Black Suits for Men: Should You Wear Them? Smarter Outfit Options
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- Опубліковано 2 сер 2024
- Are black suits overrated? gentl.mn/black-suits-for-men
GUIDES YOU SHOULDN'T MISS:
1. How Many Suits Does A Gentleman Need? - gentl.mn/332xUtK
2. The Most Overrated Color in Menswear: Black - gentl.mn/2Yxruzd
3. White Tie Guide - gentl.mn/315hiQ6
4. Morning Dress: Dress Code - gentl.mn/2K5D6FB
5. When to Wear a Tuxedo or Tails - gentl.mn/2YCtMBa
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7. How A Suit Should Fit - gentl.mn/2OuJlqW
8. How to Use the Color Wheel to Assemble Superior Outfits -gentl.mn/2KejwWP
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Why is it that black suits are so widely seen today?
The answer has a lot to do with the fact that the typical dress of the general populace around the world, especially in the United States, is largely dictated today by what famous and other notable people are wearing, be they celebrities, politicians, or people in similar fields. And to focus in on men, what do we see these famous individuals wearing? We see them wearing black ensembles at award shows, black ensembles in music videos, black ensembles at political debates and other state functions. In short, the color black is everywhere.
Should you wear a black suit?
Our answer, in a nutshell, is not often. As we laid out above, there are better choices for most scenarios.
Firstly, formal events should be given their proper due with adherence to formal daywear or black and white tie. More politicians should feel free and confident enough to shun the confines of the black suit uniform and while high fashion can have its own trends, we believe that classic menswear follows a different set of guidelines.
Setting aside all of the points we've laid out so far today, there is one other major reason why we believe most men shouldn't wear black suits often and that comes down to a matter of contrast. While it is true that the stark contrast of a black suit, white shirt, and black necktie can have a flattering effect on the silhouette of many men, it's also true that there's a downside to this. In that stark contrast between the black and white can also wash out the complexion of many fair skinned or fair haired men.
Here's a brief list of some situations where black suits would indeed be appropriate.
The first situation, as you may have guessed, would be funerals. Black has a historical association with mourning and while formal daywear or evening wear would probably be seen as too celebratory in tone, a black business suit can strike the right somber tone that would be appropriate for a funeral.
The second scenario here would be musical concerts. While the world of classical music does have an association with white tie and black tie that's still ongoing today, a more contemporary and popular alternative to these dress codes has been the rise of the so-called concert black dress code. The objective here is that the musical ensemble look as uniform and consistent as possible so that what the audience will focus on will be the music itself.
And our third and final scenario here is in situations relating to religion. Worship leaders such as priests and pastors will often wear black suits as will adherence to certain sects of religious tradition like Hasidic Jews or the Amish.
Here are our tips for how you can wear black suits well:
First and foremost and as we've said countless times before in the channel, fit is everything. Just make sure that all of your bases are covered in that your shoulders, chest, and midsection are well fitted and that your trousers aren't baggy or puddling around your ankles.
Our next tip here is to try to incorporate a bit of color into your outfit. As we mentioned earlier, the black suit, white shirt, black tie look is one that's only going to flatter a very small fraction of men. Therefore, wearing a shirt, tie, or other accessories that add a bit of color to liven up the outfit will take some of the somber tone out of the black suit.
Our third tip would be to stay clear of shiny fabric finishes. Nothing is going to make you look more like a teenager wearing his first suit than an all-black ensemble in a cheap shiny finish. - Навчання та стиль
Yeah but "here come the men in beige" isn't as catchy.
That’s true but remember Black is the ultimate psychological tool of authority. It’s why, and I hate to say this, our idea of G men as well as all the way from the dreaded SS & Gestapo used Black.
They understood this
@@brutustantheiii8477 the whole design was carefully considered and, I think, still has the wanted effect. Talk about statement pieces.
EW! haha
All those politicians look like they are wearing blue suits. I see blue as the main business suit. Except for John Wick.
Yeah, I agree.
Do agree with you on that.
John Wick delivers vengeance all served up in Black! So I guess it’s fitting and it will be lights out and darkened if John Wick comes for you.
