Is black suit an acceptable business attire?

[UMass]

Black suits seemed to be popluar with the younger salary men in Japan.
I saw a lot of them in Tokyo and Nagoya.

 

[LA Guy]

Originally Posted by Manton

It's almost worth flushing four large just to get this thread locked.

Here's an idea. I like black suits - either French silhouette narrow and boxy or Helmut Lang slim. Get the suit made for me (I saw a very nice 90/10 Wool cashmere Super 130s mini-herringbone from Wainshiell that I rather liked), and I'll lock the thread. Promise!

 

[Jared]

How about midnight blue?

 

[Nantucket Red]

Originally Posted by UMass

Black suits seemed to be popluar with the younger salary men in Japan.
I saw a lot of them in Tokyo and Nagoya.

The black suit is the standard uniform of the shin-nyu sha-in, the new recruit. I've explained this repeatedly.

It's not so much a matter of popularity as it is a matter of requirement. Like so much in Japan, it's a uniform.

And it always looks like hell.

 

[Soph]

Why buy black when you can wear midnight Navy?

Black can work if it has subtle pinstriping or pattern, herringbone can work, that brings it out, but only as a diversification suit if you have completed a solid core of greys, charcoals, navys, blues, pins, patterns, summer cotton, tans, light grey.

 

[Nantucket Red]

Originally Posted by Soph

Why buy black when you can wear Navy?

Black can work if it has subtle pinstriping or pattern that brings it out, but only as a diversification suit if you have completed a solid core of greys, charcoals, navys, blues, pins, patterns, summer cotton, tans, light grey.

. . . chalkstripes, windowpanes, POWs and other checks, houndstooths, flannels, tweeds, linens . . .

Why ever get a black suit unless cornered by an angry mob of peasants brandishing pitchforks and torches demanding that you add it to your sartorial repertoire?

 

[The Happy Stroller]

I think this is simply a rule for businessmen, which need not apply to others.

The rule is for businessmen to reserve solid black jackets for formal and informal social occassions.

This business rule need not apply to gentlemanly professions, such as politicians, lawyers and physicians, religious and creative vocations, such as priests and artists, and the service industry, e.g., butlers, waiters, and caretakers.

Those in the entertainment industry and folks out for a night of entertainment and dining are also exempted.

 

[blimey]

I would have never known of such unwritten rules if it wasn't for this thread. I am in my mid 20s and have been working for 5 years in corporate. I've moved up in the rankings that requires me to be presentable.

The past 2 days, I've been planning my suit collection and so far, per everyone's suggestion, I've purchase a solid navy suit from H.Freeman and charcoal from CT.

I can't wait to wear them on my meetings. I hope my suits will commands respect since I look young and new to my position.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by The Happy Stroller

This business rule need not apply to gentlemanly professions, such as politicians, lawyers and physicians, religious and creative vocations, such as priests

That one I can agree with.

 

[Jared]

Bump, this is a serious question:

Originally Posted by Jared

How about midnight blue?
If midnight blue looks black in artificial light, does that mean it's not acceptable for business, or does it look non-black enough during the day that it is?

 

[Todd]

Originally Posted by bryce330

if there is a reason, it has never been adequately explained to me.

How it was explained to me was that black is too elegant and showy. It would be the male equivalent of a female walking into the office in a cocktail dress (no complaints here).

It gives the impression that you are trying to "one up" the other guy while other colors are more... "subordinate".

Is that true? I don't know - it was just how it was explained to me (although I don't follow it myself).

Honestly though, from what I have seen in the office I think most people have other issues to worry about. Such as grab-whatever-is-in-the-back-of-the-closet-casual-friday.

 

[von Rothbart]

OMG, I can't believe it. Todd, is that you? Todd of the Ralph Lauren Beverly Hills fame?

 

[Todd]

Originally Posted by von Rothbart

OMG, I can't believe it. Todd, is that you? Todd of the Ralph Lauren Beverly Hills fame?

Nope, sorry. You have confused me with someone with way more cash on hand...

 

[The Happy Stroller]

I think reverse logic does not apply. Black is the rule; midnight blue is licensed only.

Originally Posted by Jared

Bump, this is a serious question:
If midnight blue looks black in artificial light, does that mean it's not acceptable for business, or does it look non-black enough during the day that it is?

 

[Steve B.]

I'm gonna wear mine the next time I hang out w/Manton.

Don't tell him- he'll bring eggs...