Charcoal gray is on the rise for all pieces of clothing, but charcoal suits are a relatively new phenomenon in the business environment or at events. Charcoal gray is basically a range of gray shades covering all the tones from middle intense gray to dark, deep gray tones. It may seem more tricky to find colour combinations to go with it, but in reality, it’s not. Let us introduce you to 100% perfectly working charcoal gray combinations.
What is a Charcoal Suit?
A charcoal suit refers to a suit that is colored in a shade of gray, specifically the darker shade referred to as charcoal. The term "charcoal" describes the dark gray colour seen in burnt wood or coal.
Colour: Charcoal gray is a deep, nearly black shade of gray. It is considered a neutral colour in fashion, meaning it can be paired with a wide range of other colors.
Versatility: Charcoal suits are incredibly versatile. They can be dressed up for formal events or made more casual for everyday wear. Because of their dark tone, they are especially suitable for business and formal settings.
Style Options: Like suits in other colors, charcoal suits come in various styles and cuts. From single-breasted to double-breasted, and slim fit to classic fit, there is a charcoal suit to fit everyone's personal style and body type.
Fabric Choices: Charcoal suits are available in a wide range of fabrics including wool, linen, cotton, and blends thereof. The choice of fabric can affect the suit's appearance, comfort, durability, and suitability for different seasons or occasions.
A charcoal suit is a staple that deserves a place in every man's wardrobe due to its versatility, sophistication, and ease of pairing. Whether it's for a business meeting, a formal event, or a casual outing, a charcoal suit can be the perfect outfit with the right accessories and pairings.
What colour shirt is best with a charcoal gray suit?
The most basic and commonly asked question out there. Obviously, you can never go wrong with a white shirt, for any colored suit. This will create a nice contrast of colors and then you can build on with colorful accessories. Our favourite tie colors that go with charcoal gray are pink, navy blue, green, or purple.
As the charcoal gray colour is very formal, you can allow yourself to experiment a bit with the print on your shirt. Below, you can see two examples of shirts we chose with a charcoal gray suit. If you feel comfortable with it, combine your gray suit with a bolder print or keep it subtle to look business-elegant. Keeping it more subtle on the shirt gives you the option to be bolder with your tie selection, but don’t go overboard with a bold tie AND shirt.
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| Gray Wool Blends Suit | Gray Pure Wool Suit |
Double-breasted charcoal gray suit
Feeling like gray is not your colour but still want to be fashionable? No worries, we have a solution for you. Aim for darker tones of charcoal gray and add some stripes. Optionally, you can also reach for a double-breasted suit, that will totally change the look of your suit.
Choosing a statement double-breasted charcoal gray suit, keep the shirt and accessories simple. White shirt and similarly colored or slightly contrasted tie in subtle shades will do perfectly with this look.
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| Gray Striped Double-Breasted Suit |
Charcoal gray suit with a waistcoat
Wearing a charcoal gray suit as a three-piece suit is a fashion statement, not many make. This is such a gentlemanly outfit, that says you care and know fashion. Go for it! It’s important to pick a fabric that nicely shows the texture and makes the look even more unique. In this case, reach for tweed or wool with subtle colored threads.
Keep the tie game simple and go for a one-colored tie in shades of burgundy, dark blue, or black. The first impression will be already made by your statement suit.
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| Charcoal Houndstooth Tweed 3-piece Suit | Pure Wool 3-Piece Suit with Double-Breasted Waistcoat |
What Shoes to Wear with a Charcoal Gray Suit?
The shoes you pair with your charcoal gray suit can significantly influence your outfit's overall look. Here are a few good options:
Black Shoes: This is the most formal and safest choice. Black shoes will always work well with a charcoal gray suit, making them an excellent choice for business or formal events.
Brown Shoes: Brown shoes offer a contrast that can look very stylish when done correctly. Darker browns are usually better for maintaining a level of formality, while lighter browns can add a touch of casual flair.
Burgundy Shoes: Burgundy or oxblood shoes can make a unique and stylish statement. They're less traditional than black or brown but can add a dash of personality to your look.
Blue Shoes: Navy or dark blue shoes can also work well with a charcoal suit, especially for less formal or more fashion-forward contexts.
Remember, your choice of shoes should also match your belt to maintain a consistent and well-thought-out look.
What about a charcoal gray suit with brown shoes?
Yes, 100% yes! Brown and gray work together amazingly well and complement each other. All shades of brown from light to dark brown work perfectly with charcoal gray shades.
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| Penny Loafers from Italian leather | Brogue Dress Boots |
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| Monk Brogue Dress Shoes | Brown Cap Toe Derby Dress Shoes |
Brogue Boots - brown flora leather & leather
AU$373
Do Black Shoes Go with a Charcoal Suit?
Yes, black shoes complement a charcoal suit perfectly. This combination is classic and ideal for formal occasions, projecting a sense of authority and professionalism.
If you want to go for a different colour, gray goes very well with black or even blue. As for types of shoes, you don’t need to stick to dress shoes for casual occasions, so feel free to change them for loafers or boots for once.
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| Charcoal Gray Linen Blends Suit | Gray Pure Wool Suit | Gray Pure Wool Checked Suit |
Derby dress shoes - black italian calf leather
AU$295
We hope you got inspired by our charcoal gray suit combinations, let us know how your perfect look creation went.
Is Charcoal a Good Colour for a Suit?
The short answer is yes, charcoal is an excellent colour choice for a suit. It's a versatile shade that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Whether you're attending a business meeting, a formal event, or a casual gathering, a charcoal suit can be your go-to option.