It really depends on whether or not the individual can pull it off. I don't own a black suit myself but you have to admit Tom Ford does look sharp in his.
Being a classical musician, I'm stuck with concert black and tuxedos for performances and casual academic styles for other purposes.
Going to say the same thing...our work clothes!
I grew up as a band kid so this was essentially my seasonal uniform, despite how hot it gets on those stages and with spotlights for jazz solos
@@andybilyak At least with jazz band, you usually get some freedom with tie choice.
Tom Ford pulls it off pretty nicely 😎
I keep hearing about the ubiquity of the black suit however I rarely see anybody wearing one. Most people never see anyone in a high quality black well-fitting black suit so the association goes to images of doormen, or security guards, or ticket takers all wearing the worst examples imaginable.
I think they mean the ubiquity of the black 'ensemble' in general. I personally see it quite regularly and it's one of my style pet peeves. Yes it's easy to put any monocromatic look together, but the lack of contrast is just an eyesore. Would you say that seeing all black everywhere brings down the general mood of the wearer, and of others? Possibly, but it could be a generalisation I guess. Black has a time and a place, and I think black looks at its best when used within the confines of formality.
depend of where you weared them..
Actually, in Paris, there are a lot of people wearing black suits in big corporates or banks (La Défense is a good place to find them by the way).
to be blunt, for a lot of guys the only time they really need to wear a suit are for weddings and funerals, from that perspective owning a black suit as your only suit makes more sense, much of the time outside that context a pair of chinos and a button up shirt is more than formal enough. obviously you guys come at this from an entirely different angle though and i appreciate it
I recently had a job where a black suit was mandatory, I was scanning badges and had to be clearly a member of staff. With it being well fitting, it was just alright.
I consider getting a navy or dark blue suit next for its versatility and wide range of applications
I have a black suit in my wardrobe, and I find that wearing medium gray waistcoat, pastel shirt, and non-grayscale tie is the best combination.
I like it with a white shirt and a burgundy, wine or even plum colors tie, but those suggestions seem interesting. I'll look into it! Thanks!
I have a black suit and dark charcoal suit. Very subtle differences.
I need to get a navy and mid charcoal suits.
Note: Males members of the Royal Family must always travel with a Black Suit in case of a funeral.
It also applies to female royals and their dresses. From the Queen downwards
I think it is the ladies who need to have a black dress on travel, in case of a funeral, or sudddn death. - The royal ladies never wear black to events, only to mark a death.. but the royal men wear black all the time
And ofcourse, the black dress in the luggage rule, all dates back to when George VI died in 1952 -- the new Queen did not have a black dress, so on the way to the airport in Kenya she looked like a tourist, not the grieving daughter of a newly deceased King.
A black dress , hat and veil had to be brought onboard the plane when it arrived back in London - the new Queen did not step out to meet Churchill and his men until she was properly covered in black from head to toe, and a plain pearl necklace with a brooch in silver... the modest and correct metal for such an occasion
Black suits are great for winter time!
I have suits in navy, charcoal grey, tan, light grey window pane pattern & just got a black suit a few days ago. I recently was a pallbearer at a funeral. While the charcoal suit was appropriate, I decided to get a black suit to wear to funerals & classical concerts as Preston had mentioned. Plus I have the option to dress like Tom Ford or John Wick sometimes. A future investment will be a black shawl collar tux, as well as suits in indigo, teal & dark green.
Great vid. I just bought a black suit simply because it's the only color I didn't have and it was also on a extremely good clearance sale given the quality. I dress both formal and in the current casual style with casual sneakers (I know, some HATE this but I personally like it), so I can get it to work while in rotation with other suits.
As usual, a very good presentation. A personal note: I've never been a fan of black suits. I do own one, but because it has a very fine pinstripe, I bought it anyway. It sets off the red guitar in my avatar nicely.
