Formal Suits

A man's formal wear collection is incomplete without a formal suit, also known as a suit or business suit. A business suit consists of the following:

• A coat or a dinner jacket
• A waistcoat (optional)
• A pair of trousers
• A formal shirt
• A tie

History of Business Suits
The history of the modern business suit can be traced to the nineteenth century America, which created the innovative dress for men as an alternative to the long and heavy frock coats that were popularly worn as a business dress. With the coming of the lighter business suit, men gave up wearing the old styled heavy suits and these formal suits gained popularity and gradually replaced the old style.

Business suits were worn by the upper strata after the first world war. Tuxedos and dinner jackets were also popular at the same time. Waistcoats that were worn with these suits regularly were not worn after the World War II and are hardly worn today.

In the last half-century men's formal suits or business suits are less commonly worn and now have been restricted to formal occasions or business meets and as a corporate wear.

Business Suit Fabric

• Woolen
• Linen
• Cashmere

Business Suit Styles
Business suits are available in different styles. These styles have been popular for a long time now.

• Double Breasted Suits: These suits have two parallel rows of buttons and is a conservative style. These suits are not in fashion these days.
  
  
• Single-Breasted Suits: These suits have either two, three or sometimes four buttons.
  
  
• British Suits: These suits have moderately tapered sides and have minimal padding on the shoulders, with two vents.
  
  
• Italian Suits: These suits are the most stylish and have padded shoulders, tapered sides and do not have a vent.
  
  
• American Suits: These suits have a more casual look as compared to other styles. The suits have moderately padded shoulders, minimal tapering on them.

Business Suit Etiquette

• Double-Breasted Suits: These suits should be kept fully buttoned.
  
  
• Single Breasted Suits: All the buttons of these suits should be fastened except for the bottom one, when standing.
  
  
• Wear necktie a shade or more darker than the shade of the shirt.
  
  
• The bottom of the necktie should touch the upper end of the belt's buckle.
  
  
• All the buttons of the shirt should be fastened for a complete formal look.
  
  
• Accessories including shoes and belts should either be black or brown. Both the accessories should be of the same color.
  
  
• Leather shoes should be worn and should not have rubber soles.

Buying Tips Select high quality natural fabrics like linen, wool, cashmere etc. Feel the fabric, smoother and more durable fabrics are made from fine yarns. Hand made suits are the best, so prefer hand made suits to machine made ones. Select finished suit depending on the prevalent style.