Differences between business and casual suits?

[lemonbishop]

Hello,

I am new to the forum. I am looking to get some suits into the wardrobe, and I need some help getting some direction. I do not need a suit for work. I am looking for suits to wear after work, out with the wife, dinner, family obligations (inlaw gatherings, weddings) etc., and I am looking to avoid showing up in a 'power suit', or something even more inappropriate. So, I am wondering what elements distinguish a more casual suit from the business suit.

By casual, I don't mean cotton khaki, or other obviously casual suits.

I assume that everything matters, from the cut, the color(s), position of the armholes, gorge, lapels, shoulder padding, etc. Or perhaps, there is not as much distinction between casual and business suits as I imagine there to be, apart from the more obvious cotton, linen, retro-mod, or other obviously not-for-business types of suits.

As far as brands go, are there brands I should investigate or ignore? Are RL Purple Label suits more business than casual, or is it more a matter of the color/fabric? Is RL Black Label more casual, or again, suit to suit?

I am wide open on price at this point. I am trying to learn more about what is what at this point.

thanks for any input

 

[JimInSoCalif]

Other than some detail like patch pockets with flaps, I think the main difference is the fabric. I have a three piece gray flannel that I think would work for business, but that I wear just for social occasions. It is pretty versatile with respect to the shirts and ties you can combine it with and depending on the weight of the cloth and the climate, works well as a nine month suit.

If you want a suit that is a bit more casual, you might consider tweed, which can also be a nine month suit. A corduroy suit would be even be more casual.

Cheers, Jim.

 

[texas_jack]

It's pretty much just the fabric. Sounds like you're a good candidate for a tweed suit.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

Might want to check out the Thick as Thieves website. The proprietor is a member here (Get Smart). He offers a "conservative cut" for business use and another cut for more stylish situations. I'm waiting on my first TaT suit myself (for business use). He'll be able to fill you in.

 

[yachtie]

Notch lapels rather than peak, checked pattern rather than stripes, a color not charcoal or navy would all put a suit into a more "casual" mode than the typical charcoal pinstripe "power suit".

Personal opinion only but sack suits always look more casual to my eye than highly fitted suits as well.

 

[alliswell]

Originally Posted by yachtie

Peak lapels rather than notched, checked pattern rather than stripes, a color not charcoal or navy would all put a suit into a more "casual" mode than the typical charcoal pinstripe "power suit".

Personal opinion only but sack suits always look more casual to my eye than highly fitted suits as well.

I'm pretty sure that's what you meant. I'd include smooth fabric rather than textured.