You won’t believe it, but there are millions of suit variations out there, making it difficult for customers to choose the right one. However, if you understand the basics suit types and styles, it will be much easier for you to pick your choice that suits you. In order to make these basics clear we will be showing you the most common types of suits and most importantly in which occasion they are perfect for. So let’s dive into it.
How Many Types of Suits are there?
So, there are 4 main types of suits. Two-piece suit, Three-piece suit, Tuxedo suit & Mandarin / Collarless Suit. Rest of the suits are the customized variants of these suits.
1. Two-Piece Suit
A Two-piece suit consists of a jacket and matching trousers, it’s the most common type of suit that is suitable for both formal as well as semi-formal events. Two-piece suits are commonly worn in offices, weddings, and casual business events.
Key Features: Versatility, Comfort & Style Variation
2. Three-Piece Suit
A Three-piece consists of a jacket, waistcoat and matching trousers. It provides the more professional & formal look. Three-piece suits are commonly worn in formal events and special occasions like weddings or receptions.
Key Features: Formal Special, Professional Look & Includes a waist-coat
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3. Tuxedo Suit
A Tuxedo comes under the special category of suits that provides a premium and glamorous look. These suits are paired with shoes & bow-ties. Tuxedo’s are the perfect choice for Prom, Black tie events and Parties.
Key Features: Glamorous, Premium Look & Best for Prom & Black tie events
4. Mandarin / Collarless Suit
A Mandarin Suit which is also known as Bandhgala or Prince Suit, it’s the most common type of suit in Indian weddings and most importantly worn by the Indian Prime Ministers like Jwaharlal Nehru or Narendra Modi. Mandarin Suits are perfect for Indian weddings.
Key Features: Have different variation & Best for Indian wedding
How Many Types of Suits Styles Customization are there?
There are almost 22 types of suits styles customization which includes the customization of lapels, button alignment, fabrics, vents and many more. These customization are crucial for the selection of your suit type because each of these styles creates different variations of suit, which further extend the suit types.
Types of Suits Lapels
1. Notch Lapel Suit
A Notch Lapel are the most common types of lapel that are typically seen in most of the suits. These suits are perfect for all kind of formal and in formal events
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2. Peak Lapel Suit
Peak Lapel is a V-Shaped upward pointed lapel which is the second most common type of lapel used in the suits. These suits are perfect for weddings, events & business meetings.
3. Shawl Lapel Suit
Shawl Lapel does not have any pointed edges but has slightly round corners. This lapel is usually used in tuxedo’s that provide a clean look. Shawl Lapel Suits are perfect for Black tie events, weddings and parties.
Types of Suits Button Alignment
4. Single Breasted Suit
Single Breasted Suits consist of a single row of buttons which is the most common suit type. It’s the most preferable choice for businesses and meetings but can also worn on in-formal events like parties and weddings.
5. Double Breasted Suit
Double Breasted Suits consist of two parallel vertical rows of buttons which can have the maximum of 6 buttons. These suits are suitable for formal events or offices & special occasions.
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Types of Suits Vents
6. Center Vent Suit
This suit consists of a cut also known as a vent in the back of the suit right in the middle, which provides comfortable movement while wearing the jacket. These suits are usually worn in offices but can also be worn on special occasions.
7. Double Vent Suit
This suit consists of a cut on the right and left side in the back of the suit, not just providing a professional look but also a comfortable movement. These suits are suitable for formal meetings and gatherings.
8. Ventless Suit
These suits do not consist of any cuts or vents in the back and are often seen in the tuxedo’s but are considerably uncomfortable while sitting or walking making it less preferable choice.
Types of Suits Fabrics
9. Wool Suit
As the name says, wool suits consist of wool fabrics not just they are perfect for cold weathers but are also comfortable & long lasting. These suits can last for decade making it a one time investment. These should be worn in weddings and offices in winters.
10. Linen Suit
Linen Suit uses linen fabric which comes under expensive types of fabrics but in-exchange it provides more durability, comforts than the cotton suits making it a perfect choice for hot season.
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11. Cotton Suit
Cotton suits use the cotton fabric which is one of the most common types of suit fabric. Not just it’s less expensive than the other options but it also provides a stylish look & comfort. The only disadvantage is that it’s not long lasting but a better choice for summers.
12. Velvet Suit
Velvet Suits uses a special type of fabric called velvet, these fabrics are flashy looking fabrics that are usually of dark colors like dark blue, green, burgundy, etc. Black lapels are paired with these suits making it only for special occasions like weddings.
