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STYLE OPINION

When to wear the three-piece

3 October 2018

Year after year, we’re increasingly inundated with images of stylish men across the globe favouring the three-piece over anything else in their wardrobe, no matter the occasion. But with its connotations of tradition and grandeur, it can be confusing to know why – and how – to pull it off.

The three-piece has become a staple for well-dressed men since it was first standardised by Charles II in 1666, so it’s steeped in history. And, thanks to internationally recognised men such as Steve McQueen, Sean Connery, David Gandy and Henry Cavill, it’s remained at the forefront of style ever since.

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Whether you’re a well-seasoned three-piece wearer or completely new to the game, there are – as always – considerations to make before diving in. The first thing to figure out is the style you’re looking for. Sure, this might change depending on the occasion for which you reach for the addition of the waistcoat and as you start to develop more trust in your outfit, but start here and the rest should seamlessly fall into place. The options are endless: lightweight, heavy wool, mix-matched, coordinating, open jacket, buttoned up. And then come the patterns and colours: traditional light Prince of Wales checks to get you noticed or deeper, darker chalk stripes to help you slip under the radar. Confidence in your outfit is also hugely important, whether you’re embracing the three-piece as a part of your new workwear uniform or have an upcoming occasion that’s calling for a waistcoat.

Once you’ve chosen your style, the next piece of the puzzle is to pick the right suit. As the three-piece has so many connotations of heritage, tradition and timelessness, our go-to will always be something made from British fabrics that embody and represent those things. And the suits in our Best of British Design collection have been created using some of the finest fabrics woven at the Alfred Brown Mill in Bramley, Yorkshire – where they have been using the same techniques in weaving since 1915. Call on classic pieces to complete the look (you truly can’t go wrong with a tie, Oxford shirt, incredible leather brogues and a British fabric overcoat) and you’ll instantly be standing strong with the best-dressed men in the world.

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