How To Wear A Three Piece Suit
A classic three-piece suit serves a timeless look that you can rely on for all formal occasions. Here at XPOSED London, we know a thing or two about three-piece suits, and in this guide, we'll include how to style them, where to wear them and how to choose the perfect ensemble for any occasion.
What is a Three Piece Suit?
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A three piece suit consists of three garments, a suit jacket, trousers and a waistcoat. It offers a sophisticated, formal look and is perfect for those looking to elevate their tailoring one step further than a standard two-piece suit.
When should you wear a Three Piece Suit?
Three piece suits are typically worn for formal events such as weddings or a day at the races. However, if you love your tailoring, you can rip up the rule book and wear a three-piece suit for semi-formal occasions.
Another consideration when buying or wearing a three-piece suit is thinking about what time of year it is. If, for example, you have been invited to a winter wedding, you may wish to wear atweed three piece suit made from a heavier material to help keep you warm.
Alternatively, if you have been invited to a summer event such as the races, you may wish to choose fabrics that are breathable and crease-resistant, such as a light coloured linen.
How to wear a Three Piece suit
As a rule of thumb, a complete three-piece suit look is worn with a formal shirt, a silk tie, a pocket square and leather shoes. Mix and match your accessories with complementary colours and prints to add interest to your look.
Top Tip: The bottom button on your waistcoat should always be left undone to ensure your waistcoat sits nicely. Discover our guide on How to choose the right waistcoat.
What kind of event have you been invited to?
The particular function you have been invited to will dictate some of the most appropriate options regarding suit colour. For example, black is ideal for night-time events, whilst navy or grey lend themselves best to day functions.
What colours do you feel most comfortable wearing?
Your personal style is also a factor, and you may wish to wear a classic block colour three-piece suit in navy, black, grey or blue. You may also want to experiment with patterns, textures and colours, such as those found in a tweed suit.
If you are looking for more information on colour guidance, we have previously taken a deep dive into how to choose the right colour suit as well as what colour shoes to wear with your suit.
How should a Three Piece suit fit?
When it comes to formal wear, there is nothing worse than an ill-fitting suit. When choosing your three-piece suit, ensure that each element fits properly and is comfortable to move around in. A well-fitted suit should not be too tight or baggy, as this can really spoil the refined look you’re aiming for.
Other things to consider:
- Your jacket sleeves should sit where your thumb meets your wrist.
- Your waistcoat should sit close to your body and cover your waist.
- Leave the bottom button undone on your jacket and your waistcoat.
If you're looking for a three-piece suit, we have you covered with everything you need to create the perfect formal look for whatever occasion you have coming up. Shop now at XPOSED London.