As fashion enthusiasts, we are no strangers to the cyclical nature of trends, and it's clear that a familiar fashion staple is making a resounding comeback - the walking suit. This post is a comprehensive exploration of the charm and versatility of leisure walking suits, their contemporary variations, accessory recommendations, and key factors to consider when selecting the perfect ensemble for you.
A Refreshing Encounter: The Allure of Leisure Suits
Born in the vibrant decade of the '70s, leisure suits initially began as a symbol of rebellion against the restricting formal wear that dominated the men's fashion landscape. These innovative two-piece ensembles offer a unique blend of comfort, style, and, as their name suggests, a relaxed demeanor that quickly caught on, not just as a fad, but as a fashion revolution.
With roots in the business-casual attire of the '60s, the original leisure suits were made from polyester, a material celebrated for its durability and easy maintenance. The traditional ensemble comprised a matching set of a long-sleeved shirt-jacket, often with contrasting stitching, and trousers. As they grew in popularity, the leisure suits evolved to include a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, embracing the flamboyant ethos of the '70s.
Today, the leisure suit has resurged, combining its foundational spirit of comfort and style with modern aesthetics. Suits and More offers an array of Walking suits that cater to the contemporary men's fashion sensibilities while celebrating the suit's historical roots.
Exploring Varieties: Modern Takes on the Classic Walking Suit
Traditional Walking Suits
A nod to the classic design, our traditional walking suits embody the leisure suit's spirit in its purest form. They are meticulously crafted, highlighting the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. These suits are available in a myriad of colors and patterns, from solid shades to intricate plaid and paisley designs, offering a range of options to fit your personal style.
Short Sleeve Walking Suits
Our short sleeve walking suits are the embodiment of breezy style. Perfect for warmer climates or summer wear, these suits combine style and comfort without compromising on either. With diverse designs ranging from solid colors to color block and paisley patterns, they are a go-to for men who value a chic yet relaxed aesthetic.
Denim Walking Suits
Offering a modern twist to the classic walking suit ensemble, our denim walking suits add a touch of edginess to your wardrobe. These suits blend the timeless appeal of denim with the coordinated sophistication of a shirt and pants set, creating a unique fashion statement. Available in an array of finishes including distressed, painted, and patterned denim, these suits are a testament to the creative versatility of this popular fabric. Ideal for men who prioritize both comfort and durability, denim walking suits are a versatile choice suitable for a range of casual settings.
Completing the Look: Choosing the Right Hat
A leisure suit discussion is incomplete without addressing the perfect finishing touch — the hat. In particular, fedoras have a longstanding history of complementing leisure suits. A classic red-bottom fedora can add a touch of sophistication and color to your ensemble, tying the look together.
Suits and More boasts an extensive collection of fedoras to cater to a spectrum of style preferences. From timeless classic fedoras to seasonal summer hats, there is a perfect piece to top off your leisure suit ensemble.
This post will continue with an in-depth exploration of more leisure suit varieties and advice on pairing your leisure suit with the right shoes and accessories, which can help you take your look to the next level. Let's embark on this fashion journey together and embrace the resurgent charm of leisure suits!
An Array of Choices: More Leisure Suit Styles
In addition to traditional, short-sleeve, and denim suits, there are even more leisure suit styles to choose from. At Suits and More, we believe in curating a collection that mirrors the broad spectrum of our clients' tastes and preferences.
Tone-on-Tone Walking Suits
For the discerning gentleman who appreciates subtlety and sophistication, our tone-on-tone walking suits offer a refined choice. These suits display a harmony of color and pattern that exudes an understated elegance, perfect for occasions that require a blend of casual comfort and sartorial charm.
Plaid Walking Suits
Our plaid walking suits seamlessly combine tradition and style. Available in a range of colors and designs, they are an attractive option for those who appreciate the classic pattern. Ideal for both formal and informal settings, plaid walking suits are a testament to the versatility of leisure suits.
Selecting Your Ideal Leisure Suit: A Guide
Picking the perfect leisure suit goes beyond just loving a style at first sight. It’s about matching the suit to your personal vibe, ensuring it's comfy, and suitable for where you're headed.
Know Your Style
Start by diving into our wide range of collections. Your personal style is key here. Love bold and bright? Our paisley and plaid walking suits are calling your name. Prefer something more understated? Check out our sleek, tone-on-tone options.