As usual, Preston is right on about wearing a black suit. However, as far as I’m concerned, while I could wear my custom tuxedo in black during daylight I probably won’t go that far. I’m thinking that my next suit will be an Indochino black suit simply because I have a number of suits (all custom) that I wear and I haven’t got a really nice looking black suit for church and other things. I also love how a bow tie ‘pops’ against a white shirt when worn with a black suit. I’m probably going to formalize it up a bit by wearing a plain front tuxedo shirt with the suit. This won’t be too big a step for me, since I now wear tux shirts and bow ties with the rest of my current suits and most people give me great compliments when they see the suit. Again, I’m going to do this suit because I don’t want to wear my black custom tuxedo during daylight, but because I like wearing a black suit because of how the suit really brings out the color of my bow ties against the suit and the white tux shirt. I might even be inspired to grab one of Indochino’s blue tux shirts for it as well. It’s going to depend on how fast I can get the cash together for the purchase. It’s not like I have to do this in the next week, but it will be when I think the time is proper and when I totally believe that it will do me the most good for my suit wardrobe. Until then it’s just a nice thing to reach for .
I've always liked a pearl gray pinstripe or window pane, two button single breasted suit with black shoes, white shirt and floral pattern tie (foulliard).
This is a very fair take on the black suit, which a lot of other videos attempt but don't do well. The black suit is important for fashion and for musical performance, and when worn in a non-funeral context, should have a closer cut and have a few more liberties taken to make it a fun and more flattering look than a suit where navy would have worked better.
I’ve been waiting for this!
Yeah, but sometimes it's the key to make a bold neck tie really POP! I wear a slightly dated cashmere blazer that contrasts a silk tie just right. Buff trousers and the right shoe is just plain fun to dress around a tie. Apart from that, I actually have fun with my gig suit, it's pretty much the only chance I get to wear a neck tie anymore :( Oh, Roger Sterling (of Mad Men) with that silver hair, fair skin and angular features made it work. James Caviezel in "Person of Interest" did the no-tie-white-shirt on black perfectly.
Preston just keeps getting better and better. Excellent well balanced video.
The way I see it is; You can wear a black suit, but don't ONLY wear a black suit.
I have been waiting a while for this video.
My father had one suit( 4 piece - jacket, vest and 2 pairs of pants) generally black, because he wore it to church as well as work.
also wouldn't tom ford argue that simple black suits are timeless? I don't like black suits, but I wouldn't call a black suit "trendy"
A love a black suit the same as I do a navy and a charcoal suit!
Good job, Preston. I know black isn't the preferred color of GG, but either you wear black or you don't. The purple splodges are just misplaced. It almost looks like an apology for wearing black... As you said; it should be worn with confidence.
Could you make a video on how to roll up shirt sleeves and in what situations it is acceptable to do so? It would be much appreciated.
Roll them evenly and always just above the elbow; Army officer style.
It’s a classic, no matter what you say.
Great video, well done.
I would rather wear a black tuxedo over a black business suit.
Wow, both together sounds like it would be too warm! But you would score double cred. .
You'd look pretty awkward wearing a black tuxedo to a funeral and, unless you're one of the groomsman, you'd be upstaging the groom at the wedding.
Tom Ford says you should wear a black suit. I trust Tom Ford.
I think it really depends on the man. For instance if a man say has black or dark brown hair and has a slightly darker or tanned tone, black is just fine. Also sometimes I’ve noticed in some lights it’s very hard to tell the difference between it and navy or charcoal
Black suits look cool if you’re John wick
I wonder, if after he shoots them. Does he wear the same suit to the funeral?
Good question!
This guy is a robot
Her guys!
I am a big fan of your videos.
I have a question. Should I use shoes trees for my new shoes or should I let them mould to my foot first?
Thank you guys!
I would aprreciate it if you answered it.
😍
This is only true for angloamerican culture and that's okay because your definition of "classic" is "english and american style from the 1930s". But in southern Italy black is not a trend, it's a classic colour very common in the countryside. People who lived and worked there used to have themselves a black suit so they could hide the dust from the streets and the fields they worked and lived in. In fact, farmers would even wear black shirts that today are so sadly associated with fascism only. Even today old people wear black suit as everyday wear and we don't find it so odd. As a personal taste, I find it a very fascinating and emotive colour that can inspire a lot more than "funerals, priests or evening events". Here, and also in other parts of Europe or southern America, black's often associated with poets or artists in general and even with love and profound passion. Marcello Mastroianni wore it beautifully in La Dolce Vita or Otto e mezzo by Fellini.
