The Complete Guide to suits: 57 Rules of Style

[Hal]

Rule 19 "when going without a tie"
No one, but no one, should ever wear a suit without a tie.

 

[Matt Deckard]

I think in this case, many of the rules work very well for the writer and his colleagues, but they are not something that I would hand out as a standard for all men to fallow. There should be a set of rules that are bendable, and easy to go by for those that are just entering the fray of the suited man... these are not those rules.

 

[Tomasso]

No one, but no one, should ever wear a suit without a tie.

I sometimes wear my solid grey flannel suits with a cashmere polo or turtleneck sweater. And I often wear my seersucker suits sans tie as well, generally with a button-down-collar linen shirt.

 

[Hal]

I sometimes wear my solid grey flannel suits with a cashmere polo or turtleneck sweater. And I often wear my seersucker suits sans tie as well, generally with a button-down-collar linen shirt.

A roll-neck jumper (turtleneck sweater) can look great with a tweed sports jacket or suit, and would probably work with a rough-surfaced material such as flannel. I have never seen a seersucker suit, and expect that most Britons have also never seen one - our summers are much cooler than practically anywhere in the USA.
It is the suit-with-open-necked-shirt look that looks bad to me; that is what I think should be ruled out. My original posting should have been clearer and more specific.

 

[TSP13]

Well apart from the "common sense" advice (like cutting off labels or valuing good fit) there is a lot of subjective stuff...
the following "rules" are hooey in my book:

10, 11, 22, 23, 24 (haha), 25, 32, 34, 35

Side vents are not good on suits with wide fitting shoulders because I want suits to fit tighter around the waist... fashion these days.

 

[DarrelMorris]

Rule #30
✓ Before buying a suit online, try it on in a store first to make sure the shoulders fit, as sizing varies widely among brands.

While I agree that you should try a suit on before buying it, I hope they aren't encouraging people to go into a store to waste the staff's time. Stores are not show rooms for their internet competition. Trying it in a store before purchasing on the same company's website is a little different, but still not fair to the sales person who's time you waste.

 

[Tomasso]

I hope they aren't encouraging people to go into a store to waste the staff's time. Stores are not show rooms for their internet competition.

One isn't required to use the sales staff when shopping. When I shop I generally waive off the sales associaite as I prefer to peruse the racks and try on clothes at my own pace. If I find something I like I will then call for the SA.

 

[DarrelMorris]

One isn't required to use the sales staff when shopping. When I shop I generally waive off the sales associaite as I prefer to peruse the racks and try on clothes at my own pace. If I find something I like I will then call for the SA.

This is true. That's how I would do it too, but many don't think twice about taking up time and expertise and then going online and buying the item cheaper. Some stores even offer the same item for less online. The poor sales people not only have to compete with other companies but have to compete with their own company as well.

 

[xXClockwork]

Why are everyone's pants so short and tight?

 

[Feraud]

Narrow cut trousers are the flavor of the day. As for the length, I'll take short over too long anyday.

 

[xXClockwork]

Narrow cut trousers are the flavor of the day. As for the length, I'll take short over too long anyday.

Oh, I certainly agree that one should not have a puddle of cloth bunched around the ankle and on top of the shoe. These are a little too tight and short for me though. To each his own I suppose.

 

[silhouette53]

Rule 19 "when going without a tie"
No one, but no one, should ever wear a suit without a tie.

I agree totally, the overall image is ruined completely otherwise.
In my humble opinion, the current 'fashions' in suits for the younger guy, as depicted in the photos accompanying the 'rules' are awful !! they do not flatter the male physique at all.
I am a little ancient I guess ( approaching 60 ) but even as a teenager I preferred the classic look in clothes. For me, nothing looks better than a well tailored 'business suit' if I can use that term.
I guess the words on the suit forum ''fashion is fleeting, but style is forever'' pretty much says it all for me

 

[DarrelMorris]

Narrow cut trousers are the flavor of the day. As for the length, I'll take short over too long anyday.

Neither are acceptable. Getting trousers cut correctly isn't difficult or expensive.

 

[Ticklishchap]

I sometimes wear my solid grey flannel suits with a cashmere polo or turtleneck sweater. And I often wear my seersucker suits sans tie as well, generally with a button-down-collar linen shirt.

A man after my own heart. I often wear my tweed jackets or blazers with a ribbed military sweater or a turtleneck underneath.

 

[Feraud]

Neither are acceptable. Getting trousers cut correctly isn't difficult or expensive.

I find this trouser cuteperfectly acceptable.
The early 20th. c narrow cut trousers with a (relatively) short inseam looks great to me. Of course it takes a certain body type to pull it off. Very few 21st century men have the build.
This style is very unlike the modern intentionally ironic "highwater" look that screams "Look Ma, no socks!". :eusa_doh:

As for too long, I've yet to be convinced this looks good on any body type in any era.

 

[Metatron]

I agree totally, the overall image is ruined completely otherwise.
In my humble opinion, the current 'fashions' in suits for the younger guy, as depicted in the photos accompanying the 'rules' are awful !! they do not flatter the male physique at all.
I am a little ancient I guess ( approaching 60 ) but even as a teenager I preferred the classic look in clothes. For me, nothing looks better than a well tailored 'business suit' if I can use that term.
I guess the words on the suit forum ''fashion is fleeting, but style is forever'' pretty much says it all for me

Can look good imho.


Photo of wartime Paris.

 

[Fastuni]

Great pic Metatron. Yes I strongly agree - (vintage) suit without tie can look perfectly fine. I like the casual way the guy is wearing a black suit with brown shirt.

 

[Rudie]

He buttoned the suit the wrong way. Kind of an understated way to stand out. Also, notice the light grey belt-back suit in the left center. I am also surprised how many men are sans hat or cap.

 

[Metatron]

More from the collection here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ch-capital-citizens-thriving-German-rule.html

I envy the people of this era for their ability to nonchalantly throw together these cool looks.
Of course he is French so it might be in the dna.
In fact you see elderly gentlemen still doing it today, big collars open over the lapels and such. I always think they look cool and admire that they make an effort with their appearance.

 

[Fastuni]

Not entirely on-topic (well at least some ties), but have a look at the great casual clothes of these guys: