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The black suit is intrinsic to the Hollywood image. From the suave James Bond to the old English finesse of Kingsman, the tops-and-tails tuxedo is typically what we envision when we think of gentlemen.
As audience members, it’s natural for us to take some outfit inspo from what we see on screen. We, too, want to look like Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother. The question you might have is, where can I find the best black suits aside from movie sets?
Aside from the Kingsman boutique located in London (yes, it actually exists), there are other places to shop for a black suit. So I’ve rounded up 14 of the best black suits that are designed to cater to your inner 007. I’ll also address some common queries related to shopping and styling.
What Makes A Good Black Suit?
Any dapper gentlemen will tell you that the devil is the details. In regards to the black suit, this has to do with tailoring.
When shopping for blazers, trousers, and any other tuxedo-related garments, finding the perfect fit is considered the most important aspect.
It’s usually not a good idea to cop a matching set at your local thrift shop or at a discount bargain store. It’ll typically be ill-fitting and probably won’t conform to your body shape.
A good black suit should hit your shoulders at an exact spot. Other key elements include tailoring around the waist, chest, arms, and the upper half of your lower torso. All in all, you shouldn’t feel swamped with fabric.
Of course, the overall finesse of your look also depends on the material used. Cheap textiles (which usually feel thin in construction) won’t exude a sophisticated vibe.
Finding The Best Black Suit
If you can’t be bothered to sift through dozens of black suits, your best bet is to opt for bespoke tailoring. Store experts will usually recommend select color swatches and silhouettes to help you find the perfect number.
But for those who can’t afford to make their tux from scratch, there are some ways to differentiate a quality suit from a second-rate one.
Material is considered a tell-tale sign of quality construction. A well-made black suit is typically constructed out of premium materials, which include merino wool, twill, mohair, and cotton.
Additional features, such as stitching, buttoning, and other petite details, should never be overlooked. Lastly, customers should always assess their current aesthetic before settling on a tux. After all, suits are notoriously known for being super expensive.
The 14 Best Black Suits
Kingsman isn’t known to offer a ‘moral of the story,’ but they’re definitely right about one thing: clothes make the man. If you’re struggling to justify buying a $500 black suit, think of the future events you’ll most certainly attend.
From networking parties to your best friend’s wedding, you’ll be surprised by the number of occasions that require a tux. For those in need of recommendations, I’ll highlight a few designs worth considering.
#1: BYBORRE Black Suit Blazer
#2: Moustache peak lapel two-piece suit - Black
#3: Bolongaro Trevor skinny glitter fleck satin lapel double breasted dinner suit jacket-Black
#4: Harry Brown slim suit jacket in black
#5: TOM FORD Fluid Hopsack two-piece suit - Black
#6: New Look relaxed fit suit jacket in black
#7: Alexander McQueen tailored single-breasted suit jacket - Black
#8: Tagliatore fitted single-breasted button suit - Black
#9: TOM FORD single-breasted two-piece suit - Black
#10: Moustache peak lapel suit set - Black
#11: Manuel Ritz double-breasted striped suit - Black
#12: River Island Double Breasted Suit Jacket in Black
#13: Manuel Ritz single-breasted fitted suit - Black
#14: Manuel Ritz single-breasted two-piece suit - Black
What Are The Most Popular Black Suits?
I’m confident that my top 14 list of black suits features several of the most popular options. But for those in need of more suggestions, here are some other brands for trendsetters to consider.
- Brunello Cucinelli
- Phillip Lim
- Tom Ford
- Indochino
When Should You Wear A Black Suit?
Black suits are typically worn for formal events. This mainly includes weddings, cocktail parties, funerals, graduation ceremonies, and fancy dinners.
That said, the open and flexible nature of fashion has allowed trendsetters to sport the classic tux whenever they like. As such, they’re typically paired with casual wear, such as T-shirts, jeans, and boots.
What Types of Black Suits Can You Get?
The black suit category is very broad and includes a collection of multiple subcategories too.
In fact, there are dozens of different cuts to choose from, including the double-breasted look, the peak lapel ensemble, the notch lapel, and the full-on penguin suit. Each one typically differs in silhouette and some other minor details.
How To Style Black Suits
The black suit is a total package. In most cases, you don’t need to accessorize a tuxedo in order to complete the look. But for those in need of additional pizazz, I’ll show you how to style your final ensemble.
Necklaces are usually a no-go with suits. While you’re free to accessorize with watches and studded earrings, I understand if you’re craving some extra bling. So, I highly recommend adding a stylish tie pin as another accessory.
Speaking of bling, cufflinks are a great way to add some razzle-dazzle to your final look. You can find lots of designs on Etsy, such as this cute cat head in tinted gold.
The traditional black suit doesn’t leave much room for color. If you’re stuck wearing a charcoal tie for the day, I suggest sneaking in some coral blue socks. Accentuated with Italian loafers, it’s a subtle way of introducing a pop of color to your outfit.
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