A suit is an essential item in a gentleman's wardrobe. Simply having a jacket, shirt, and pants barely qualifies as "wearing a suit." How can you express your personal style? These eight suit accessories, including lapel pins and cufflinks, can help you showcase your taste and become a man who truly knows how to wear a suit.
Suits have long been synonymous with gentlemanly culture and have evolved to be suitable for more than just formal occasions; they can also be worn for everyday work and leisure. The basic ensemble consists of a shirt, suit jacket, and suit pants. However, as the saying goes, "the devil is in the details," and the best way to elevate your outfit is through "suit accessories."
Enhancing Personal Style with Suit Accessories
Each type of suit accessory carries its own significance. Take watches, for instance; wearing a watch conveys a certain attitude. A watch is not just a tool for telling time; it signifies that the wearer is punctual and disciplined, and the elegant act of glancing at it adds to their sophistication. In contrast, a person who constantly checks their phone for the time may appear less respectful to clients. Thus, the relationship between clothing and accessories like watches is nuanced and also serves to highlight one’s status.
Related Reading: Avoid Faux Pas! 6 Examples of Men's Suit Jacket Outfits for "Formal, Semi-Formal, and Casual" Occasions.
Next, we’ll introduce eight classic suit accessories that you can mix and match according to your preferences—there’s no need to wear them all.
Suit Accessories and How to Wear Them
1.Tie Accessory - Tie Clip
Function: Prevents the tie from swaying and keeps it secured to the shirt.
Tips:
▲ Position the clip between the third and fourth buttons of the shirt.
▲ The clip should not exceed three-quarters of the tie's width.
▲ Choose a tie clip style and color that complements the pattern and tone of the tie; gold and silver tones are suitable for various suits.
2.Suit Accessory - Lapel Pin
Function:** Also known as a "suit pin," it was traditionally used to hold a fresh flower to show respect for the occasion; today, it mainly serves a decorative purpose.
Tips:
▲ When wearing a collared shirt, position the lapel pin on the left side; if wearing a collarless shirt, place it on the right side.
▲ It stands out more when paired with solid-colored suits or shirts, subtly showcasing your taste.
▲ Consider the material and color of the lapel pin in relation to your overall outfit; for formal occasions, choose a refined monochromatic style, while for casual settings, opt for fashionable and innovative designs.
3.Suit Accessory - Cufflinks
Function:Adds character to plain shirt cuffs.
Tips:
▲ The shirt cuffs should reveal about one inch of the cufflinks, allowing them to subtly show when raising your arms.
▲ Cufflinks can only be used with French shirts or shirts with double cuffs.
▲ Both cuffs should have buttonholes; align them and insert the cufflinks through the holes to secure them. When your arms are hanging naturally, the decorative side of the cufflinks should face outward.
4.Suit Accessory - Watch
Function:Allows precise timekeeping in situations where checking a phone isn’t convenient, showcasing a commitment to punctuality. It also serves as a prime indicator of status.
Tips:
▲ A round watch face with a clean design best represents the mature and polished aura of a refined gentleman.
▲ The standard watch diameter should not exceed 42mm, ensuring it is proportionate to your wrist.
▲ Ensure the leather strap color matches your belt and shoes for a cohesive look.
▲ In formal settings, the cuff should slightly cover the watch for a more appropriate appearance.
5.Suit Accessory - Tie
Function: A key component of formal attire that enhances the overall look.
Tips:
▲ If the shirt has a bold pattern, opt for a solid or subtly patterned tie; if the shirt is solid, you can choose a bright or patterned tie to complement it.
▲ The outer tie should be slightly longer than the inner tie, with its length resting just above the belt.
▲ Wider ties are more formal, while narrower ties convey a casual, stylish vibe.
6.Suit Accessory - Belt
Function:Prevents trousers from slipping down while elongating the leg line and clearly defining the upper and lower body.
Tips:
▲ The ideal belt width should be between 2.5 to 3.5 cm.
▲ Choose a color that matches your shoes; black or brown are versatile options.
▲ Opt for a single-prong buckle and select a simple, understated design to reflect a mature and elegant gentleman's style.
7.Suit Accessory - Suspenders
Function: Keeps trousers at the desired height and prevents them from slipping, serving a similar purpose to a belt.
Tips:
▲ Common styles of suit suspenders include Y, H, or clip types; choose based on your outfit for the day.
▲ Wide suspenders are suitable for business or formal looks, while narrow suspenders work well for casual and trendy outfits.
▲ Avoid wearing suspenders and a belt together, as it can draw too much attention to the waistline.
8.Suit Accessory - Pocket Square
Function: Originally used to cover the mouth and nose to block dust and dirty air, its function has largely been replaced by tissues.
Tips:
▲ Place the pocket square in the left breast pocket of the suit jacket.
▲ Common materials include pure cotton, linen, or high-quality silk.
▲ Different occasions may call for various folding styles, such as the flat fold, cone fold, two-point fold, or gentleman's triangle fold, each enhancing personal taste.
The best suit pairing consists of a well-fitted, high-quality suit complemented by these eight accessories. It's the subtle details and taste in these choices that distinguish you from others.