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What is a Business Suit?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

A business suit is, in its most basic form, a jacket and pants set made from matching material. It's thought to have originated from country wear first worn in England. It should be noted that in the United Kingdom (UK), suit pants are known as trousers. Hats and vests were worn with the earlier styles of suits, while today these aren't typical accessories unless a fashion trend emerges. The business suit was once only a man's garment, but with an increasing number of women entering management professions, the clothing evolved.

Women's business suits may feature a skirt rather than pants. Some women's suits include a jacket, skirt and pants, which can form the basis of different work outfits. Business skirts must never be too short; they may be about knee length. Business women may also wear a suit jacket with a long skirt or over a dress to create different office looks. The proper business suit, though, is always matching top and bottom pieces worn with a classic or dressy blouse.

Men may wear a vest under a business suit's jacket.
Men may wear a vest under a business suit's jacket.

A classic women's blouse is crisp and white; its style is based on a men's dress shirt. Traditionally, dress shirts worn with business suits were solid white. Today, both men's and women's suit shirts are available in many different colors and patterns. Men typically wear a tie at the neck of the dress shirt. Usually these are long, straight ties that may be solid or patterned; bow ties aren't typically worn with a business suit unless they are considered trendy.

Business suits are considered to be day wear.
Business suits are considered to be day wear.

Wool is the most popular fabric for a business suit. It can be worn in many climates and seasons except for very warm weather. Silk or cotton are good summer options for business suits. While synthetic fabrics are used for more inexpensive suits, a suit made from polyester, rayon or other non-natural textile isn't as elegant or as breathable on the body as natural materials such as wool, silk and cotton. Business suits should have a smooth drape, or hang, on the body without being either too tight or too loose.

Business suits for women usually have a cut that's noticeably different from those worn by men.
Business suits for women usually have a cut that's noticeably different from those worn by men.

A business suit for men shouldn't be confused with a tuxedo. A tuxedo, or tux, is a formal suit made for special occasions and evening wear. Business suits are considered to be mainly day wear, such as for lunching with clients or attending a shareholder's meeting. While business suits were once commonly custom made by tailors, today these garments are typically sold ready to wear. Tailors may make alterations on purchased suits, such as adjusting trouser length or taking in the waist seams of a suit jacket.

Discussion Comments

mutsy

@Comfyshoes - I always look for business suits for women when they go on sale. I prefer the single breasted suits because they are more flattering to me. The double breasted suits make me look too bulky.

comfyshoes

I think that everyone should have a black business suit along with a gray, navy and beige suit. These colors are the most conservative and are ideal for business suit attire.

These colors are also recommended for first interviews. In fact, the black and the navy are the best colors for a first interview. These professional business suits really make a difference and let the interviewer or client take notice.

I used to work in the staffing industry and that is what I always told my applicants. There is nothing wrong with suit of other colors, but for the first impression the color of the suit should not draw attention to itself.

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    • Men may wear a vest under a business suit's jacket.
      By: Nejron Photo
      Men may wear a vest under a business suit's jacket.
    • Business suits are considered to be day wear.
      By: Cello Armstrong
      Business suits are considered to be day wear.
    • Business suits for women usually have a cut that's noticeably different from those worn by men.
      By: Rido
      Business suits for women usually have a cut that's noticeably different from those worn by men.
    • Although women may wear a number of different colored blouses, the classic business blouse is crisp and white.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Although women may wear a number of different colored blouses, the classic business blouse is crisp and white.
    • Skirt suits should always be worn with pantyhose.
      By: studiovespa
      Skirt suits should always be worn with pantyhose.
    • Business suits were once custom-made by tailors.
      By: RTimages
      Business suits were once custom-made by tailors.