Mens Business Suits Styles

A Bit of History

It wasn't until the early 19th century that the men's business suit style we see today emerged in a recognizable version. However, it has roots much deeper than this.

It is said that Charles II decreed in 1666 that the standard dress for men appearing in the English court was a long coat, a waistcoat (a vest), a cravat (a version of the tie), a wig, knee breeches and a hat. This somewhat set the stage for what was to be considered proper business attire.

Growing from this, the men's business suits styles we recognize today developed. Men's suit coats and pants have experienced several variations in cuts, but the combination remains true. Standard business attire and outfits for more formal occasions include a jacket and pants, the main basis of the suit.

During World War II, because of cloth shortages, men's suits didn't include vests. This trend was never fully picked back up after the war was over.

Men's Business Suits Styles

There are several styles of men's business suits.

The main differences are the cut. Typically, men's suits are fabricated from similar fabrics with similar tailoring guidelines in mind.

Here are some styles of men's suits:

• Double-breasted suits have two rows of buttons that run parallel to each other down the front of the suit jacket. This style of suit is considered the most conservative type.
• Single-breasted suits only have one row of buttons running down the front of the suit jacket. The number of buttons range from two to three, commonly, or four for suits for taller men.
• British suits have moderately tapered sides, two vents and little to no shoulder padding.
• Italian suits, much coveted for their fine style, usually have padded shoulders, no vent and tapered sides.
• American suits are considered a little more casual with a level of shoulder padding between the British and Italian styles, minimally tapered sides and one walking vent.
• Contemporary suit styles are those that don't fit within any of these conservative guidelines and are considered "trendy."

The cuffs of most men's suits feature three or four buttons. The buttons are purely decorative, as the sleeves are sewn closed. However, some higher-end suits feature a doctor's cuff, which can be unbuttoned.

What to Look for in a Suit

While there are various styles of suits and cuts to jackets, there are certain criteria you should use when purchasing. The style is entirely up to you, but here are some hints to selecting the best suit within that style.

First, you should choose a fabric that springs back well from wrinkling. Suits made from worsted wools are good for all weather and all climates.

Second, when purchasing a suit consider the fit of the pants. They should be comfortable and not tight at the waist. Two fingers should be able to be inserted between your body and the waist of the pants. Heavier men should opt for pleats, while thinner guys should select a flat-fronted pant.

Men should take great care to make sure their pants are the right length. Your pants should reach the top of your shoes, with a slight bend in them, but not drag the floor. Shorter men should not opt for cuffed pants, as they tend to make the legs look shorter.

Overly short sleeves on your suit jacket are a turn-off. A man's jacket sleeve length should reach the base of his thumb when his arm is hanging down. This way, a bit of your shirtsleeve cuff will still show through, but not too much.

Your suit jacket should fit you at the waist. If it's too sloppy, select a smaller size. If your jacket doesn't meet in the middle, get a larger one.

The fit of your suit should be comfortable, overall. You should be able to work in it without it being restrictive. However, the suit needs to look like it fits, as well. Therefore, if you're used to wearing your clothes sloppily, you'll need to focus on the fit instead of the comfort.

Finishing Touches

Once you've selected the perfect suit for you, all you have left to purchase is a nice dress shirt and a tie. You'll be all set for that next important meeting!