What are the Suits Every Man Should Own?

Once you have one suit, you'll inevitably wonder how many suits you should own. Or your proper, fundamental suit styles you should have. We'll have your lineup to get you started!

Dressing for the occasion is essential; it makes you look professional and conveys that you care. 

And even though it may take a while to assemble an arsenal of suits, consult this guide on what we believe are the essentials and in which order to buy them.

Navy Suit

When it comes to men's fashion, a navy suit is the king of clothing. For work meetings or weddings, you can't go wrong with this staple that will easily become your go-to garment. No man ever was out of place in a solid navy suit.

Why It's Important: The navy suit is the foundation of any wardrobe. It's super versatile, universally flattering, and suitable for just about any occasion.

• Reason: Great for formal or semi-formal events, has timeless elegance.

• Occasions: Business negotiations, job interviews, wedding banquets, and semi-formal banquets.

• Style With: Wear with a white or light blue shirt. Keep your shirt collar open for a laid-back look or a power tie if you need to be more formal. For a more contemporary casual look, ditch the tie and include a pocket square. We propose a double-button, notched-lapel style for a classic look.

Charcoal Gray Suit

Refined and slightly more somber than navy, the charcoal gray suit is just right in terms of both formality and function. It's a fusion of navy and black, you can wear it at both business events and formal ones.

• Why It’s Crucial: Just a hair more formal than its navy cousin, the charcoal gray suit is ideal for somber professional gatherings. It’s a timeless choice that is never out of style.

• Why: Works well on most skin tones and is perfect for when navy would be too casual.

• Applicable place: Business work, funeral, wedding, and formal events.

• Style Suggestions: Wear it with light shirts for an elegant look, eg, white or pale blue. Choose a two-button, notch lapel style for maximum versatility. Want to turn it up? Wear a striped long-sleeve o shirt or turtle neck.

Black Suit

Always appropriate and in good taste, the black suit is a staple for life's most serious affairs. Its slim, understated design ensures you have the proper attire for those formal occasions.

• Why It's a Must: You need a black suit in your arsenal, as you never know what the evening might bring —whether it is a formal occasion, a black-tie event, or a funeral. It's a bare-bones, no-gimmick standard — but that doesn't mean it needs to be boring.

• Reason: Not an everyday suit, but essential for certain formal occasions.

• Events: Funerals, black tie events, evening galas.

• Style Tips: Go classic with a white shirt and black tie for formal occasions. A top hat, peak lapels, or a shawl collar up the ante for night. Line with a fun lining for some pizzazz.

Patterned or Seasonal Suit

Patterned or seasonal suits add personality and versatility to your wardrobe, but aren’t appropriate for every occasion. It’s the perfect low-key, yet on-trend way to show an individual touch at work and socially.

• Why It Matters: Injects some personality and diversity into your wardrobe without being too, you know, out-of-the-box—an ideal way to play with prints without falling out of rank.

• Why: Small prints add texture and personality that make your look pop, simply, in a subtle way.

• Gifts: Business casual, friends' party, and in the office.

• Style with: a solid-color shirt to match the pattern. Add a basic tie or pocket square to your outfit for added polish without the bulk. Wear neutral pants or jeans. Take a look at the gallery above for more examples of distinctive patterns and styles.

Statement Suit

End with a statement! Bold suits help you express yourself and leave a lasting impression. Whether in bold colors or special fabrics, it’s a standout piece for special events.

• Why It's Important: A statement suit represents who you are and makes a memorable impression.

• Why: After the basics, a standout color (burgundy, say) or fabric (velvet?) punctuates your wardrobe. And it's not just about colors—consider textures or stripes.

• Occasion: The Hairpin can be worn in any situation, such as parties, events, or special nights out. Just try not to outshine the guests, if it's a wedding.

• Style With: Keep it simple so the suit can shine and add some neutral accessories. Let the shirt and tie stay understated; they don't need to compete with your suit.