Black suits: yes or no? THE definitive thread (finally)

Can't go wrong with charcoal

case in point, ardenreed ad below my post is a black suit, would this be appropriate for the office?

Are we talking straight black or even including textured suits or those with a pin stripe? I think a black suit worn no mor ethan once a week with a bright shirt and tie can look fine but I only own black suits with some other feature (aka texture/pinstripe) to temper the stark color of the suit

CaliBankerSF:

Can't go wrong with charcoal

Yes - charcoal, not black

CaR:

No one gives a fuck

Are you a limo driver? Are you at a funeral? Potentially a wedding? No? Then don't wear a black suit.

No, don't even bother buying one.

black = no

No.

No.

No.

No black except for formal events and funerals. If you have no other option noone will give a shit if you are wearing a black suit

I saw some dumbass wearing a black suit, neon orange shirt and WHITE SHOES with brown soles out at the bar over the weekend. The worst part about it is that you know that douche thought he was the best dressed guy on the east coast that night.

No.

No. Black is for funerals and parties at night. Charcoal and navy are good for office.

Definitively, no.

You don't wear black in the office. Black is a strong, formal color. Wear it for a funeral or wedding, or something of the sort. If you want to wear dark, go charcoal/grey/dark navy blue/brown/etc.

1) If you wear a black suit to a formal occasion you will stand out. That is what a black TUX is for.

2) You wear black to a funeral because your outfit is supposed to mirror the mood. Serious and subdued.

A black suit can look fine. I have one, although rarely wear it. I've never received anything but compliments.

http://www.styleforum.net/t/8221/is-black-suit-an-acceptable-business-attire

These clowns tend to have mixed opinions. If they can't decide, we can't decide. Stop asking style advice and start wearing what you want.

VanillaGorilla:

CaR:

No one gives a fuck

I hate you OP. NO BLACK SUITS IN BUSINESS.

Black is a bit formal. If your other suits are at the dry cleaners and you've been working late and can't pick them up / don't have a doorman then by all means wear the black and no one will care.

Black is fine. This isn't 1980. Just in-formalize it with the shirt and tie (i.e. don't wear white shirt and black or plain tie).

peinvestor2012:

Black is fine. This is 1980.

FTFY

Black suits are for towncar drivers

Wear a black suit the day after you see the head of your group/division/firm do it. That day will most likely be the 7th of Never.

I've never seen someone pull off a black suit during the day...it always looks off

no

It's not rocket science guys, you can worry about colors later, for now, stick to:

CHARCOAL OR NAVY BLUE CHARCOAL OR NAVY BLUE CHARCOAL OR NAVY BLUE CHARCOAL OR NAVY BLUE CHARCOAL OR NAVY BLUE CHARCOAL OR NAVY BLUE CHARCOAL OR NAVY BLUE

My question is, why do they only sell solid and pinstripe black suits rather than Navy or Charcoal in stores like Macy's and Bloomingdales? Keeping the proletariat down and exposed...

Black suit? Are you a butler or a door guy?

It looks like a third of the people here don't care, and the others say "no". Probably means it's safer to stick with "no".

For reference, I'm in the first camp.

bankers stripes!

jos.a.bankhard:

I saw some dumbass wearing a black suit, neon orange shirt and WHITE SHOES with brown soles out at the bar over the weekend. The worst part about it is that you know that douche thought he was the best dressed guy on the east coast that night.

Jayzus.

No

Do whatever you want. I wore black suit to interviews and killed it, the only suit I have though. Unforunately most guys like above^ are judgemental pricks. If you have one of them interviewing you...well you're already ding-ed

So interview, no-i think you'd want the job, not worth the risk. Anything else, hell ya!

Febreeze:

My question is, why do they only sell solid and pinstripe black suits rather than Navy or Charcoal in stores like Macy's and Bloomingdales? Keeping the proletariat down and exposed...

You must be blind. Both have plenty of non-black suits.

I have a black suit, but do not wear it to the office. Mostly, I wear it for going out on Friday and Saturday nights to nice restaurants or clubs where I want to avoid the "banker who just came from work" look. I accompany it with nice loafers and one of my better white dress shirts (no tie).

