Black tie is a dress code that is also known as tuxedo, dinner jacket, and cravate noire. When the master of ceremony decides his guests should come in black tie, you will wear a tuxedo, French cuffed white tuxedo shirt (preferably with black buttons from the navel up), bow tie, suspenders (no belt), polished black shoes (varnish is optional), long black socks. A tuxedo vest, cummerbund and pocket square are optional. The self tie bow tie looks much better and will be appreciated by the connoisseurs. At the end of the night when you are lounging at the pool, you may untie the bow tie and hang it around your neck like Craig Daniel in the photo below.

Black tie is always after sundown and gentleman do not wear watches (use your cell phone if you really need to know the time). Your pockets should contain few items such as some paper money and perhaps a credit card. The ticket pocket of your tuxedo jacket is great for storing coins. You may offer the lady to carry some of her items in your pockets. Read the rest of this entry »

Both Worlds

I have both: jackets with the stitched-on pockets and jackets with the conventional flaps. During long discussions with my friends, I noticed that people often think that stitched-on pockets are too casual and dandy for any business environment and prefer the conventional flaps for their conventional job. However, both versions of the pockets have been around forever. I’ve regularly spotted an elderly man with the stitched-on pockets on the jacket. I wonder if the old chap knew he’s a dandy….

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Do you prefer fused or unfused collars and cuffs on your shirts?

We are going to make this an interactive discussion on what type of collar and cuffs are preferred by you, and if it should be fused, unfused or have no lining at all. Scroll down to comment.

Karl Lagerfeld’s (probably) fused shirt collar, look how rigid it is!

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Are the ties made in China better or worse than those ties made in Italy?

I was waiting in the queue at the Chinese Embassy in The Hague, to organize my mother’s visa. My mother; Florentine, is going to visit my sister who lives in Shanghai. I have been there twice and think it’s a great city. It’s always busy, it’s hectic, it smells strange but in a good way.. My sister is fascinated by the Chinese culture and speaks nearly fluent Chinese.

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Fit like a Glove

Gloves and gauntlets (the extended gloves with the forearm covering) have been worn for centuries long. The glove was a true symbol of honour.

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A tie made of wool

Right now you probably sort your ties on winter and summer colors. A dark red silk tie is perfect to express your autumn moods. However, there is another option. Not only will the suits get bristlier in the coming months, also the ties will change.

So try something else this autumn/winter with a wool tie. It gives you a more natural look in the winterly scene and makes you stand out amongst those shiny silky ties. It looks more relaxed, but if worn properly, gives you that edge you have been looking for.

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You’re made of Egyptian Cotton

The newest addition to the Suitsupply shirt collection is the Egyptian Cotton. These shirts are only €59,- and are available in multiple prints. Before you check out their website, read&learn about the Egyptian Cotton here on Suitsociety.com

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Tie for travelling

Check out the newest addition to the Thomas Pink collection: the commuter tie. It’s a tie with a little ipod/mp3 holder on the back.

Come on gentlemen, let’s get your pockets empty and your jacket free of weight.

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Flat Front Or Pleated?

A dear friend of mine who works in a men’s suit store told me that most people are still in doubt about the reasons for wearing a flat front or pleated pants. His customers frequently have the wrong assumptions about these two different styles of pants.

Let’s get one thing straight right now: I prefer to wear flat fronts because I like to wear my pants slim (just like my jacket). Pleated pants fit too spacious for me, making me want to call my local tailor for some speed-slimming.

However, the pleated pants does solve some problems. A lot of professional sportsmen choose a pleated pants as it is the only thing they can wear because of their trained upper legs. Think about professional soccer players, swimmers and cyclists. Most overweight people will also prefer to wear pleated pants, as their posture needs the extra space. Read the rest of this entry »

The suit etiquette of lawyers & attorneys

After receiving a question about the suit etiquette in the world of law, I decided to do some research. What is seen as normal in this profession when it comes to suits and styles? Is everything tradition or is there also some space for personal preferences?

There seems to be two different occasions within the profession to wear a suit.

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