Even though all suits look pretty similar and it could be hard to discern a difference between them, there are different men’s suit types. We here will try to give you some pointers about what you should look for when getting yourself a suit and what are the types of suits we recommend. 

Components of Your Suit

First, let us look at what are the important components of types of suits and the variations available to you in each one of them. Knowing about these will help you see for yourself what type of suit suits you the best.

1. Shoulders – sloped and straight

The shoulder of your suit can either be sloped or straight. Sloped shoulders follow the natural structure and slope of the shoulders, and don’t have a lot of shoulder pads. This is recommended to someone who requires more mobility. On the other hand, the other type of suit is the one with straight shoulders that have shoulder pads and a firmer structure to themselves which make the shoulders of the wearer look broad and their physique more angular. 

2. Lapels – peaked, notched and shawled

The lapels are the type of suit that refers to the fabric that folds outward at the top of your suit, somewhat like the collar on a shirt.

• The peaked lapel: as the name suggests, is when the lapel points upwards towards the shoulders. It is more formal compared to the other two lapel types that are found in men’s suit types.
• The notched lapel is when the lapel is shaped sloping downwards. It is the most common type and fits all events – formal or casual. It is sober and mature.
• The shawled lapel: is the one with the long single fold. This style is not considered formal and is often worn to celebratory events and parties.

3. Breast – single and double

Single or double-breasted in a suit essentially describes how the suit is buttoned up.

• A single-breasted suit is when the suit buttons up at the Centre of the body with one straight line of buttons. This is much more common, as compared to double-breasted suits.
• A double-breasted suit buttons on one side of the body, usually the person’s right. Being less common, the double-breasted suits are statement pieces and stand out in a crowd.

4. Vents – double, single and no vent

These enhance or limit your mobility, depending on which one you choose. Not only that, they are essential in forming the silhouette that complements to your body shape. Single or Centre vent suits have one vent at the Centre of the back. And no vent suits do not have any. The most common, comfortable and practical type, double or side vent suits do not inhibit your mobility and allow space for you to keep your hands in your pockets, without ruining the shape of your suit. 

5. Silhouettes – fitted, sack and structured 

• A fitted silhouette suit is stitched according to the individual’s measurements. It sticks to the shoulders and is cinched in at the waist. This is meant for those who are confident of their body and physique as it is.
• A sacked silhouette provides the most mobility and doesn’t do anything more for the person wearing it. As a lightweight suit, it looks less put together comparatively.
• Suits with a structured silhouette create wider shoulders and a thinner waist for the person wearing it. It has shoulder pads and is slightly cinched at the waist to create the illusion of what a typically fit body looks like.

Types Of Men's Suits

So, now that we have looked at what components and details you have to look for in a suit, we shall now recommend what types of suits for men you should invest in. This will depend on your body type and what setting or purpose you would want to wear them for.

1. The classic dark single-breasted suit

This is a suit you cannot go wrong with. It is a basic piece among suits and almost every adult man is expected to own one of these. This suit is in a structured silhouette with side vents, is single-breasted and with notched lapel. The color of this suit can be black, dark navy or dark olive too, anything that is close to the color black. This type of suit is appropriate for formal meetings and pairs well with a light shirt and a tie of your choice. We would recommend a minimalist tie if you’re in a formal setting. And you can go for any type of tie when you want more of your personality to shine through your clothes. 

2. Checked suit

The shape of this suit can be similar to the classic dark single-breasted suit, but of course, you can adjust the details depending on your personal preferences and what suits you better. Usually, the checked pattern looks more sober and mature if the base Color of the fabric is dark. However, this applies only in a formal setting or where you do not want to catch the eye. If you’re someone who likes to be Centre of attention and has the confidence to rock a lighter colored checked suit, go for it, man!

3. Three-piece suit

Here a third piece is added to the suit, i.e., the vest. A 3-piece suit is well suited for celebratory events and is usually worn at weddings and other grand parties. The vest adds suaveness to your personality and makes you stand out. You can even add a boutonnière to this suit and make it even fancier. Another good thing about a 3-piece suit is that you can wear it in three ways – with just the coat, with just the vest, and with the coat and vest! We recommend that you keep the lapel notched, the coat single-breasted, and the silhouette structured. 

4. Tuxedo

Another suit on the fancier and less formal side, the tuxedo is one of the most talked-about names when we talk about suits. Sometimes even referred to as the Dinner Suit, the tux is well suited for weddings and celebratory events. What distinguishes a tuxedo from other suits is that its lapel is made of either silk or satin; whereas in other suits, the fabric used for the lapel is the same as the rest of the suit.  Though usually it is worn with a bow tie, this is not a compulsion and you can choose to go for what you feel comfortable with.

5. Casual blazer 

Yes, we know this is not a full suit but it is something we highly recommend. You can pair it with any pants of yours and make a different combination every time. The casual blazer is well-suited for semi-formal settings. It can even upgrade your simple trousers and a shirt. We suggest that you keep the tie away when you’re wearing this blazer. Also, the casual blazer is great for winters too as you can easily put it over your turtlenecks and create an effortless but well put together look. 

We hope that this small guide piqued your interests in the types of suits and colors available and encourages you to find something that complements your personality and style. We recommend that you try on the different men’s suits types that are out there and figure out for yourself what works for you.

Also Read: Choose The Right Type Of Shoes For Your Suits