Versatility: One of the most significant advantages of a charcoal suit is its versatility. The colour is formal enough for business meetings and events yet casual enough for social outings. This dual functionality means you can get more wear out of a charcoal suit compared to other suit colors. A charcoal suit transitions well between different contexts, making it a wardrobe staple for every man.
Compatibility: The neutral hue of a charcoal suit complements many other colors, opening a vast array of possibilities when it comes to shirt and tie combinations. From crisp white and pale blues to deep burgundy and rich golds, the options are endless, providing an opportunity to express your personal style.
Formality: A charcoal suit is a mark of sophistication and professionalism, making it a popular choice for the workplace. While it maintains a high level of formality, it isn't as stark as a black suit, giving it a more approachable feel.
What is the Difference Between Black and Charcoal Suits?
Black and charcoal suits, while similar, possess unique attributes that differentiate them. Here's a comparative overview:
| Black Suit | Charcoal Suit | |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Traditional, ultra-formal, and sophisticated. | Modern, formal yet flexible, and versatile. |
| Flexibility | More suited for strictly formal events. | Can be worn to a variety of events, both formal and semi-formal. |
| Pairing options | Pairs well with a narrow range of light-colored shirts. | Can be paired with a wider range of colors and patterns. |
- Black Suits: Black suits are often the go-to choice for ultra-formal occasions. They're classic, sophisticated, and can make a bold statement. However, they can be somewhat limiting, pairing best with lighter-colored shirts and more conservative tie patterns.
Charcoal Suits: Charcoal suits offer more flexibility. They retain a high level of formality but can also transition into less formal settings with ease. Charcoal suits can be paired with a wider range of shirt and tie colors, from light pastels to deep, rich hues. This versatility makes them a more adaptable choice for the modern man.
Is a Charcoal Suit Formal?
Yes, a charcoal suit is formal, but it is also flexible. Its dark tone conveys a level of seriousness and professionalism making it suitable for formal occasions. Yet, it's also versatile enough to fit into semi-formal or casual contexts, with the right combination of shirts, ties, and accessories.
A charcoal suit indeed carries a formal connotation, but its versatility also allows it to blend seamlessly into more casual settings.
So, you can wear your charcoal suit in:
Formal Events: Charcoal is close enough to black that it can serve as a suitable substitute for the most formal of events, including business meetings, weddings, or black-tie events. Its deep, rich tones lend an air of sophistication and elegance.
Semi-formal and Casual Events: The charm of a charcoal suit is that it can easily be dressed down for less formal events. Pair it with a colored or patterned shirt, forego the tie, or switch out dress shoes for a clean pair of sneakers. These minor adjustments can transform your suit from high-powered business attire to smart-casual.
Day to Night Transition: One of the significant benefits of a charcoal suit is its ability to transition from day to night effortlessly. Whether you're attending an early morning meeting or an after-work co*cktail hour, your charcoal suit will ensure you're suitably attired.
What is the Difference Between a Charcoal and Gray Suit?
Charcoal and gray suits are both versatile options, but they differ primarily in their level of formality and colour depth. Here's a brief comparison:
| Charcoal Suit | Gray Suit | |
|---|---|---|
| Depth of colour | Darker and closer to black. | Lighter and closer to white. |
| Formality | Suitable for both formal and semi-formal settings. | Generally more casual but can be dressed up. |
| Pairing options | Compatible with both vibrant and muted tones. | Best paired with bolder, brighter colors. |
Charcoal Suits: Charcoal suits are darker, and as such, are perceived as more formal. This makes them an excellent choice for business or formal events. The darker hue also means they pair well with a wider array of colors, from vibrant to muted tones.
Gray Suits: Gray suits are lighter, making them appear more casual and modern. They're a popular choice for daytime events or less formal settings. Their lighter tone pairs particularly well with bolder, brighter colors, making them a fun choice for expressing your personal style.
Can You Wear a Charcoal Suit in Summer?
Yes, you can wear a charcoal suit in summer, but there are some factors to keep in mind to ensure comfort and style:
Fabric Choice: Opt for lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, or lightweight wool blends. These materials breathe well, helping to keep you cool.
Suit Construction: Consider unlined or half-lined suits, which are less insulating and therefore more comfortable in hot weather.
Pairing Choices: Pair your suit with light-colored shirts to reflect sunlight and keep your overall look season-appropriate. You can also experiment with more vibrant tie colors to embrace the summer mood.
Can You Wear a Charcoal Gray Suit to a Wedding?
Absolutely! A charcoal gray suit is a sophisticated and versatile option suitable for weddings. Here are a few tips to consider:
Match the Formality: Charcoal gray is elegant and adaptable, making it suitable for both formal and semi-formal weddings. Be sure to consider the wedding's dress code—if it's black-tie, you might need to opt for a tuxedo instead.
Pairing Options: A crisp white shirt is a classic choice that pairs well with charcoal gray. When it comes to ties, feel free to experiment with colors and patterns—just make sure they complement the rest of your outfit. In terms of shoes, black is the most formal choice, while brown can add some contrast and make the ensemble less formal.
Accessorize: Don't forget about accessories. A pocket square can add an element of sophistication, cufflinks can add a personal touch, and a good quality belt and watch can complete the look.
Seasonality: Charcoal gray suits are great for any season. For a summer wedding, pair it with lighter, more vibrant colors to give your outfit a fresh, season-appropriate feel. In the colder months, opt for deeper, richer colors.
So, whether it's a summer garden wedding or a formal winter ceremony, a charcoal gray suit can be an excellent choice.
Remember to make sure your suit is well-fitted—it's the key to looking sharp and stylish on such a special occasion.
