The Three-Piece Suit

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Words by Chris Gill

Introduction

In the world of menswear, the three-piece suit is a timeless staple that will remain in a gentleman's wardrobe forever. If you're searching for a suit that makes you feel confident, powerful and ready to take on anything, look no further than the three-piece.

We take a look at what gives the style of tailoring its unique appeal, from its humble history to our contemporary take on the garment. You know what they say, great things come in threes…

A Brief History of the Three-Piece Suit

The members of the Louisiana Five jazz band wear three-piece suits, in 1919.

The history of the three-piece suit personifies the evolution of the suit itself. Once regarded as attire reserved for royalty, suits went on to become a garment for all men, whether it be for a special occasion, fancy event or simply as everyday business wear.

Although the three-piece suit has been around for several centuries, its design has gone through countless transformations throughout time. The differences between three-piece suits a couple of hundred years ago and now are the types of materials and fabrics being used, stitching patterns and the length and cut of the fabric.

Over time, the length of suit jackets were trimmed and the present day style gained popularity. This version saw the jacket cover the torso and end at the lower waistline.

Although the original three-piece suit was crafted with lords and royalty in mind, contemporary versions obviously don't have these restrictions. Whatever your style or workplace, three-piece suits can be the perfect option for dressing up and down.

The Three-Piece Suit

At UKYS, our three-piece suit is definitely our pride and joy. It's the crown on top of our mountain of jewels. Crafted from 100% pure wool, our three-piece is perfect for taking on any season with effortless confidence and style, while the 100% pure satin lining gives the suit a luxurious feel.

Featuring a classic Royal Blue colour, our three-piece suit will pack a serious sartorial punch when teamed with a crisp white shirt and perforated tan or brown brogues. Finish the look off with a textured tie or patterned pocket square to add an extra touch of debonair.

The notch lapels on the suit's jacket give it a contemporary feel, while its double-button front fastening keeps things classic.

Last but not least, the 110s yarn gives the fabric a high-quality and durable feel, perfect for wearing time and time again.

Now you've been introduced to our timeless three-piece suit, the next question is what are you going to style it with? Well the good news is, the options are endless…

The Shirt

Crisp white cotton shirt.

Depending on the occasion, there are so many shirts you could choose to team with our three-piece suit. A crisp white cotton style is a classic option, perfect for making a lasting impression in the boardroom, whether in an important meeting or a job interview.

For something a bit different and on-trend, opt for a tonal take by wearing the Royal Blue jacket over a light blue chambray shirt. The colour coordinating will create an eye-catching look that will work just as well in the office as it will an evening out with friends.

Finally, for the more confident among you, why not team your three-piece suit with a printed shirt? Patterned shirts have been growing more and more popular over the past couple of seasons in menswear, as they're perfect for making an instant style statement. Get your hands on a vintage or vintage-inspired style for extra appeal.

The Tie

A woollen tie in burgundy with the Royal Blue suit.

Perhaps one of the most important factors to your sartorial ensemble, a tie can truly make or break your look. Whether you go for a classic style or a trendy, modern update such as a skinny tie, this will add an extra dash of style to your three-piece.

Try pairing a textured woollen tie in burgundy with our Royal Blue suit for a warm and traditional take, perfect for chilly winter days. Or keep it modern and minimal by reaching for a skinny tie in a bright block colour such as red or green.

In a similar vein to your shirting, choosing a printed tie will add a unique twist to your formal look. There are so many options out there, but we'd suggest going for something like polka dots if it's for a more formal environment. Leave the animal print for after-hours!

Just don't team your printed shirt with your patterned tie. Headache alert!

The Footwear & Accessories

In the same way the power of your tie is not to be underestimated, don't overlook your choice of footwear and other accessories. These final touches of style play a huge part in the overall look you're going for with our three-piece suit.

As previously mentioned, we'd suggest teaming yours with a pair of tan or brown perforated brogues. The contrast between our suit's Royal Blue hue and leather shoes in a warm shade has a time-honoured appeal where you can never go wrong.

Another great option of footwear to pair with your three-piece suit is tasselled loafers or double-monk strap shoes. A grey pair of the former or a black style of the latter will polish your sartorial ensemble off with ease.

A pocket square is the perfect accessory to add some flair to your look, whether you want to make a statement or simply a bit of interest to your outfit. This is simple really, if your shirt and tie are plain – try out a fun print with your pocket square. If you've opted for a patterned shirt or tie, keep it simple and go for a pocket square in a simple block colour.

Final Word

So there you have it. From royalty to the boardroom, the three-piece suit has been on quite the journey since its inception to present day. Our Royal Navy version pays homage to the style's traditional roots, while giving the suit a contemporary update that can be worn from one season to the next.

Whether you wear yours with a crisp white shirt and classic tie or eye-catching prints and patterns, just make sure to sport yours with the most important element of all: confidence.