An old-school look is getting the new-school treatment. Yes, thanks to the visionary efforts of some truly “mad men,” the plaid suit has found a new place in the annuals of today’s savviest dressers. It’s a suit that, when worn properly, has an almost vintage elegance; the re-envisioned plaid suit comes across as erudite with hints of unexpected traditionalism. However, that’s not to say it can automatically put you at the head of the class. Without the proper know-how, a plaid suit could just make it look like you’re playing office in grandpa’s suit. We wouldn’t want that to happen, so here’s a brief primer on how to pull one off.
What is a plaid suit?
When guys hear “plaid,” most think “kilt.” That’s not what we’re talking about. In modern menswear terms, “plaid” refers to three individual fabric patterns that create interesting depth in the aesthetic of the suit: windowpane, glen plaid and Prince of Wales. The windowpane suit has both horizontal and vertical pinstripes that intersect to make boxes; the glen plaid is a tight twill pattern of broken checks; and the Prince of Wales is actually a glen plaid on a windowpane scale.When to wear a plaid suit?
When it comes to the workday, the plaid suit is super-sartorial. It has a dapper, alt-executive demeanor that pulls a 180 on the solid suit: it has a modish appeal that makes a solid seem outmoded and dull. The plaid suit owns distinctive style and eminent versatility. The individual components can be worn separately to more relaxed, stylish events. For instance, pair a bold-plaid blazer with jeans for your next date to impress her with your outside-the-box abilities.How to wear a plaid suit?
The plaid suit presents you with many options. For the truly sophisticated, the patterning should be very subtle; trendier looks can be derived from bolder patterns. And since the plaid suit does suffer from an old-timer stigma, the fit should be closely tailored. In fact, it’s the fitted tailoring that allows this particular style of suit to transition from retro to royal.Ways to wear a plaid suit?
- Window Pane: here the pattern is straightforward and what you see is what you get. So, the best choice is to go “two for three” with patterns. Those with more fashion sense can probably pull together three patterns with a fair amount of ease, though.
- Glen Plaid: the pattern in a glen plaid is much more subdued; you can always play it safe and wear the solid shirt and patterned tie or you can experiment with three patterns: consider a striped or lightly checked shirt with a patterned tie.
- Prince of Wales: the intricate patterning and bolder lines running through a Prince of Wales plaid are more noticeable. The smart choice is always playing it safe: go with the solid shirt and the patterned tie. Let the suit speak for itself in this instance.
Why wear a plaid suit?
It’s an unexpected alternative to the everyday dress code. The look is presently enjoying a modish revival that lands outside old routines. In a plaid suit, a man looks dapper, demanding and distinguished.Brooks Brothers Fitzgerald Tattersall 1818 Suit (Windowpane)
This windowpane suit from Brooks Brothers enjoys all the hallmarks of a sophisticated plaid suit. The subtle pattern and the slim fit make this a highly wearable option for neophytes and reservists, as well as fashion’s savoir faire who like making the occasional understatement.Price: $1,100 at Brooks Brothers
Banana Republic Heritage Glen Plaid Suit
A stylish glen plaid suit can be a wise decision, especially if it has a tight-check pattern in elegant browns and blacks like this one from Banana Republic. The overall appearance and detailing of this three-piece plaid suit redefine both classic menswear and universal appeal.Price: $650 (blazer, vest and pants) at Banana Republic
Jos. A Bank Herringbone Plaid Sport Coat (Prince of Whales)
The most adventurous choice is Prince of Whales plaid; in fact, this pattern is so attention-grabbing, you should consider going only with a sport-coat option similar to this one from Jos. A Bank. With its gallant pattern, this model has all the markings of a debonair sport coat.Price: $400 at Jos. A Bank
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