Why a Black Suit is the Most Versatile Choice

[Samuel Diamond]

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It’s generally accepted in menswear circles that two most versatile suiting colours are navy and grey.

However, I wish to challenge that.

To do so, we need to understand what the word ‘versatile’ means?

Versatile

Does ‘versatile’ mean that the garments will work easily as separates (blazer/trousers)?

Or does it mean the garment/s look good with a whole range of different colours and styles for your shirts, shoes etc?

If we accept the above definitions of ‘versatile’, then YES, navy and grey are at the top of the list.

However, the Oxford Dictionary definition of the ‘versatile’ is:

“Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.”

In this context, I define ‘versatile’ in the sense that the garment can be worn in a variety of different situations and circumstances, without looking out of place.

A navy/grey suit is NOT as appropriate for attending a ball, a black tie wedding or a funeral as a black suit is.

If we examine the debate with this definition for ‘versatile’, then a black suit trumps them all convincingly, and looks damn good doing it!

The Dark Side

I’d previously written off the colour black.

To be honest, I thought it was boring.

After having a number of client’s ask for plain black tailored suits, I’ve thought a lot about it and I’ve changed my mind.

I was wrong.

Black is elegant.

Elegant

For mens suiting, black is the most timeless, strong and graceful colour.

Tom Ford almost exclusively wears black suits and is considered the be one of the most elegant men alive.

Here’s the thing about navy and grey suits: they’re classic. But everyone’s got one.

I believe that having crisp black suit in your wardrobe is key.

Particularly if you only have one suit.

Here’s Why

Events

Let’s just say you’re a work as a tradie (plumber, electrician etc), you own one good suit and you have the following events to attend:

a) Wedding: wear the black suit with a blue shirt and silk tie,

b) Ball or black tie wedding to attend: wear the black suit with a cocktail shirt, black bowtie, patent leather shoes and you have a perfect dinner suit (aka tux).

c) Funeral: black suit, open neck white shirt, dark sunglasses.

d) Races: wear the black suit with a panama hat and cornflower on derby day.

e) Career change: job interview: black suit with a tie

f) Court appearance: Not guilty, Your Honour.

Case Dismissed.

Slimming

Another KEY benefit!

Black is the most slimming colour.

I need to wear black myself after the easter chocolate blow out I had recently.

You know the golden rule? Well this the black rule:

The darker the colour, the more slimming it is.
It doesn’t get any darker.

Therefore it’s more versatile, if you ever have an easter chocolate blow out.

Stains

Another benefit is black’s visibility and resistance to stains.

If you spill a little wine on your black suit: no worries!

If it was your cream or light grey suit however, you might be in big trouble.

Seasonal

If you think black is only for winter, think again!

I’ve done of lot of black linen and light weight wool suits for clients over summer.

The unusual shade provides an intriguing contrast to a typically light coloured cloth such as linen and cotton.

Interestingly, black suiting in heavier wools, twill and flannels look stunning too.

I’m also a huge fan of Black velvet.

Take It or Leave It

Folks, keep in mind that this advice is coming from man who owns three green suits and no navy, so take it or leave it.

In my view, a black suit is the most versatile, timeless and classic look a man can have.

Particularly if you only have one suit.

It’s true what they say: once you go black, you never go back.

I’m interested to hear you views.

Please let me know your thoughts below in the comments below?

SD

 

[FlyingHorker]

"A navy/grey suit is NOT as appropriate for attending a ball, a black tie wedding or a funeral as a black suit is.

If we examine the debate with this definition for ‘versatile’, then a black suit trumps them all convincingly, and looks damn good doing it!"

The entire post hinges on the above.

I've never attended or received an invite to a ball or a black tie wedding, but I have attended a funeral.

A suit and tie in general works well for all 3 situations.

For myself, A black suit is then not the most versatile choice due to lack of colour compatibility in my wardrobe and doesn't work well as a separate.

 

[EZB]

I took note of some issues with the article definitions. First, you mention two definitions of “versatile,” but then reference, “the above definition.” Technically, both definitions are given above. Also, there are other possible definitions of versatile. To me, versatile means wearable in many situations that are relevant to my
life. In that case, really no suits are truly versatile, but I can wear the jackets of many suits separately with chinos or jeans. That tends to work better with navy and grey though—and those color suits still work great for the couple semi-formal events per year I attend.

 

[Samuel Diamond]

/grey suit is NOT as appropriate for attending a ball, a black tie wedding or a funeral as a black suit is.

If we examine the debate with this definition for ‘versatile’, then a black suit trumps them all convincingly, and looks damn good doing it!"

The entire post hinges on the above.

he entire post hinges on the above.

I've never attended or received an invite to a ball or a black tie wedding, but I have attended a funeral.

