Black Suit

[Dinerman]

I own two black suits, one from 1933, one from 1961. I find them both very versatile. The tie and shirt you wear with them makes an enormous difference.
And in the end, the cut of a suit makes a much larger difference than the color.


1930s- black herringbone

1960s- black fleck

[univibe88]

Don't ever buy black unless it is a dinner jacket or a morning coat. Get a dark charcoal instead - it will always be appropriate for all suit-wearing occasions and can be dressed to be more lively (for weddings, etc.), more business-like (for interviews, etc.) or more sombre (for funerals), depending in each case on the shirt and tie you combine it with.

If this is your only suit (for the time-being), I would get a simple cloth with no pattern or stripe. As you increase the number of suits in your wardrobe, you can always branch out.

I know it's a matter of opinion, but I agree with this. Straight black can be a bit austere, but charcoal is much more versatile.

[Slim Portly]

It's not called "basic black" for nothing! A black suit is only as somber as the ensemble that you build around it plus the attitude with which you wear it. You could wear a black suit every day of the work week and have five completely different looks.

[Max Flash]

Well, don't shoot the messenger, but I had read somewhere that a black suit was considered inappropriate for the "professions" (which I presume to mean white-collar jobs such as finance, banking, law, etc.).

Who knows when this 'rule' was made, but I still hold to my original view that charcoal fulfils all the functions of a black suit without the tendency to go shiny (as black wool does) with multiple wearings and without looking overly sombre.

Obviously in the modern age, one can go for the look one wants, but if you ask for my advice, that is what I will say.

[Tomasso]

I think that there is a place for a black suit in a gent's wardrobe (I have one in flannel) but I wouldn't consider it a basic of a classic wardrobe. There are many bases that should be covered before considering black suiting. I can't really argue with any of the points Max has made.

[Feraud]

According to the original post, there is no mention made of wearing a black suit to a job or other function. It was just a recommendation.

The tie and shirt you wear with them makes an enormous difference.

Agreed. Personality also goes a long way in creating an acceptable outfit.

[StylinLA]

I think GBR makes a good point. The black suit is very normal and acceptable to some people- unthinkable for others.

The conservative "Dress for Success" crowd find it suitable only for the deeply religious. Certain businesses like banking, insurance and finance may well frown on it.

Out here in Los Angeles and in New York, it's a wardrobe staple. In many other parts of the U.S, I would think it less common.

If there are "unwritten" dress codes in your industry, figure out what they are.

If you like black suits, wear 'em on your own time if it won't fly on the job.

[dostacos]

I've been recommended to order a black suit, I personaly think its rather "Heavy" not in fabric weight, but you know, rather intimidating, and funeraeal? what say you? ( oh its single breasted)

having read the thread, my question is....WHO recommended the black suit? If it was a guy selling suits

[mike]

Often when I wear a black suit, people think it's midnight blue. go figure

And on the subject, I was looking to pick some folks' brains. I have 2 different very interesting black jackets; one a 1933 dated Belgium-made single breasted peak lapel with a great nipped waist cut to it and very thick nice material, and the second a double breasted jacket that is belted and pleated back. What colors and or patterns could go well with these? I don't want it to look like a kid in the 30's trying to throw together a haphazard version of morning dress or something... I have a pair of perhaps 40's-era gray tweed trousers that have a black weave that -somewhat- resembles a stripe, and this just looks like perhaps a grotesque on evening dress. I don't want to do that, I just want to have a somewhat casual and/or classy look going thoughts?!

[mike]

It's not called "basic black" for nothing! A black suit is only as somber as the ensemble that you build around it plus the attitude with which you wear it. You could wear a black suit every day of the work week and have five completely different looks.

I agree! Is this glaringly no good?!