Okay so I understand that no black suits unless you're at an event, wedding, or funeral. What about interviews? Is the black suit okay since it is more formal and professional? Or go with the charcoal/navy? I wore a black suit to my interview for an internship and I killed it (MM, not BB)

I understand the age-old mantra of "black suits are for funerals or weddings" but honestly, it doesn't matter at work. The only time i notice what someone else is wearing is when it's totally goofy. A black suit would never catch my eye so its fine.

Double post

vBEARED:

Okay so I understand that no black suits unless you're at an event, wedding, or funeral. What about interviews? Is the black suit okay since it is more formal and professional? Or go with the charcoal/navy? I wore a black suit to my interview for an internship and I killed it (MM, not BB)

A black suit is not more formal or professional. A black suit is wrong. The only time black pants or jackets are worn are for semi-formal or formal wear (i.e. black tie, white tie, morning dress), and that's not the kind of suit you are talking about.

The answer is no. I wouldn't even wear a black suit to a funeral. There is no appropriate time to wear a black suit.

No.

There is no need to ever ask this question again - the answer will always be no.

This isn't to say you can't get an offer or go to work in a black suit - you can. But that doesn't stop it from being wrong.

I think many people on here are having a hard time distinguishing between an actual black suit vs a very dark navy or charcoal.

No

Even if you think you or most of your colleagues will not care, someone will. That said, if you only own black suits, I wouldn't say it's urgent to get new ones. However, if you are going to get a new suit, don't get a black one unless it's for a wedding, a funeral or bodyguard services.

As long as a suit fits perfectly, you'll look good in any reasonable color. I'd rather wear a black suit that fits me like the models who where them as opposed to a baggy navy blue suit you wore as a kid and still had room to grow.

Scandal:

As long as a suit fits perfectly, you'll look good in any reasonable color. I'd rather wear a black suit that fits me like the models who where them as opposed to a baggy navy blue suit you wore as a kid and still had room to grow.

Fine, but that's kind of a ridiculous comparison.

First - you can look good in a black suit. Johnny Cash looked good in a black suit. But that doesn't make it correct to wear.

Second - yes obviously if the choice is quadruple pleated pants and a 48L jacket from Men's Wearhouse in charcoal vs. a perfectly fitting black suit, then wear the black suit. But realistically, those aren't going to be your only options. If you are thinking about buying a black suit, don't. If you have no other options and only own one suit and it happens to be black, then obviously wear it. But once you have some income and thus clothing options, buy some charcoal and navy ones and donate the black one to charity.

While an average person may not notice, anyone with even basic knowledge of style will think that you look like an idiot (maybe even that you ARE an idiot). Posting a picture of DiCaprio at a red carpet event isn't the same as some doofus wearing a black suit to work.

Otter.:

Scandal:

As long as a suit fits perfectly, you'll look good in any reasonable color. I'd rather wear a black suit that fits me like the models who where them as opposed to a baggy navy blue suit you wore as a kid and still had room to grow.

Fine, but that's kind of a ridiculous comparison.

First - you can look good in a black suit. Johnny Cash looked good in a black suit. But that doesn't make it correct to wear.

Second - yes obviously if the choice is quadruple pleated pants and a 48L jacket from Men's Wearhouse in charcoal vs. a perfectly fitting black suit, then wear the black suit. But realistically, those aren't going to be your only options. If you are thinking about buying a black suit, don't. If you have no other options and only own one suit and it happens to be black, then obviously wear it. But once you have some income and thus clothing options, buy some charcoal and navy ones and donate the black one to charity.

Mr. Fashion Police over here. Nobody gives a shit what color suit you wear.

peinvestor2012:

Otter.:

Scandal:

As long as a suit fits perfectly, you'll look good in any reasonable color. I'd rather wear a black suit that fits me like the models who where them as opposed to a baggy navy blue suit you wore as a kid and still had room to grow.

Fine, but that's kind of a ridiculous comparison.

First - you can look good in a black suit. Johnny Cash looked good in a black suit. But that doesn't make it correct to wear.

Second - yes obviously if the choice is quadruple pleated pants and a 48L jacket from Men's Wearhouse in charcoal vs. a perfectly fitting black suit, then wear the black suit. But realistically, those aren't going to be your only options. If you are thinking about buying a black suit, don't. If you have no other options and only own one suit and it happens to be black, then obviously wear it. But once you have some income and thus clothing options, buy some charcoal and navy ones and donate the black one to charity.