It would be very interesting to have a video about how to simply pull off a black suit besides from repeating it's generally not appreciated in Northern America.
But anyway mine is just a different point of view from a different culture.
Wellsaid
i agree that
Please a video on ivory suit/jacket
I currently have a very well fitting navy suit from banana republic and I’m looking to get another what color would be good for my next suit? Grey? Charcoal?
Great job Preston, you really got much better since you started presenting videos.
He was good from the very start.
please do a full video guide for Dos and Donts of Hassidic fashion!!!
Wot
As a Catholic, I bought a black suit so that I would be dressed more respectfully for requiem (funeral) masses and various penitential days and feasts for the dead. I don't plan to wear it often outside of that and own a gray suit and jackets in other colors and patterns, but I'd like to better observe those days where a penitential black is appropriate. I also sing for the requiem masses at my parish so I'm in attendance often.
Same here. I have no need for a "casual suit" because casual clothing fulfills this role just perfectly. For formal events where a suit would be appropriate, black is usually the default and safest choice.
Please consider making a video on how a gentleman would or should (in your discretion) dress for a night out in a club. I am interested in your thoughts on this topic. Wearing a suit and neck tie would be considered as too stiff by most people under 30 in a typical club environment. How would you dress up in this situation without being perceived as too stiff but yet better dressed than most men in that club? What could be possible outfits?
I think it depends on the type of club you frequent, and the establishment's dress code. Once you know the dress code, then dress accordingly. Or better yet, find a venue with a dresscode that suits your personal taste and style. Then again, if you feel confident in formal wear, you should look and feel confident, and not stiff. Those who feel stiff are letting the outfit wear them, and not the other way around. Who cares about what other people think? If people are brave enough to turn up to a club in a pair of trainers and a tracksuit, why can't a well dressed man wear a suit without feeling out of place. Never feel like you have to conform, just because the rest dress in a sloppy fashion.
@@lenocman2 I think in general you're quite right with your answer.
Of course, at first you should follow the specific dress code.
If there is no dress code, it's nice when you dress up with a suit and tie and feel confident. You're absolutely right that you should not feel stiff or that you have to conform when you dress up. However, I think the problem is more that when you draw too much attention because of your outfit you get the opposite result of what you wanted: You don't make a nice first impression as somebody who cares about his appearance but rather possibly a bad first impression as a stiff, arrogant person who thinks he is something better than the other people around him.
If you're the only person in a club wearing a suit with neckwear, you look off. I think showing up in a business suit in a typical popular club with an average age of 20-30 is like showing up to the office in a white tie ensemble. People would talk negatively about you because you're inappropriately overdressed. You want to have fun when you go out and you don't always want to attract too much (negative) attention when you get to a club.
Therefore, you should consider more casual but still classic clothing. I would state that a sports jacket and chinos with a different colour, a simple dress shirt and loafers are a more casual, but still classicly inspired outfit.
@@harveyspecter6653 Yes I completely agree there. Appropriateness is key. You want to dress for the environment and occasion. I would never attend any nightclub in a full suit, simply because a night in a club it is not a formal occasion. But yes I agree that the default option in the satorial rhelm would be the sport coat and odd trousers. Mind you, I wouls opt for a half lined jacket (so hard to find here in the UK), because night clubs tend to heat up quite a bit hehe I would wear a cravat because again it finishes off the trio of jacket shirt and tie, but still provides addes ventilation along with the half lined jacket. What are you thoughts on this?
Lewis McAnuff I agree with everything. The sports jacket should probably be half-lined or unlined to prevent overheating. Like a summer sports jacket the fabric should provide an open weave like fresco or linen.
A casual ascot could be an interesting detail without looking too formal. I think that 98% of the people in a night club don‘t even know what an ascot is.
Nevertheless, it would be interesting to hear Raphael‘s thoughts on this topic. This channel should pay a little more attention to the questions of the community; the video quality and the quality of the information already are top-notch.
Some of those pictures of politicians seem to depict dark blue suits, not black suits.
True; they're not *all* guilty of this particular gaffe. ;)
- Preston
How often do you guys restock your items at Fort Belvedere? Your beautiful pocket square is out of stock!
