What Are the Different Types of Suits?

Classic Suit Types

Classic suit styles are timeless and versatile, making them ideal for a wide range of occasions, from business meetings to formal events and everything in between. Here are the most common types:

1. Single-Breasted Suit: The single-breasted suit is the standard. The most common suit style you’ll find, it has one row of buttons down the front and a streamlined silhouette. This type of suit is perfect for most events, whether you’re heading to the office or a wedding.
2. Double-Breasted Suit: You guessed it, double-breasted suits have two rows of buttons and a more structured look. These suits are bolder and give off a vintage, high fashion vibe. They’re ideal for more formal events and can make a strong statement. 
3. Three-Piece Suit: A three-piece suit includes a jacket, pants, and a vest or waistcoat. This suit is great for formal occasions like weddings and traditional, sophisticated events, where you want to add a touch of elegance. The vest can help you stay sharp even if you take off your jacket, making this a versatile option.

The differences between single and double breasted suits can make a big impact on the overall look, formality, and use of a suit style.

Depending on the event, a tuxedo may be more appropriate. You can learn more about types of tuxedos and when to wear them to determine what is best for you.

Trending Suit Styles

While classic suits will always be there for you, fashion is always evolving, even in formal wear. Here are some of the more modern, trendy suit styles that have become are especially popular right now: 

• Patterned Suits: Suits with bold patterns like windowpane, houndstooth, pinstripe, or plaid are gaining popularity, especially in less formal settings. These patterned suits are a great way to make a fashion-forward statement while still looking polished.
• Textured Suits: Fabrics like tweed, linen, or even velvet offer more depth and character to your suit. Textured suits can add a modern twist to your wardrobe.
• Bright or Pastel Colors: If you want to break away from traditional blacks, blues, and grays, consider suits in bolder colors. Lighter shades like sky blue or pink are making waves, especially at summer weddings or destination events.

Veering into more adventurous details with traditional tailoring is a safe and fun way to add to your style. There are endless ways to get your trendy look. Start with brands that have a wide range of colors and cuts–Made-to-Order suit and tuxedo collections are perfect for exploring unique style.

Suit Fit Types

When it comes to selecting a suit, the fit is just as important as the style. A well-fitted men’s, women’s, or unisex suit makes all the difference. The first step to ensuring you get that great fit is understanding the most common–and beyond that, emerging and most useful–fit types for suits.

Men’s Classic or Trim Fit Suits

A classic trim fit suit–sometimes called skinny fit or slim fit–is the predominant popular style for a contemporary, up-to-date look. Less form-fitting and slender than the ultra-slim or European fit types that were common in years past, these trim suit styles prioritize a flattering, tailored appearance along with comfort and without any baggy fabric whatsoever.

Men’s Slim Fit Suits

Many suit brands deliver the contemporary trim suit look with multiple fit types to cater to various body types. A slim fit suit is one of them, cut close to the body while allowing room for comfort and style. A slim-fit jacket jacket is narrower waist with broader shoulders, while the trousers are tapered for a closer fit through the legs.

Men’s Modern Fit

Like slim fit suits, a modern fit suit is also made for the same, updated and tailored look, cut for straighter bodies or those that need a slightly roomier fit. A modern fit jacket offers a less tapered waist to provide a fitted, close-cut look to those body types. The pants are a bit less tapered to give more space for muscle and more, without being too baggy.

Women’s Fit

Traditional women’s fit suits are designed to fit comfortably around the bust and waist, creating a flattering silhouette while maintaining the polished look a suit offers. Women’s suit pants feature a mid-rise waist and a notch at the ankle. Whether for work, weddings, or other formal events, women’s suits have become an important part of the modern wardrobe and can include suit shorts and skirts if pants aren’t your thing!

Unisex Fit

For a more androgynous option, the unisex fit is great for achieving comfort and style for any body type. This fit has more traditionally masculine details with the ability to accommodate a wider range of bodies. This suit is great for achieving a professional or formal look without being overly tight or constricting. It’s especially useful for those who prefer a gender-neutral suit that doesn’t lose its style or structure.

Check out the Fit Guide for a more detailed description on each type, as well as some frequently asked suit fit and sizing questions.

Lapel Types

Lapel styles–the way the suit collar is designed–can make a subtle but significant difference in how your suit looks. Here’s a quick overview of the main lapel types:

• Notch Lapel: The notch lapel is the most common, classic, and versatile type, suitable for nearly any occasion. It features a small cutout where the collar meets the lapel and is usually found on single-breasted suits. 
• Peak Lapel: Peak lapels are more formal and have edges that point upwards toward the shoulders. This style gives your suit a more distinguished and structured look, often seen on double-breasted and formal suits. 
• Shawl Lapel: The shawl lapel is smooth and rounded without any cutout. This type of lapel is typically reserved for tuxedos and formal evening wear, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your suit.

Personalizing Your Suit

One of the best things about wearing a suit is the opportunity to make it your own. Here’s how you can infuse your personal style into your suit beyond the fit, texture, and color:

Suit Accessories

From pocket squares to tie clips, small accessories can make a big impact on your overall look. You can choose bold colors, patterns, or classic pieces depending on the occasion and your style preferences. Ties, watches, rings and jewelry, and even the shirt you wear give you lots of options.

Mix and Match Suit Pieces

You don’t always have to wear matching suit pieces! For a stylish or modern vibe, consider pairing a patterned jacket with solid pants or vice versa. Mixing textures can also add an interesting dimension to your outfit, like a tweed vest with a suit jacket and trousers. Similarly, different colors of suit separates can work together beautifully to create a unique ensemble.

Shoes

The right shoes can elevate your suit game. For a classic look, opt for black or brown dress shoes. But don’t hesitate to experiment with different colors, sneakers, or heels if the event allows!

How to Choose Your Suit for an Event

Different suit styles and fits are appropriate for various occasions. Knowing when to wear different suits is key to always looking your best.

• Business Meetings: A single-breasted, modern fit suit in navy or charcoal is ideal for the office. It’s professional and clean without being too flashy.
• Weddings: The right wedding suit selection really depends on the dress code. Personal style is still important, but always be sure you’re respectful of the happy couple’s wishes! A three-piece suit, double-breasted suit or even tuxedo can make a statement at formal weddings without stealing the show. For outdoor or summer weddings, lighter colors and fabrics are best.
• Casual events: A well-fitted suit in a fun pattern or pastel color is perfect for less formal gatherings. Also consider wearing suit separates with other garments–like jeans, dress pants, button-down shirts, and more options–to land the perfect balance for these more relaxed occasions.

Selecting Your Suit Style

With so many suit fits, styles, and colors to choose from, the bottom line of choosing a suit is selecting one that fits both your physical and stylistic needs. By understanding the different types of suits and how to wear them, you can confidently dress for any occasion. 

For more inspiration, check out the latest suits from SuitShop and build a wardrobe that’s timeless, versatile, and unmistakably you.