Three-piece suit not just for your grandfather
Fellas, consider really dressing it up as we ease into the holidays. The trendlet
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Fellas, consider really dressing it up as we ease into the holidays.
The trendlet
The most dapper of dapper dudes is going the three-piece route this fall - meaning, yes, vests are included. Solids are cool, but plaids are the most fashionable. Add a pocket square, a knit tie, substitute the umbrella for a man purse, and you are good to go.
Where does it come from?
The made-to-measure three-piece suit is a direct descendant of the bespoke suit that originated in 19th-century London. The difference: Bespoke tailors create a pattern to suit the man, whereas custom-suit-makers tailor existing patterns to fit the man.
That doesn't make the custom suit any less snazzy, though. Depending on the quality of the fabric, whether it is fully lined with lux fabric or partly lined, or whether it has a funky ticket pocket, your custom suit can cost as much as a bespoke, ranging from $1,500 to $10,000.
Corporate types and basketball coaches were loyal to custom suits through the casual 1990s, when khakis ruled.
But these days - as local designers like Brian Lipstein of Henry A. Davidsen and Craig Arthur von Schroeder of Commonwealth Proper are taking a more artisan approach, and menswear companies like SuitSupply and Indochino continue to pop up in gentrified downtowns - even millennials are jumping into Ubers uber-dressed-up.
Who is wearing it?
Your well-dressed dandies who want to make a good first impression, like local shoe salesman Jimmy Redshoes (known around town for his Jimmy Choo sales game) and menswear-brand czar Sabir Peele. Also worn in Hollywood by Idris Elba, Taye Diggs, Justin Timberlake, Bradley Cooper, and David Beckham.
Would Elizabeth's dude wear one?
I haven't actually dated a man who fancies a three-piece suit, but that's not to say I wouldn't. I do, however, prefer subdued tattersall checks as opposed to tartans.
Should you wear one?
This is one classy look. But, guys, don't attempt this if you aren't, well - how can I say this? - trim. There is nothing worse than a belly bulging from beneath the vest of a three-piece suit.
Suits range in price from $1,500 to $5,000. Henry A. Davidsen is at 1701 Spruce St., 215-310-0219, www.henrydavidsen.com.
215-854-2704
@ewellingtonphl