Well, it's that time of year again. You've endured Christmas music ad nauseam ever since it started way too early at the end of October, you still haven't done any of your shopping, and your neighbors—homeowners associations notwithstanding—have erected a giant blow-up Santa on their roof that uses enough electricity to power the entire Tri-state area. But all annoyances and inconveniences aside, it is at least much easier to stay stylish in the winter months given that you'll usually need more layers out of your wardrobe to stay warm. The same can be said for custom suits in spite of the general idea that the holidays tend to bring out the worst fashion sense in all of us, especially if you've ever been gifted with an attendance to a dreaded ugly sweater party.

While it is increasingly common for holiday gatherings and office Christmas parties to be on the casual side, there might be some occasions that require you to dress up a little bit more than normal. And barring extremes that require you to follow strict black-tie attire or force you to dig out that sweater with the light-up reindeer on the front, you can still be stylish without being outrageous, gaudy, or boring. It just takes a little nuance. Keeping your suits, trousers, and jackets subtle is always a good idea, but you can definitely take more liberties with your ties, vests, and lapel pins, for example. A little style accents to your ensemble can go a long way, and you'll have even more options to play around with when you consider scarves and overcoats if the temperature outside calls for them.

In this piece, we'll give you some quick pointers to keep you looking stylish during the holidays while everyone else is concerned with overused red and green sweaters.

If you plan on going to any dressier holiday gatherings this year that require more than just a pair of jeans and a sweater, you'll want to make sure that you stay warm enough throughout the evening. When it comes to suit fabrics, stick to materials like wool, flannel, or tweed rather than wool/cotton blends or linen. Doing so might allow you to get away with not wearing heavier overcoats, layers, or scarves if you prefer to keep your outfit subtle and minimal. A good rule to follow is that if you would wear it during any other part of fall and winter, it's a good fit for a holiday gathering. With suits especially, you'll want something that you can wear for more than just one occasion; if you feel the need to be more festive on specific days like Christmas or New Year's Eve, your ties and other accessories will do the rest for you.

As far as colors go, you'll never go wrong with charcoal grey, black, or crosshatch patterns, as these are universally accepted during any part of the year. For the winter holidays, you might want to avoid bright pastel colors as you will more than likely stand out, but this is completely up to you. Some people enjoy being the center of attention amidst a sea of red, green, brown, and other more standard autumn and winter colors. But considering that you wouldn't wear a fur coat to a garden party on the beach in July, people will be more receptive to your outfits around the holidays if they don't stray too far from what is considered normal. Softer and subtle olive green plaids tend to be very easy on the eyes, and they can give you a bit of a festive edge without being over-the-top or too ostentatious.

As we said previously, your accessories can allow you a great deal of freedom in style, as most dress codes—even formal ones—around the holidays are more relaxed than they are when it comes to more stringent office attire. This is especially true for things like socks, ties, scarves, and lapel pins. You can also take more style liberties with your vests than you normally would for other parts of the year, so even if you only have one or two black suits in your wardrobe, a vest that goes well with your outfit can really extend the mileage on everything else you end up fishing out of your closet.

Ties are by far the easiest accessories to allow you more creativity around the holidays. Even if you're not comfortable wearing anything too crazy or off-the-wall, a solid red tie can allow you to be festive without taking away from the rest of your outfit. A solid red or green tie is an especially safe choice if an event or office party you have to attend requires or suggests cocktail attire, which is generally understood to be less formal than the black-tie dress code but more formal than your standard office wear. If you feel like getting a little wilder than just red or green, pretty much anything short of a tie with lights on it will do just fine. Stripes, checkerboard patterns, or squares interspersed with Christmas trees or Santa hats are fair game, so long as it all stays on the tie. Just because some department stores might start selling Christmas decorations on Halloween, doesn't mean that they are the same holiday just yet. Subtlety goes a long way, but definitely don't be afraid to take more liberties with the designs on your ties.