I have reservations for a Los Angels Philharmonic orchestra event. What would you recommend in this semi-formal event?
I never really see black suits in day to day, but i like how they look when i see them
I just bought a made-to-measure black suit because I thought it was cool I wish I had seen this video a couple of months ago. My game at work is already over the top... help! Great video Preston.
Made to measure should work well as long as it really fitted.
Very,very very very important.
We need a video on appropriate attire for the racketeering businesses and other mafia endeavors. lol
Well, to start, you'll need a spearpoint collar narrow enough that there is only a thin line between the points of the collar, so as to hide the knot of the tie.
Video Suggestion: how to reply to compliments.
I constantly get compliments of all sorts, and sadly, also constantly I see myself not knowing how to... "give back" the same kind gesture, so usually I just idk... smile back or give a short happy comment - this moment, for me, is frequently "asking for something else"...
help?
That thumbnail is sweet! I need some purple ties.
I'm going to a Great Gatsby event as a beverage server. What would my appropriate outfit be?
I think so much of it is associations. An exemption would be if you know a woman who specifically wants to see you in black over blue. Someone mentioned that they would like to see me in a dark forest green shirt with a black suit. I can understand the purpose of avoiding it for specific occasions where it would be out of place. I do believe color has specific meaning and purpose but to me someone who is totally against wearing a black suit like it’s a universal law is just a sign of someone who follows trends versus being a trend setter. It’s the same way pink was the color worn by men and blue for women. You shouldn’t be that afraid and realize the majority of the time people will scorn you for what their afraid to do or have “heard”. For taking a woman on a date a beautiful combination for a COLORED man such as myself is a lavender dress shirt with a red tie paired with a black suit. I feel comfortable and confident in it and if someone else dislikes it we should all realize there is too much time there and a need to bark at strangers showing low self esteem.
Question, color of jackets or coats to wear with certain tuxedos? Example: I have a grey felt coat and I am wanting to wear it with a blue tuxedo, would that work?
Working in the security field black suits are pretty much mandatory. It would be interesting to watch a video about that. :)
Very well done. Thank you
Moamar Ghadaffi was a top tier stylishand colorful national leader, change my mind!
LOL! One of my favorite political photos is one where Ghadaffi is one of about 10 world leaders posing for a picture. All the other heads-of-state are in black or near black suits. Meanwhile, Ghadaffi is off to the side in a white suit with matching white military hat and wearing a full length cape to boot! The thought that immediately came to mind was “Dare to be different”. Say what you want about Ghadaffi, but he definitely was a style icon on the world’s political stage. ☝️🥴
1:43 - can you tell me anything about this tie? It is very right up my alley, thanks.
I wear a charcoal grey suit for business, black for performances, weddings and funerals.
I think it comes down to the fact that if you are going with black you might as well go all the way and wear full on black or white tie.
To clarify. When you said the quote fashion fades, style is eternal and you brought up the examples. Did you mean that the monochromatic suit doesn’t go out of style but the black on black might.
Could you make video with thema white suit for man?
I think it's also because a lot of cheap manufacturers set dark suits and dark shirts as the standard; thus, when someone goes to get a cheap suit, they end up coming back with a black suit, a satin tie, and a shirt in a bold and odd color. The outfit is entirely fictional -- it never has existed in real-life menswear. Compare old yearbook photos to new ones: you may see charcoal and brown in the old and black in the new. One looks like 'business,' while the other looks like 'prom.'
I used to wear a black suit often, I really liked it. even if it's his opinion that it's not appropriate for most situations
Will you be adding that bow tie to your web site???
While black suits probably aren't the best for timeless man fashion, I think for more casual and street style looks, they are great. Austrian Singer Falco wore a black suit with a red shirt and black tie. Or my favorite look from him The black suit with a black and white Hawaiian shirt. Also, black wide-fit pleated pants with a black shirt look really good, I think, for going on dates or to the club.
You should do a video on pyjamas.
Gentleman gazette, what would you recommend to wear for a dinner?
