21
How to Wear
Three Piece
The Waistcoat
A suit that fits and the Idle Man, online websites which focus on men's fashion, highlight some important tips when wearing a three piece suit:
The waistcoat should fit slim under the jacket so that it doesn't look too loose and baggy, keeping the clean look of the outfit. Just like the jacket, the last button of the waistcoat is to be left undone. The waistcoat should be long enough to cover the belt line without going over it too much.
Accessories
There are certain accessories which the three piece suit misses out on. For example, the belt. Due to the waistcoat already covering the belt line, fitting a belt under it would just look too squashed. Pocket squares also look great on three piece suits, as they do help maintain that level of formality. Make sure the pocket square is rather discrete so it looks attractive instead of over the top.
Colours
In simple terms, a three piece suit is a formal attire, so darker colours tend to be the move. However, that doesn't mean you can't combine a lighter waistcoat with a darker jacket. When wearing a white suit, try keeping the whole outfit light coloured. Also, think about the occasion. Is it a formal event and you want to play it safe regarding the outfit? A darker colour will work best. Else, match colours within reason.
Fabrics
The rule of fabrics applies to most suits too, not just the three piece. Because some fabrics work well in different seasons, picking the right one is key. For summer, breathable and lighter fabrics like linen and often cotton are the most comfortable. For colder seasons, heavier fabrics like wool tend to be the best pick.