(Declaration : my first suit was black.Black suits are almost everywhere in Melbourne and I’m sure that’s the case amongst most cities around the world.
You may not be aware but a lot of fierce debate has raged all over the internet (Style Forum has 600 posts) about whether they are acceptable or not. Technically, they are against the ‘rules’ but… most readers wouldn’t care about the rules, let’s get on to reasons.
There’s several reasons for the man in business to avoid buying one.
1) Firstly, it’s unimaginative. Every Tom, Dick and Harry has one. Show a little personality.
2) Black suits look cheap. Why? Black suits are generally worn by people who can only afford the one suit (in case they have go to funerals.)
3) Black suits are hot . If you’re going to be wearing a suit all day you’ll want to be wearing a suit that’s comfortable.
4) Black suits are the servants’ uniform. I feel horrible saying this, but it’s true. Think waiters, think limousine drivers, think bouncers, think butlers.
5) They look horrible in photos. They swallow up the light.
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July 7, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Pingback from 5 razones para no comprar un traje negro
March 22, 2007 at 11:49 am
Pete Williams
Ala David Letterman, can you list the top 10 stlyes of suits a businessman should wear (blue,grey,stipe, no-strip ??)
March 22, 2007 at 12:25 pm
matjnewton
David Letterman has a lot of credibility with style afficionados…
There’s no hard and fast rule for ten suits for mine. Being honest, I haven’t thought about it long and hard.
For five this is what I would pass on:
Navy
Charcoal
Navy stripe
Charcoal Stripe
The fifth allows for a little more creativity, such as window-pane, black stripe maybe. Just steer clear of olive please. Ugh.
Not too many people own more than five… and nearly all of those people aren’t in much need of advice!
July 9, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Alvaro [clubdecaballeros.com]
Hi Mat,
thanks for your comment, in fact I fully agree with your post. While it’s interesting having a black suit for a party or a funeral (including your own) it’s a no-no for a first suit, second or third suit.
By day it looks cheap, mistakes you by a barman or driver (with all my respect for this professionals) and it’s hot and uncomfortable. Navy and charcoal are by far better options.
BTW glad you’re back and blogging.