Your local climate and where you plan to wear the suit matter too. For warm weather or summer days, our short-sleeve walking suits in solid colors, paisley, or color block designs are ideal—they’re stylish yet cool. If it's chilly or you need something for a dressier occasion, our long-sleeve suits in solid, plaid, houndstooth, and windowpane patterns offer both warmth and style. The best pick is the one that feels right for you, fits your needs, and boosts your confidence.
Match the Suit to the Occasion
Next, think about where you’ll wear your suit. The right choice can show off your savvy style and respect for the event's dress code.
For laid-back events like brunches or casual parties, our short-sleeve walking suits from the vibrant color block collection are perfect. They're relaxed but polished, ideal for staying comfy while mingling. For something more formal, like evening gatherings or upscale business casual events, our long-sleeve walking suits are the way to go. They blend elegance with the leisure suit’s relaxed feel, showing you know how to combine comfort with sophistication.
If you’re hitting a themed party or want to make a bold statement, try our denim walking suits. They offer a modern, bold look that’s sure to make an impact. Perfect for fashion-forward gatherings or casual meet-ups where you want your unique style to stand out.
The Art of Accessorizing: Choosing the Perfect Hat
Selecting the ideal hat to accompany your leisure suit is as crucial as picking the suit itself, forming an essential part of your overall look. If your suit leans towards a subdued palette, introducing a vibrant hat, such as our bold red-bottom fedora, can add a compelling pop of color, elevating the overall aesthetics.
Alternatively, if your leisure suit already features intricate patterns or lively colors, achieving a harmonious look might be your priority. In such cases, a hat from our tone-on-tone collection, designed to mirror the hues of your suit, can create an appealing, unified ensemble.
At Suits and More, our hat selection is a cornucopia of styles and designs, catering to every discerning gentleman's preference. We showcase everything from perennially stylish fedoras to chic summer hats that perfectly match the season's vibe. We also take pride in offering a broad variety of felt and pinch hats, each designed to infuse a unique charm and personality into your ensemble. With our hat collection, your leisure suit look will always have that perfect finishing touch.
Mastering the Fine Details
The key to truly perfecting your leisure suit look lies not only in the bigger decisions but also in the minute details. These smaller aspects, often overlooked, can make a world of difference in both the look and feel of your ensemble.
Fit is paramount when it comes to any outfit, and leisure suits are no exception. For those seeking a more contemporary, trim look, our collection of short pants walking suits might be just the ticket. These suits are designed with a modern cut, offering a streamlined silhouette that adheres closer to your body contours.
On the other hand, if comfort is the linchpin of your clothing preferences, the material of your suit becomes a critical consideration. Fabrics like cotton and linen are natural and breathable, making them an excellent choice for those warm summer months. These materials also tend to offer a relaxed, casual aesthetic, making them ideal for informal settings or laid-back events.
Securing the Perfect Fit: Navigating Measurements and Suit Sizing
Once you’ve chosen the style, color, and pattern of your leisure suit, the next crucial step is ensuring it fits like a glove. Even the snazziest suit won’t look good if it doesn’t fit right, so mastering the art of finding that perfect fit is key.
Start With Your Measurements
First up, know your body measurements like the back of your hand. When shopping online, it’s essential to have accurate measurements of your chest, waist, hip, and inseam. With these numbers, you can use the size chart on our website to pick the size that’s just right for you.
Sizes can vary between brands, so always double-check your measurements with the size guide specific to the brand you’re looking at. This step is crucial for avoiding returns and ensuring a smooth shopping experience.
Understand the Cut of the Suit
The cut of the suit also plays a huge role in how it fits. Slim fit suits hug closer to your body for a sharp, modern look, while regular fit suits give a bit more room, prioritizing comfort and a relaxed appearance.
Don’t Forget the Trousers
The fit of the trousers is just as important. They should sit comfortably at your waist without being too tight—you shouldn’t have to rely on a belt to keep them up. The length should ideally just touch the top of your shoes.
Tailoring: The Ace Up Your Sleeve for Perfect Fit
Even with the best efforts and precise measurements, sometimes a leisure suit might not fit exactly how you want. This is when tailoring becomes your secret weapon, turning a standard off-the-rack suit into your personal style statement. Investing in skilled tailoring can significantly enhance the fit and elevate your look.
Why Tailoring Matters
Tailoring makes your suit fit you like it was made just for you. It's not just for those with unique body types; anyone can benefit from the improved fit and comfort that tailored adjustments provide. Tailors are experts in the fine details and can make small changes that make a big difference.
