Luxury, elegant, and impressive are fixed adjectives that most people think of when talking about three-piece tailored suits. The most easy-to-find difference between three-piece suits and two-piece suits is the waistcoat. So, what is unique regarding the waistcoat? Besides, three-piece tailored suits are high-class and always have complicated dress codes. Let’s learn those rules from this article.
MỤC LỤC
I. What is a three-piece suit?
While a two-piece suit brings out the feeling of comfortability, nothing could beat the three-piece suit if the occasion calls you to dress your best. Like a two-piece suit, a three-piece suit also has a suit jacket and a pair of trousers. But because of the number three, a three-piece suit contains one more component, that is the waistcoat (or you can call it a vest).
Note that, a clothing is called a three-piece suit only if the three elements of the suit are made of the same fabric with the same pattern. If three pieces of the suit are in different types of materials or colors, it could not be named as a three-piece suit. There’s nothing wrong with styling a suit jacket, waistcoat or trousers variously, but just that they are not a three-piece suit.
Read more: The best bespoke suits made in Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam
II. Waistcoat explained
1. Waistcoat in definition
The waistcoat is a strange but familiar phrase. Waistcoats have become so close to fashion-loving gentlemen. But not that makes it popular in most eyes.
A waistcoat is a type of clothing worn on the upper body of men, over the shirt, and under the suit jacket. Sometimes, the waistcoat is styled completely differently from the suit jacket to make the spotlight. It can also be worn without the jacket to create a more charming vibe.
The front of the waistcoat is vertically divided into two equal pieces, being connected by a column of four to six buttons. The back is designed in one piece and usually has a belt at the waist to stretch to fit the body.
2. How should a waistcoat fit?
A highly effective waistcoat must ensure two conditions: the width fitted to the body, and the length suitable to create a smooth curve connecting waist and hip, without an excessing shirt in the middle.
First, the waistcoat should not be too loose or tight. If your waistcoat has the armpit more than needed, then it will lose the seductive tight-fitting effect. If your waistcoat is too tight, it will be pulled askew, making the appearance less professional, and more rude. You will not be comfortable with that.
A body-fitted waistcoat will be snug but not tight. It will sit softly on your chest and has enough compression at the back with a strap that can be adjusted.
Second, the waistcoat should not be too short or long. The waistcoat should lengthen to reach the point 1 inch below the waistband, leaving no shirt exposed between the two garments.
No one could deny the charming effect of a well-fitting waistcoat. It makes the shoulder look broader, and the waist look narrower. Thus, it creates a more attractive body curve and seduces any girls looking at it.
Read more: Tailored suit: The elegance of a gentleman
III. When to wear three-piece tailored suits?
Although there are similarities between two-piece and three-piece tailored suits, they cannot be interchangeable flexibly. As a typical representative of classic menswear, a three-piece suit is attached to many wearing rules. It would fit some definite occasions, but some will not. If you wear a three-piece suit to an inappropriate event, it can create a negative effect on others’ impression about you.
There is an easy-to-remember tip to distinguish whether or not to wear three-piece tailored suits. If it’s an important event where you need to gain attention, or especially, you will attract all the eyes of others, then a three-piece tailored suit will be your best fit. That’s a good occasion to dress your best with a three-piece suit.
1. To a wedding
A wedding is a big party that requires everyone to look their best. If you are about to appear at a wedding, no matter who you are, the groom, the best man, or the guest, you are expected to dress most attractively. Thus, a wedding is one of the most desirable places to wear a three-piece suit. Just notice that, if you are not a groom, try to look good but not become more impressive than the center couple of the wedding.
2. To the office
Not all the offices are unsuitable for three-piece tailored suits. There are professions where wearing a three-piece suit at work shows professionalism, formality, and seriousness. Those fields are law, securities, real estate, banking, or government-related work. You will know your workplace culture well enough to decide whether or not to wear a three-piece suit when working.
But it seems that if you are in a C-level or senior management position, no matter what industry you are in, a three-piece suit can be appropriate most of the time. If you are in entry-level, styling with three-piece suits makes you look a bit overdressed.
3. To a job interview
Typically, a three-piece suit will not be suitable for most job interviews, except in case you will talk to the corporate president or even the board of directors, about a C-level position. When discussing a job that requires high professionalism and etiquette, wearing a three-piece suit helps you show confidence, respect, and broad knowledge in many fields, including formal attire.
4. To the symphony or opera
Three-piece tailored suits are the symbol of classic fashion style. If you go to a classical symphony or opera, a three-piece suit will be a good choice. It’s not an overexpression, just a harmony with the ancient atmosphere of the concert.
Read more: Bespoke tailoring store in Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam
IV. Rules for styling three-piece tailored suits
The waistcoat hugs the body and creates the effect of a wide shoulder and narrow waist, with the masculine, charming body curve. But this tight level sometimes makes the wearer hot, uncomfortable, and difficult for body movements.
Thus, gentlemen usually let the final button of the waistcoat open. This small space ensures a tight-fit state of the clothing yet allows the wearer to have room to sit, stoop, and walk comfortably.
2. Choose the right shirt
With the specialness, sophistication, and expensiveness of three-piece tailored suits, you want it to draw attention from others. You do not like a colorful or striped shirt to take over the attention of the three-piece suit. Therefore, avoid wearing a too-flashy shirt.
Besides, the three-piece suit already has three complicated components, and adding a patterned shirt will confuse things more. Choosing a plain shirt with a soft color like white or blue will harmonize your three-piece suit.
3. Do not forget to wear a tie
Although a tie is hot and uncomfortable, it is an indispensable accessory that completes a three-piece suit’s powerful and classic beauty. The suit could not retain its inherent seriousness and elegance without a tie.
If you are preparing for an event and plan to wear a three-piece tailored suit, do not hesitate to contact Thomas Nguyen through the information form below. Our support team will give you a specific consultation for your best-fit suit.
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