13. Tweed Suit
Tweed Suits are similar to wool suits but not the same because the fabric used in these suits are quite rough and thicker than the wool. These suits are worn in mild cold areas.
Types of Suits Fittings
14. Slim Fit Suits
Slim Fit Suits are tight fit suits that provide a narrow fitting around the body. Obviously it’s not so tight that limits the movements but considerably less comfortable than the other options.
15. Regular Fit Suits
Regular fit suits are the most comfortable and the best choice for the suit fittings. These suits are neither too tight nor too loose providing comfortable movements. These suits are suitable for offices and business meetings.
16. Modern Fit Suits
Modern Fit can be called as the mixer of slim and regular fit suits as it provides a slightly more space than the slim fit suits which is considered as the middle choice for the fitting options of the suit.
Types of Suits Pockets
17. Flap Pocket
Flap Pockets consist of flaps at the opening of the pocket that covers it, as the pocket is constructed inside the jacket. It is the most versatile pocket option as they are suitable for both businesses, offices and special events.
18. Patched Pocket
Patched Pockets are the most noticeable pockets that are mounted on the suits that are considerably less attractive than the other options as it drives most of the attention toward the pocket.
19. Jetted Pocket
Jetted Pockets are flap pockets without a flap as the pocket is also constructed inside the jacket providing a clean and professional look which is perfect for wedding or black tie events and should be avoided in formal or business meetings.
20. Welted Pocket
Welted Pockets are chest pockets used for placing handkerchiefs and are also constructed inside the jacket. These pockets are suitable for weddings and receptions.
Type of Suits Button
21. One-Button Suit
As the name says one button suit consists of only one button, sounds like an uncommon option but it’s an excellent choice for short men.
22. Two-Button Suit
Two buttons are the most common option and used in most suit types. It provides a minimalistic look & is perfect for every body type.
23. Three-Button Suit
Three Button Suits are also an uncommon option in button type but as one button is perfect choice for short men, three buttons are excellent choice for taller men.
Final Suggestions:
- Always get your Suit Tailored by a Professional Tailor: Select your tailor who can personalize your suit according to your needs & style.
Book an Appointment if you want to tailor your suits by us. - Select the Right Fabric: Opt for breathable fabrics like linen or cotton for summer, and wool or tweed for colder seasons.
- Match the Occasion: A tuxedo suits black-tie events, while a two-piece or three-piece suit works well for business and formal occasions.
- Pay Attention to Details: Lapels, vents, and pocket styles add to the overall look, choose them correctly.
FAQ’s
1. What are the main types of suits for men?
The four main types of suits are Two-Piece Suits, Three-Piece Suits, Tuxedos, and Mandarin (Bandhgala) Suits. Other suits are customized variations based on fit, fabric, and design.
2. What is the difference between a tuxedo and a suit?
A tuxedo is a formal evening suit that features satin lapels, satin-covered buttons, and is typically paired with a bow tie. A regular suit has fabric lapels, standard buttons, and can be worn in both formal and semi-formal settings.
3. Which suit style is best for business meetings?
A two-piece single-breasted suit with notch lapels in wool or cotton fabric is the best choice for business meetings. Navy, charcoal, and gray are the most professional colors.
4. What is the most versatile suit color?
Navy blue and charcoal gray suits are the most versatile as they can be worn for business, formal events, and even semi-formal occasions.
5. What is the difference between a notch lapel, peak lapel, and shawl lapel?
- Notch Lapel: The most common type, found on business and casual suits.
- Peak Lapel: A pointed, formal lapel often seen on high-end business and wedding suits.
- Shawl Lapel: A smooth, rounded lapel mostly used on tuxedos.
6. What is the best fabric for a year-round suit?
Wool suits are the best choice for all seasons because they are breathable, durable, and comfortable.
7. What is the difference between a single-breasted and a double-breasted suit?
A single-breasted suit has a single row of buttons (1-3 buttons) and is the most common style. A double-breasted suit has two parallel rows of buttons (4-6 buttons) and is considered more formal and stylish.
8. What suit is best for weddings?
For formal weddings, a three-piece suit or a tuxedo is ideal. For semi-formal weddings, a well-fitted two-piece suit in light or dark colors works best.
9. What is the best suit fit for my body type?
- Slim Fit: Best for lean or athletic body types.
- Regular Fit: Best for comfort and a classic look.
- Modern Fit: A balance between slim and regular, suitable for most body types.
10. Why should I get my suit tailored instead of buying ready-made?
A tailored suit ensures a perfect fit, better fabric quality, and a unique style that matches your personality, making it a better investment than an off-the-rack suit.