I appreciate the reply.

Some fair points.

I hear what you're saying.

But:

"A suit and tie in general works well for all 3 situations."

I honestly can't see how a navy or grey suit would generally work well for a ball, funeral, or black tie wedding.

We can agree to disagree on that.

 

[EZB]

I appreciate the reply.

Some fair points.

I hear what you're saying.

But:

"A suit and tie in general works well for all 3 situations."

I honestly can't see how a navy or grey suit would generally work well for a ball, funeral, or black tie wedding.

We can agree to disagree on that.

That is correct. A true formal ball or black tie wedding precludes the wearing of a navy or grey suit. However, many of us just are not invited to an event with that restriction, making the black suit useless.

 

[Andy57]

A black suit is not a tuxedo and if you try to pretend that it is you will just look foolish.

 

[BXpress]

That is correct. A true formal ball or black tie wedding precludes the wearing of a navy or grey suit. However, many of us just are not invited to an event with that restriction, making the black suit useless.

Wouldn't a black suit be useless anyway even if you were invited? Black tie does not mean Business suit in black but proper black tie (tuxedo) attire as far as i am informed.

I am not going to challenge the OP on this. Personally i find a Black suit uninspiring and that's that.

However, we live in an "everything goes" society. 99% of people won't even notice your shoe colour much less scold you for wearing a black Business suit. Nowadays you could wear brown glen plaid with brown brogues to a dinner and you would get compliments.

 

[Samuel Diamond]

A black suit is not a tuxedo and if you try to pretend that it is you will just look foolish.

I agree with you on that.

There is no substitute for proper tuxedo.

 

[EZB]

Wouldn't a black suit be useless anyway even if you were invited? Black tie does not mean Business suit in black but proper black tie (tuxedo) attire as far as i am informed.

I am not going to challenge the OP on this. Personally i find it Black suit uninspiring and that's that.

However, we live in an "everything goes" society. 99% of people won't even notice your shoe colour much less scold you for wearing a black Business suit. Nowadays you could wear brown glen plaid with brown brogues to a dinner and you would get compliments.

Absolutely. I wouldn't buy a black suit unless it were a tuxedo anyway though; so, to me, they are the same thing because there is only black tux, not black suit.

 

[FlyingHorker]

I appreciate the reply.

Some fair points.

I hear what you're saying.

But:

"A suit and tie in general works well for all 3 situations."

I honestly can't see how a navy or grey suit would generally work well for a ball, funeral, or black tie wedding.

We can agree to disagree on that.

I'll concede that, it makes sense.

 

[bdavro23]

FFS...

This is just lazy.

 

[Samuel Diamond]

Absolutely. I wouldn't buy a black suit unless it were a tuxedo anyway though; so, to me, they are the same thing because there is only black tux, not black suit.

A black suit, with peak lapels, besom (jetted) pockets is not a tuxedo.

However, it certainly looks close.

Particularly when worn with a black bowtie, an evening shirt (i.e. with a pleated bib, concealed buttons, or black studs etc), and patent leather shoes.

 

[Samuel Diamond]

FFS...

This is just lazy.

It's a little ironic that this response isn't expanded upon. Thanks

 

[bdavro23]

A black suit, with peak lapels, besom (jetted) pockets is not a tuxedo.

However, it certainly looks close.

Particularly when worn with a black bowtie, an evening shirt (i.e. with a pleated bib, concealed buttons, or black studs etc), and patent leather shoes.

A black suit is the worst compromise. It isnt a tuxedo, and wont look like one. You shouldnt wear it to a ball, or a job interview, or a black tie event. You shouldnt even wear it to a funeral, unless you are the undertaker. Tom Ford wears a black suit occasionally. Wonderful insight. How does that in any way mean that non-fashion designer superstars should do it? Rick Owens wears black **** that looks like costumes from Marilyn Manson's 2003 tour, should I wear that to a ball?

Wearing a blue shirt with a black suit as you advise looks ridiculous. You can really only get away with wearing a white shirt. Also, there is almost no occasion where there isnt a better alternative to wearing a black suit. If someone is going to only have one suit, I would go with navy.

I dont **** on people who have black suits. Most people arent as interested in clothing as the people on this board, and honestly, who cares. But for someone who sells tailored clothing to advocate for someone to go out and buy a black suit, or worse have one made, just seems incredibly misguided.

 

[Proleet]

A black suit, with peak lapels, besom (jetted) pockets is not a tuxedo.

However, it certainly looks close.

Particularly when worn with a black bowtie, an evening shirt (i.e. with a pleated bib, concealed buttons, or black studs etc), and patent leather shoes.

Equally close as the standard limo driver or security guard passing off as stylish...

For me it’s something that looks nice on glamour photos but pretty **** on 99% of all people...