Mr. Fashion Police over here. Nobody gives a shit what color suit you wear.

I was under the impression that this was a thread about what color suit to wear, so I'm answering the question. But your input is much appreciated.

Otter.:

I was under the impression that this was a thread about what color suit to wear, so I'm answering the question. But your input is much appreciated.

Really? That was the question? Reading comprehension is not your strong suit.

no. and not really a fan of straight white shirts except at funerals.

Since everyone is saying no, you should be a contrarian and wear one.

If I already have a black suit....go blue, charcoal, or light gray for interviews??

streetwannabe:

If you want to be a real contrarian, I can think of a few other things that would be more radical than a black suit.

If all the sheeps refuse to wear a black suit based on some superstition, I'll wear one in a heartbeat. Actually, I'll wear one tomorrow.

didn't read any of the comments - I just think black is for weddings and funerals.

eternal discussion with no universal answer. conslusion is: if you don't have any other options - it's fine, if you do - navy, etc. are more safe.

streetwannabe:

companion:

streetwannabe:

If you want to be a real contrarian, I can think of a few other things that would be more radical than a black suit.

If all the sheeps refuse to wear a black suit based on some superstition, I'll wear one in a heartbeat. Actually, I'll wear one tomorrow.

No idea how to imbed:

http://shalowater.tumblr.com/post/12886389435/mark...

HAHAHA!

Thanks man. You just reminded me of my old manager (Roy, for those of you who've read the book) who just thought he was the cat's ass in this lavender pimp suit he'd wear every couple weeks. It was a custom job and was just loud as the bejeezus, but he was stylin' in it against the backdrop of his canary yellow Porsche. It was a different time back then, lol.

I haven't seen anyone wear a suit at the buyside shop I work at. I did see one of the partners wear fluoroscent shorts one friday. But all this talk about black suits makes me want to buy one mainly because I have been told by the fairi... sorry no fashsion conscious gentlemen.. I have no taste. I will just keep my lack of taste and lack of fashion sense going. It has worked for me so far. It is interesting though to see the passion of the anti-black suits to work brigade.

Whenever i see someone wearing a black suit, I automatically think they're a tasteless pleb. Midnight Blue is the way to go.

If you're good at your job, it doesn't mean shit.

David Aames:

Alright guys, i've seen some mixed opinions on this so let's set the record straight: can you wear a solid black suit to the office or not? (not referring to charcoal nor pinstripes - straight black). I want to hear from professionals on this one. If not, when (besides the obvious times, e.g. funeral) is it appropriate to wear a black suit? What about black pinstripe suits?

Or... does no one really care?

I am a professional but don't work in a traditional office nor wear a suit to work. When I do wear a suit I wear brown or gray but never because I read it in some rule book, just because i like the look better. Here's what got me started on this topic:
In this thread written by a "prospective monkey" (though what seems to be a very bright and well spoken one) who wrote this:

I would advise starting with black, grey, or navy suits.

Then later on in that thread the user slayer said

as soon as you said black suit I knew you had no idea what you were talking about.

Then user APAE (whose opinion I really respect) said:

Pleats, black suit, and mandatory break on pants? Please, this goes beyond subjective taste to just objectively wrong.

i own a black suit but its not for profesional environemnt...ill wear it sometimes if im going to a club or something like that. black in a business setting is not correct especially in the US.

Ok. First off as someone who used to work in fashion, black is meant to be more formal. Pin stripe better than solid but not to be worn everyday. As you will look like an asshole who doesn't own any other suits. Never ever wear the same suit more than 3 days in a row. Solid black suits are much more formal than pin striped or textured. Honestly I would never wear solid black suit as it looks a little cheap.
Best bet is to wear it on casual Friday so you can hit the bars or clubs after work and still look smart. Remember to get the right fitting suit as the rift suit will make the man. Spend time researching different styles and fits, as well as fabric. You can get an decent priced suit(500 to 1000) that looks great on you and you can get high end 1000+ suit that also looks like crap. Be careful what you wear because people in your office and on the street will judge you.