Adjusting the Jacket
For the jacket, a tailor can fine-tune the sleeve length to end just above the wrist, allowing your shirt cuff to peek through elegantly. They can also adjust the overall length of the jacket to ensure it covers your back properly, creating a balanced silhouette.
Perfecting the Trousers
When it comes to trousers, tailoring can adjust the waist for a perfect fit—neither too tight nor too loose. They can also alter the length to achieve your preferred break on the shoe—no break, half break, or full break.
Beyond Basic Alterations
A good tailor can also tweak more intricate details like the lapel width, the position of the buttons, and even reshape the shoulders to better suit your frame and style preferences.
Brands to Watch: Montique, Stacy Adams, and SilverSilk
There are several brands in the fashion industry that have successfully captured the essence of walking suits while incorporating modern design elements. Let's delve deeper into why Montique, Stacy Adams, and SilverSilk stand out.
Montique
Montique has gained a reputation for blending traditional design with contemporary tailoring, making it a trendsetter in the leisure suits domain. Their suits offer a refreshing mix of past and present, combining elements that respect the iconic 70s style while accommodating the modern man's fashion sensibilities.
Montique's collection is comprehensive, offering everything from bold, patterned designs to solid colors, catering to a diverse range of tastes. The brand's forte lies in its attention to detail, down to coordinating accessories such as hats and shoes, to ensure a comprehensive, stylish ensemble.
Stacy Adams
A significant name in the fashion industry since 1875, Stacy Adams has cemented its place in the fashion world with a rich history and a commitment to quality. Their leisure suits embody the classic 70s design — wide lapels and flared trousers — but with a contemporary spin. Stacy Adams cleverly integrates current trends, resulting in a unique blend that's both nostalgic and fashionable.
The brand's collection includes a wide range of options, from vibrant patterns and prints to subtle solid colors. Whether you're a fan of the retro look or prefer a modern touch, Stacy Adams has leisure suits to cater to every preference.
SilverSilk
SilverSilk is where luxury meets comfort. Renowned for its quality and variety, the brand offers leisure suits in a plethora of styles, colors, and materials. Whether you're seeking a suit that harks back to the original 70s designs or something more contemporary, SilverSilk has you covered.
The brand emphasizes comfort, ensuring that their suits are as pleasant to wear as they are to look at. From their short sleeve houndstooth and windowpane collections to the summer-ready short pants walking suits SilverSilk offers something for everyone.
Caring for Your Leisure Suit
A leisure suit is an investment, and like all investments, it necessitates care to maintain its value. The lifespan of your leisure suit can be significantly extended with appropriate maintenance practices.
Always check the care label on your suit. While most leisure suits are machine washable, some might require dry cleaning. For suits that are machine washable, it's recommended to use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent to maintain the color and fabric quality.
Proper storage of your suit is also crucial. Using a garment bag can protect your suit from dust, moisture, and potential damage. Additionally, hanging your suit properly can prevent unwanted creases and wrinkles.
Detailed Care Guidelines
When removing your suit, be sure not to tug or pull excessively as this can strain the fabric. Gently remove your suit and hang it properly to allow any wrinkles to fall out naturally.
If you notice a stain on your suit, avoid the temptation to scrub it vigorously. This can cause the color to fade and may even damage the fabric. Instead, gently dab the stained area with a soft, damp cloth. For stubborn stains, it may be best to take your suit to a professional cleaner.
For those who travel frequently, investing in a good quality garment bag can keep your leisure suit in top condition. These bags not only protect your suit from dirt and dust but also prevent wrinkles, keeping your suit looking fresh and crisp even on the go.
Embracing the Leisure Suit
Leisure suits have journeyed a long way since their inception in the 1970s. Today, they serve as a testament to a fashion revolution, symbolizing a perfect blend of comfort, style, and nostalgia.
As leisure suits continue to make a comeback, it's essential to appreciate their evolution. From their modest beginnings as a rebellion against formal wear, they've matured into a versatile, sophisticated wardrobe staple that effortlessly bridges the gap between past and present.
Selecting and caring for your leisure suit may seem daunting initially, but once you grasp the nuances, it becomes a rewarding journey of self-expression and style. So, explore our collections, find your perfect fit, and stride into the world of leisure suits with confidence.
And always remember, at the heart of every leisure suit is the man who wears it. Your suit is an extension of your personality, a tool to express yourself and make a statement. So, don't be afraid to break away from the norm, explore your style, and create a fashion story that's uniquely yours.
Happy shopping!
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