Black Suiting

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.

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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. (Cue: Black Velvet by Alanna Myles)

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.

Let me know your thoughts below in the comments below?

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