At least one or two men's luxe suits are a great addition to a well-rounded wardrobe. Perfect for special occasions that run the gamut from important meetings to dinner parties, fancy suits are surprisingly versatile.
The Inimitable Suit
Nothing says classy, polished style quite like a great suit. Men require suits for all kinds of events, ranging from simple job interviews, lunch meetings and professional functions to dinner dates, weddings and nights at the opera. Simply put, there is a suit for every special occasion and every man, no matter what his tastes may be.
About Men's Luxe Suits
The luxe suit offers a more extravagant take on the traditional suit. Where the everyday suit is simple and unassuming, the luxe suit is more posh and designed with details that render it far more eye-catching than its more basic rack-mates. Due to its often impressive detailing, it tends to be more expensive than a basic suit, too. These types of suits are best saved for extra-special occasions, and are less appropriate for job interviews and the like. Some outstanding details of luxe suits include:
Cut and Construction
It is often said that the devil is in the details, and the adage couldn't hold truer than it does for a luxe suit. A smart cut is often the flattering starting point for a pair of pants with a polished, clean silhouette. Legs are often cut straight and roomy, yet not wide. Jackets are impeccably tailored, with sharp shoulders and a slightly cinched waist for a natural shape that follows his body's lines to perfection.
Details
Luxe suits are typically characterized by minimal, yet noteworthy, details. They don't tend to boast ostentatious buttons or extravagant embellishments, but instead feature small touches that give them that extra leverage in the elegance department. Common details include curved lapels and contrasting lapels (usually in tonal shades that match the color of the suit's fabric). Both single- and double-breasted styles are available, and there are even variations in buttons: some feature two, while others have three. Avoid single-button suits, which are more casual and youthful than luxurious.
Material
Often, it is the material that makes the suit so luxurious in the first place. Designers use rich, thick fabrics to compose the suits, and may blend two or more together for an especially elegant feel and appearance. Typical materials used to construct luxe suits include wool, cashmere, mohair, silk and heavy cotton. Silk often lines the suit jacket, too.
Stores and Designers
Men's luxe suits can typically be found at luxury department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys New York. Popular brands include Armani Collezioni, Burberry Prorsum, Calvin Klein, Dolce and Gabbana, Dior Homme, Lanvin and Versace Collection, to name but a few.
Styling Tips
Shopping for a luxe suit can actually be a bit tricky, especially if it is your first time. You want to ensure that the suit fits your body to perfection, as you would with any other type of suit. With suits as polished as these, though, the attention is really on the exquisite craftsmanship and touchable fabrics and, consequently, on you, too. Therefore, it's a good idea to shop in store and try the suits on prior to purchasing anything. Pay attention to these details:
- Shoulders are important. What are yours like? If they tend to slant downward, seek a suit with a heavy shoulder pad that adds some bulk to the area. Note that "heavy" doesn't have to mean uncomfortable! If your shoulders are already built, avoid adding any more thickness there.
- Many European labels design their suits with a slightly nipped in waist, which is quite becoming for most figures. However, if you are on the heavy side, opt for a cut that falls straight instead. You may want to look more closely at American labels for this.
- Consider the length of the pants. If it's perfect in every way, but is just slightly longer than you'd like, you can certainly have that altered by a tailor. Don't discount a great suit for a small detail that can be fixed.
- If you're purchasing suit separates, avoid cuffed pants. These lean casual and don't exude the sophisticated quality associated with luxury.
- Pair your suit with a crisp, no-frills, button-down shirt. Avoid T-shirts, which can easily be paired with casual suits but look inappropriate with fancier styles. Steer clear of printed tops, which can break the idea of luxury.
- Pay attention to your socks, too! They should be dress socks, and should be in the same color family as your pants. Since your socks often show when you sit down, matching the two together will create a seamless transition and look less awkward than, for example, a pair of white athletic socks (a big no no!).
With the right styling tips in mind, you'll feel confident and polished in your luxe suit. Shop around for the very best fit and settle for nothing less than the best. Remember that a great suit is a fantastic investment that will last you a lifetime!
