Dress Clothing Guide-How To's-Men

Everything you need to know about Men's Dress clothing. What to buy and how to wear it. (You'll be the one the guys look to for tips in no time. )

Jackets & Vests

When you think of dress clothing for men, a jacket is often the first thing to come to mind. Adding a layer can instantly dress up your outfit. If you want to take it up a notch, show some of your personal style by selecting a jacket with detailing like contrasting stitching, texture or a patterned fabric.

Sport Coats & Blazers

The Sport Coat comes in a larger assortment of colors and patterns, so it is a great choice for the more fashion-forward.

The Blazer is an essential to have in your closet. It’s the perfect basic that goes with any pant. Keep one in your office to throw on for an unexpected client visit.

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Suit Separate Jackets

When shopping for a full suit, these jackets have matching pants and sometimes vests, but can be bought separately. This makes them great for mixing and matching to get the perfect fit. A suit is perfect for special events, weddings, and business professional attire.

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Vests

A vest can be worn on its own or with a matching suit jacket and pant. Modern men's professional dress no longer requires a 3-piece suit, but the vest is still a great way to add style to your look.

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Expert Tip: If you decide to wear a jacket or vest, remember, always keep the bottom button unbuttoned.

Pants

When selecting a pant, the waist should fit snugly so that your pants can be worn with or without a belt. The length of a pant is ultimately a personal preference, but you can’t go wrong with a classic break at the ankle, so the hem just touches the top of your shoes. “Break” is the crease in the fabric created when the pant meets the shoe.

Flat Front

No pleats, with a smooth, flat front at the hip. Typically worn a bit lower on the hip than a pleated pant, this style is more slim fit, with no cuff.

Pleat Front

This classic style of dress pant has a higher rise, is creased in the front, and cuffed at the ankle. Wear this style slightly above your hip bone.

Suit Up

Suits can be purchased in a complete set with 2 or 3 pieces. If your body proportions are different than the paired sizes, you can purchase a pant, jacket, and vest individually, referred to as “suit separates.”

If you are taller than 6’ 2 1/2” and your chest measurement is greater than 48”, you should shop Big & Tall to find your best fit.

Suits Suit Separates Big & Tall

Suits

Suit Separates

Big & Tall

Shirts

The Style

Solids

Essential & versatile. Own a few colors, plus white.

Stripes & Plaids

Dress up or down by pattern size (bigger is more casual).

Prints & Patterns

More fashion forward & bold. Again, keep in mind pattern size.

Formal

Wear this with your tux. Try a bow tie for a finishing touch.

The Fit

Find the fit that best suits your build: from relaxed to the modern slim fit.

Classic Fit

Broader across the shoulders, lots of room through the chest and body with loose sleeves until the cuff.

Fitted

Still cut broad across the shoulders, but tapered through the chest and body. Sleeves are fuller but not loose.

Slim Fit

Armholes are higher and the chest and body are much closer with a bit of room to move. Sleeves are more narrow.

Features & Fabrics

Learn the benefits of the most popular materials to best decide what will work for you.

Stretch

If you're on the move or in the office, stretch is important to keep you comfortable. Stretch can be included in the fabric content (Spandex, Lycra^®, or Elastane) or in the stitching around the collar, armholes, and waistband. Stretch can also be technical; included in the way the garment is woven for increased freedom of movement, shape retention, and comfort.

Fabrics

Wool is the most common suiting fabric. It is natural, breathable, and does not wrinkle. It will keep you cool in the heat and warm in the cold.
Cotton is popular for its breathability, but can crease easily, and isn’t as luxurious as wool. A cotton blend will offer a hybrid of the benefits of each fabric.
Linen is the best option for warm temperatures, but wrinkles easily, making it ideal for a more casual look.
Polyester is more budget friendly, usually blended with a natural fiber to increase durability and breathability.
Silk is a great year-round fabric, offering durability and breathability, but is often more expensive.

Dress Shoes

If you only have one dress shoe, make it a basic black oxford. Black can be worn day or night, dressed up or down.

Dark stitching dresses up a shoe, while a lighter stitch leans more casual.

There are many different styles of toe, stitching and perforation to add detail and interest. For a casual look, try a loafer or moccasin toe.

Oxfords & Lace-ups Loafers & Slip-ons

Finishing Touches

The details finish the look. Add a belt (a good rule of thumb is to match your belt to your shoes). Then add some fun with your accessories like socks, ties, or pocket squares to complete your dress clothing style.