Preston, what is the model of your glasses called ?
i too think black is overrated. not only in menswear, but with ladies clothing as well. ppl just default towards black, probably cos it's dark and makes them appear slimmer and suits most ppl. but overdoing it undermines the power of black in my opinion (for instance, i find tom ford very avg and don't take the time to admire his outfit because i have already done that, now it's boring). defaulting to black also hinders ppl from putting tgt well thought out outfits with different colours.
Definitely overused and therefore often misused. Inflationary use has dampened its effect somewhat, but it still undeniably holds an important position. Though, just as suits in general, it has to be worn right.
Please do a video on DR martens shoes
Mr Cold they’re more like punk rocker or mod attire, as opposed to classic gentleman’s style.
This man was the founding father of jawlines
In Asia, in weddings and other formal events, either a black suit or national dress is more appropriate and common rather than a navy or charcoal suit. A tux is hardly ever used.
It seems to me that black suits and extremely dark navy peaked about three or four years ago, but lately I have seen a bit of brighter options being worn by politicians and TV personalities. I am glad we are getting out of the black suit era.
Omg i forgot this was playing in the background . N i got no clue what the whole rant is all about.
I think black suits look modern.
A black suit athletic build with black dress shirt is so nice n hot for a guy to wear
Staple of certain profession, eg lawyers, accountants, architects, dealers, etc
Heck yeah you should
I’m going on business to London. Could I get away with a traditional London look of black suit red tie ???
When there is some code, then we can talk about right or wrong, otherwise your faith and perception is tricking you to compensate insecurity with right clothes, sometimes we even don't see coolness in other cultures, because we perceive them to be wrong. Best remedy is to wear something you despise and you may discover that there is energy and life in everything. When you find your style you lose it, when you lose style you find it.
Is there ever a situation where one would wear a double breasted suit coat with a vest or waist coat? Because I saw this the other day. The guy must have had a custom job done cause the lining on the vest matched the lining on the suit jacket and he was walking around with the coat buttoned most of the time.
It’s a virtually required look (by unstated consensus) at Japanese formal-ish functions where the dress code isn’t specified. I wear them grudgingly.
My late brother owned & wore a black suit with a pork pie hat but specifically because he was a musician.
Your opinion on Eggsy's (Kingsman) black double breasted suit with stripes?
how about yohji yamamoto's quote
A Gentleman or well dressed Man in a black suit?
NEVER!!
In the corporate world that I run in(Strategy/Healthcare/Finance) I never see a black suit on a senior executive or firm Partner, nor have I ever purchased one.
NEVER!!
Charcoal grey is as close as I come.
Cheers🍻
RP
Poo, and pish. And I mean this to sting.
I think dark blue or grey are the only options unless one is going to a funeral, formal dance or an awards show.
And even then a midnight blue or dark charcoal is definitely appropriate if worn with a dark grey tie
God, you guys love that picture of Maria Shriver carrying the casket of her Mother.
Style changes every 10-20 years. That's why vintage style is a thing.
Putin usually wear black suits and makes him look more powerful. As well James Bond.
Doesn't make it a classic tho
Funeral services only even then. Charcoal is better
Black suit is a must in any MAN....'s closet... we used it everywhere... since it easy to maintaince and can get dirty..
What about a black suit with narrow pinstripes? Still OK for funerals but a little better than solid black for the office place?
Yes, but not appropriate for funeral's to much attention.
The Prince of Wales is an exellent dresser
But what if it’s the dress code at work?
I find that for tuxedos, midnight navy looks better than black.
I happen to work as a Chauffeur and most Limousine companies do have a dress code that they want their Chauffeurs to wear Black Suits
Hey!
Not many men want to afford two suits just for ware it 3 or 4 times in the year. Funeral and highly formal events require black that is why mainly people have only a black suit because they likely to ware it only these kind of events. Although I have bought a navy suit for less formal events like exam days but black is also acceptable for it.
are you a funeral director?
Wear a dark grey or navy. that way you dont look dead. (woman here)
So, should the decedent be dressed in black then?
I think he is dressed that way to demonstrate the point of the video.
Preston is just crazy pale I'm afraid, guy needs to get some sun or use something to bronze up.
I wore a black suit in my wedding. Now I really only wear it when I take the wife out for a night at the theater to catch the ballet.