You’ve probably seen suiting in casual settings before. Maybe you’ve even tried it yourself at the mens suit stores. But wearing a suit to work, school, or other places where dressing up is typically not required can feel like a risk. And while the payoff can be great—you will stand out from the crowd and look sharp—that first step of putting on that suit can seem intimidating. If you’re considering taking the plunge into more casual suiting but aren’t sure where to start, we have you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about casual suits and help you determine if this trend is right for your personal style. Keep reading to learn more!
What is a casual suit?
There is no set rule for when a suit crosses the line into casual territory. A suit can be worn casually or formally depending on the style and fabrics used for the suit. A suit is a type of garment made from a blend of fabric like wool or cotton and a matching jacket, pants or skirt, and button-up shirt. You can spot a casual suit by the fabrics used – if it is cotton, linen, or a blend of other fabrics that is not wool, it is likely a casual suit. Any affordable mens suits can be made from almost any type of fabric. Cotton, linen, wool blends, and even synthetic fabrics like polyester can all be used to create a casual suit. The key to identifying a casual suit is the fabric choice.
Why wear a Suit in a Casual Setting?
Wearing a mens tuxedo is an easy way to look sharp. The right suit can make you stand out in any room and at any occasion. It can also be a great conversation starter and help you make connections with others in your industry. Once you have mastered casual suiting, you can wear a suit almost anywhere and make a stylish statement. Since most people don’t wear suits on a regular basis, wearing one in a casual setting will instantly set you apart from the crowd. The fact that you don’t have to be in a boardroom or other formal setting to wear a suit shows confidence and self-assurance.
How to incorporate more casual suiting into your wardrobe
As we’ve discussed, wearing a suit in a casual setting can be a great way to make a style statement. But which type of suit should you wear? And how should you style the suit so that it still looks professional and sharp? Let’s take a look at a few types of suits that can be worn in casual settings.
Mens Sports Jacket and Trousers: A blazer and trousers are a classic go-to for casual suiting. This can be worn at work, play, or to a fancy dinner. Though traditional, this type of suit is always in style and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Blazer and Chinos: Blazer and chinos are another casual suit you can wear for any occasion. This style can be dressed up or down and looks stylish when paired with the right shoes and accessories.
Brushed Wool Trousers and Blazer: A brushed wool suit can be styled as a casual outfit with the right pieces of clothing. A brushed wool suit is one made from wool that has been brushed. This results in a softer, more comfortable fabric that can be worn casually in various settings.
Blazer and Sweatshirt: A blazer and sweatshirt are the perfect pieces to pair together for a casual suit. This is a great outfit for both work and play.
Shopping for a Casual Suit
When shopping for a casual suit, keep in mind that the fit is just as important as the fabric. A looser fit may be more comfortable, but it will not look as professional. You can find different styles and fabrics of suits in different price points. Be sure to keep in mind your budget and how often you plan on wearing the suit so you can purchase the best quality suit for your budget. With that in mind, here are some fabrics that can be used to create a casual suit and what they’re best suited for: Cotton Suits: Cotton suits are perfect for casual wear. These suits are light and comfortable, making them perfect for warm weather. They should be hand washed to protect the fabric and keep them looking new for longer. Linen Suits: Linen suits are perfect for spring and summer. If you live in a warm climate, you can also wear linen in the fall and winter. Linen is a breathable fabric that is also wrinkle-resistant, making it great for casual suiting. Wool Blends: Wool blends, otherwise known as wool-silk or wool-cashmere suits, are great for formal and casual wear. Wool blends are lightweight fabrics that are perfect for spring and summer.
Summing up
A casual suit is an easy way to make a style statement. With the right fabric choice and careful tailoring, you can make a casual suit look just as sharp as a traditional suit. Keep in mind that a suit doesn’t have to be worn with a shirt and tie to be formal. A blazer with jeans or chinos with a t-shirt can also be considered a suit. Once you understand what makes a suit formal, you can experiment with different types of fabrics and styles to create your own unique casual suit.
