3 Suits You'll Wear Again and Again

1. The Dinner Suit

When the invitation says black tie.

Fabric Examples:

Holland & Sherry: Black Tie

Holland & Sherry: Masquerade

Dormeuil: Mohair

A dinner suit is one of those garments you may not need every week, but when the occasion calls for one, there's really no substitute. Events like charity galas, awards ceremonies, and black-tie weddings will generally appear throughout life. Having a dinner suit that fits beautifully means you're always prepared, without the need to hire something or search for an outfit at the last minute.

And while formalwear follows certain traditions, there's still plenty of room to create something that feels personal.

How Should You Style a Dinner Suit?

If you're looking for a dinner suit you'll enjoy wearing for many years, we'd recommend starting with a classic black or midnight navy cloth (both are traditional). For those who prefer something different, a deep burgundy, forest green or velvet dinner jacket can also look wonderful.

The jacket, arguably the most recognisable element of a dinner suit, traditionally features satin or grosgrain lapels to give a subtle contrast against the main fabric. Peak lapels are a great choice if you prefer a sharper look, while shawl lapels give a softer shape.

Traditionally, dinner trousers are worn with side adjusters or braces, not belt loops - helping them sit neatly at the waist. A waistcoat or cummerbund can also be included for a more traditional finish.

Our most versatile suggestion:

Black, single-breasted dinner jacket with one button

Peak lapels

Gently defined waist

Matching trousers with satin stripe and side adjusters/braces

White evening shirt

Black bow tie

Adding Personalisation to a Dinner Suit

Although black tie has its conventions, the smaller details offer plenty of opportunities for personalisation. You might choose a flash lining, a different lapel shape, or a texture for the jacket (e.g. Corduroy). If longevity is your priority, we'd suggest keeping the main design relatively classic and introducing personality through accessories like ties or cufflinks that can be changed over time. 

2. The Classic Navy Three-Piece

When you need a go-to suit for important occasions.

Fabric Examples:

Holland & Sherry: Royal Mile

Holland & Sherry: City of London

Dormeuil: Millennial 

If there's one suit we'd recommend for anyone building a versatile wardrobe, it's a classic navy three-piece. Weddings, celebrations, and formal work events are all occasions where a smart suit is required. And while the dress codes may vary, a carefully chosen three-piece can adapt to all of them.

Wool is a fantastic choice for tailoring, thanks to its natural durability and ability to hold its shape. However, a great suit doesn't have to be made from wool. Vegan-friendly alternatives, such as bamboo-based fabrics, can also offer beautiful alternatives.

How Should You Style a Three-Piece Suit?

If you're looking for a three-piece suit you'll enjoy wearing for many years, we'd recommend starting with navy because its versatility works beautifully with a variety of shirts, ties, and accessories. For something a bit different, perhaps think about a contrasting waistcoat in a light grey or subtle check. 

A single-breasted jacket with notch lapels is a great starting point, as this is a classic look that isn't overly formal - but peak lapels or a double-breasted jacket are great if you’re after a more distinctive look.

The waistcoat is, of course, what sets a three-piece apart. A traditional five- or six-button waistcoat is a popular choice, but a lower-cut waistcoat can give you a more formal appearance. You can opt for a matching cloth or add some contrast with a complementary colour or a subtle check. For the trousers, we'd suggest a straight or gently tapered leg, with one to two pleats.

Our most versatile suggestion:

Classic dark navy tone

Single-breasted jacket with two buttons and notch lapels

Matching five-button waistcoat

Straight-leg, single-pleat trousers

Choosing the Right Wool

At King & Allen, we also offer a range of vegan suits made using animal-free alternatives. However, for those who prefer traditional wool tailoring, there are plenty of options to consider.

Not all wool fabrics are the same, and the weight and weave can make a considerable difference to how a suit looks and feels. We take a rigorous approach to sourcing our wool, with ethical standards guiding our fabric selection alongside quality and performance. For something you'll wear throughout the year, a mid-weight worsted wool is a particularly dependable choice. The important thing is choosing a fabric that suits the occasions you're most likely to attend and is versatile enough to wear regularly.

3. The Relaxed Two-Piece

When you want to look smart without feeling overdressed.

Fabric Examples

Huddersfield: Bamboo II

Holland & Sherry: Airesco

Holland & Sherry: Linen

Not every occasion calls for a traditional formal suit. Sometimes you want something that feels a little more relaxed, such as a destination wedding or garden party. This is where a softer, more casual two-piece becomes particularly useful. Unlike the classic three-piece, which is designed primarily for smarter occasions, a relaxed two-piece offers greater freedom when it comes to fabric and colour.

While lightweight suits are especially popular during the warmer months, this style certainly isn't limited to summer. With the right cloth, a relaxed two-piece can be worn throughout the year.

How Should You Style a Relaxed Two-Piece?

A relaxed two-piece is all about finding the balance between smart tailoring and everyday comfort. Rather than the sharper structure of a traditional business suit, we'd suggest choosing a jacket with softer shoulders and a slightly looser fit. Fabrics such as linen, cotton and lightweight wool work well, and shades like sand, tobacco brown and soft blue give the suit a more casual feel.

You can opt for lightly roped or non-roped shoulders, and patch or jet pockets for a casual silhouette, along with wider-leg trousers with either a single pleat or none at all. You can also experiment with proportions, perhaps choosing a slightly longer jacket or trousers with a generous break for a more contemporary look. A relaxed two-piece doesn't necessarily need a shirt and tie, relaxed tops like fine-knit jumpers or t-shirts can work beautifully underneath the jacket. 

Our most versatile suggestion:

Lightweight linen-blend two-piece suit

Warm stone shade

Single-breasted jacket with light roped shoulders, patch pockets

Wider-leg, single-pleat trousers

Choosing a Fabric for Your Two-Piece

Linen is a popular choice for warmer weather thanks to its breathability and lightweight feel, with its natural creasing adding to its relaxed character. Cotton is equally versatile, offering options for both lightweight summer suits and more structured designs. Bamboo-derived fabrics are another great option, particularly for those seeking a plant-based alternative with a super soft finish. Lightweight wool has natural breathability, a beautiful drape, and greater crease resistance, while corduroy and flannel are excellent choices for cooler months, providing distinctive textures and a more casual appearance.

Final Thoughts

Weddings, celebrations, and special occasions will continue to come around throughout life, and having a few carefully chosen suits means you'll always have something appropriate to wear. A classic dinner suit takes care of formal evening invitations, a wool three-piece provides a dependable option for smarter occasions, and a relaxed two-piece offers something comfortable and versatile for everything in between.

Of course, there's no need to purchase all three at once. Building a wardrobe takes time, and it's worth choosing each garment carefully so that it serves a purpose and reflects your personal style. After all, the best suit in your wardrobe shouldn't be the one you save for a special occasion. It should be one you're always pleased to have an excuse to wear.