology Today found that in just three seconds, participants rated men wearing made-to-measure suits as more successful and more confident than those wearing something off the rack. So if you really want to get that promotion or that second date, make sure you’re wearing tailored clothing.

Ill-Fitting Suit: Messy and Unsuccessful

While well-tailored clothing will make you look attractive and successful, the opposite holds true for a suit that doesn’t fit you well. Unfortunately, we’re all prone to making quick judgments based on appearance. A suit that’s too big, too small, or fits strangely will make a poor first impression. Unless you want others to think you’re sloppy, unintelligent, or apathetic, steer clear of a suit that doesn’t fit you well.

Neckwear: To Tie or Knot?

The choice of neckwear might depend on the environment or event or your personal style. A tie is like a piece of jewelry for a woman. It adds a pop of a coordinated accessory. However, apatterned shirt without a tie can be equally effective, if it is carefully coordinated.

Now that you know what a suit might say about you, take a look at what’s currently in your closet. Does your clothing communicate what you want to tell the world? If not, a men’s personal stylist can make sure your clothing serves your best interests.

If Clothes Could Talk: What Your Suit Actually Says About You - Family Britches (2024)

FAQs

What does wearing a suit say about you? ›

The fit and style of your suit can further communicate your personality traits: Tailored Fit: A well-tailored suit indicates attention to detail, precision, and a polished nature. It suggests a personality that values sophistication and professionalism.

What does a 3 piece suit say about you? ›

Ultimately, a three-piece suit shows you're confident and in control. However, it's not always appropriate. In this modern age, I'd probably skip a three-piece suit on a first date. Unless the date is to, say, the opera.

What do clothes say about your personality? ›

It also influences how others perceive us, shaping their initial impressions and interactions with us. Our clothing choices can convey professionalism, creativity, confidence, or even rebellion. They provide a glimpse into our personality and can act as a form of nonverbal communication.

What does a tailored suit say about you? ›

Made to Measure Suit: Confident and Successful

No matter what color or pattern you personally like, tailored clothing shows that you want to be taken seriously and that you have the means to get the job done.

Do people respect you more in a suit? ›

It depends on the person and the context. Some people might respect you more if you wear a suit and tie, while others might not care what you wear as long as you're respectful and knowledgeable about what you're talking about.

Can clothes define a person's character? ›

The way we dress can convey messages about our confidence, personality, and approach to the world. Clothing serves as a powerful form of self-expression. The way you choose to dress can reveal your individuality, creativity, and confidence.

Can clothing tell much about a person? ›

The type of clothing a person wears can give an indication of where they come from, what their style is, their hobbies, their interests, and even their socioeconomic status. It can also give clues to their age, culture, and personality.

How does clothing represent your identity? ›

Depending on how they are used, clothes can be combined and worn to reveal a part of our identity. It is fair to say that clothing and fashion are forms of communication that are exclusive to human beings. Through them, we convey our tastes and lifestyles, and acquire a sense of belonging to a group.

What color suit is most attractive? ›

Navy is the most popular men's suit color, hands down, making up 50% of all suits. It makes sense, as the colour navy represents power and authority — both traits one wants to feel when they wear a suit. That's why navy is known as the presidential suit color. It's also a safe choice if you prefer to blend in.

What does wearing a suit symbolize? ›

A SYMBOL OF POWER IS BORN

Because if you did have to wear a suit, it meant you had a professional line of work – and quite often a very powerful one at that.

What is the psychology of wearing a suit? ›

Dressing up triggers the release of neurotransmitters associated with positive emotions. Dopamine, often called the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, is released when we wear clothing that makes us feel confident and attractive. This chemical response contributes to an elevated mood and heightened self-worth.

What does wearing a suit show? ›

To sum it up, wearing a suit says a lot about you. It conveys your professionalism and the way others perceive you by their first impression. Showing up in an exactly tailored outfit that flatters your body is a nice touch to make sure you fit in with any situation or crowd.

Does a suit make you look attractive? ›

Yes, many women do find men in suits attractive. A well-tailored suit can signify professionalism, sophistication, and a certain level of success, which can be appealing. It often implies that the wearer values their appearance and understands the impact it can have in various settings.

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