Have you ever been wowed by the steeze of someone wearing a suit? Likely, yes. And have you ever seen someone wearing a suit look almost disgusting? Again, likely yes. What separates the two, after all, they are both wearing suits? It’s this: Suit Etiquette For Men.
Yes, there are unspoken rules that separate the truly well-dressed from the just dressed up. We want you in the former, so we’re sharing key suit rules every modern gentleman should know in this guide, from buttoning basics to sock secrets.
Suit Etiquette For Men: 12 Rules You Should Never Break
Here you go:
1. Get Your Suit Tailored
A suit off the rack rarely fits perfectly, and that’s okay, as long as you tailor it. Small adjustments to the sleeve length or trouser break make a big difference. A tailored suit hugs your frame without pulling or sagging, giving you that crisp, clean silhouette.
2. Know Your Button Rules
If you’re wearing a two-button suit, button only the top one. For a three-button suit, follow the classic rule: sometimes the top, always the middle, never the bottom. Buttoning all of them not only looks awkward but also messes with the suit’s structure.
3. Unbutton When You Sit
Always unbutton your jacket before sitting down. It’s not just about comfort. Leaving the jacket buttoned can wrinkle the fabric, strain the buttons, and make you look stiff. As soon as you stand back up, re-button. It’s a small move that shows big style awareness. It also makes you look cool, and I personally enjoy seeing men do that.
4. Match Your Tie to the Occasion
Your tie is a tone-setter. Loud colors and novelty prints are fine for fun occasions, but feel out of place in professional or formal settings. Stick to clean, classic patterns or solid colors when in doubt.
5. Don’t Ignore the Collar
The collar of your shirt should sit neatly beneath your suit’s lapels without gapping or collapsing. A floppy or uneven collar instantly makes your outfit look unpolished, no matter how expensive the rest is.
6. Let the Tie Hit the Belt
One of the simplest rules, yet so often broken, is this: your tie should end right at the top of your belt buckle. Not above. Not below. Anything else throws off the proportions of your entire look.
7. Never Wear No-Show Socks
Ankles are not part of the dress code. When you sit and your trousers rise, your socks should seamlessly continue the flow of your outfit. Stick to mid-calf or over-the-calf dress socks that match your pants or shoes.
8. Shine Your Shoes
Even if your suit game is strong, dull or dirty shoes will ruin the vibe. Take the time to polish your leather shoes regularly, and don’t forget the soles.
Also, choose your shoe colors wisely. Dont wear brown shoes on a black suit and vice versa. It’s bad etiquette.
9. Match Your Belt and Shoes
This one’s non-negotiable: brown shoes = brown belt, black shoes = black belt. Mismatched accessories draw the eye for all the wrong reasons and throw off your entire color coordination.
10. Keep Accessories Minimal
A pocket square? Always welcome. A tie clip? Stylish in moderation. But don’t overdo it with lapel pins, flashy watches, and chains all at once. Accessories should complement your look, not compete with it.
11. Mind Your Posture
You can wear the best-tailored suit on earth, but it won’t matter if you’re slouching or fidgeting. Stand tall, shoulders back, and move with intention. A good suit helps you look sharp, while a good posture helps you feel it.
12. Dress for the Setting
Not all suits fit every occasion. A navy business suit might look too plain at a wedding, while a velvet tuxedo is overkill for a work meeting. Always consider the setting, dress code, and context.
In The End…
Wearing a suit isn’t just about fabric and fit; it’s about showing up with confidence and style. By following the suit etiquette for men, you’re not just wearing a suit, you’re owning it.
And if you’re ready to upgrade your wardrobe with suits and blazers that speak volumes before you even say a word, TrendyKool has your back (and your shoulders, and your lapels).
Browse our latest collection of suits and blazers here because knowing the rules is only half the game. The other half? Wearing the right suit.