Scarves pretty much follow the same rules that ties do during the holidays, as well. Anything that falls between the neutral and the outrageous is perfectly acceptable. And if you do have scarves scattered about in your closet, this is the perfect time to bring them out. Even though they are less popular now than they have been in the past, their ability to add another layer of style to your holiday ensemble is unmatched by anything else. Whether they are red or green, brown or grey, designer brand or knit at home, you will for sure stand out in a positive way at your next holiday gathering. Just keep in mind that if you're wearing a suit, the scarf should at least somewhat match your color scheme. Avoid sharp or out-of-place color contrasts, and be mindful of patterns that normally wouldn't go together. If you're wearing a plaid suit, for example, you may not want to sport that plaid scarf, especially if the plaids are different. While we have seen people pull this look off without too much trouble, this only works if the patterns are very subtle. In most cases, we would recommend against attempting such a feat. But it is the holidays, after all, so you can get away with bending unspoken fashion and style rules a little more than you normally would.

In addition to ties and scarves, lapel pins are a way to acknowledge the spirit of the holidays without getting too carried away. As they are generally very small and only noticeable at close range, lapel pins can be a viable option when dress codes are more stringent than your typical casual holiday party. The other added benefit of the small size of lapel pins is that you can get away with more in terms of what they depict. While a reindeer drinking a bottle of wine might look out of place on a shirt or a vest, a lapel pin with such a design will get you a few laughs without detracting from your outfit overall.

During the holidays, people often have a tendency to get a little too crazy with their shirts, and depending on the context, this is perfectly fine. But when you need to be somewhere that requires a suit, we still recommend that you stick to solid colors. A crisp clean button-down white shirt has the ability to complement virtually any tie you might wear, and it will keep you firmly in the center of what is considered formal if that is a requirement for your holiday event. If you have to be somewhere that doesn't warrant a full suit or even a sport coat, feel free to get more creative with your shirt styles, colors, and patterns.

Plaid or pinstripe shirts can work out quite nicely for more casual events such as family gatherings or informal holiday gatherings. Also keep in mind that flannel shirts are an excellent choice, as they will keep you warm and comfortable throughout the evening. One of the biggest rookie mistakes people tend to make during the holidays in terms of attire is settling on bright, saturated solid colors such as red, green, or blue. While there is nothing inherently wrong with these colors in and of themselves, they can sometimes come across as too bold and detract from the rest of your outfit, especially if you're wearing a suit or jacket. But if you are feeling a little extra bold, feel free to experiment with brighter colors so long as the occasion is on the casual side. Everything does, after all, come down to personal style preference.

As the holidays fast approach, all of us here at Enzo Custom can ensure that you're well prepared for everything that ranges from the casual to the rigidly formal. While custom suits have always been our specialty, we do offer a broad range of shirts, vests, jackets, ties, and other accessories to keep you up to date with all of the latest trends, and this holiday season is no different. Whether you need another custom suit to start off the New Year or are looking to add a few more accessories to your wardrobe, don't hesitate to browse around on our website, or stop into one of our physical showrooms where one of our expert clothiers will be more than thrilled to assist you.

While it is increasingly common for holiday gatherings and office Christmas parties to be on the casual side, there might be some occasions that require you to dress up a little bit more than normal. Keeping your suits, trousers, and jackets subtle is always a good idea, but you can definitely take more liberties with your ties, vests, and lapel pins, for example. A little style accents to your ensemble can go a long way, and you'll have even more options to play around with when you consider scarves and overcoats if the temperature outside calls for them.

Appropriate Attire For Holiday Gatherings

When most people begin to seriously shop for their first suit, they tend to err on the side of caution and go with solid colors, in particular black, grey, or navy blue. While there is nothing wrong with these color choices, especially since a custom-made black suit can fit a wide variety of dress codes and occasions, oftentimes gentlemen may be limiting themselves in their fashion sense when they do this. By picking out a suit with various patterns or subtle color contrasts, your wardrobe may in fact gain an extra notch above everyone else's. But sometimes people don't quite know where to begin in selecting a particular color scheme or style that will look best on them. What looks stunning on someone else may look lackluster on you and vice versa, so in this piece, we seek to give you some brief style tips on how to go about selecting suits with patterns and color schemes that will accentuate rather than detract from your own personal style. What might seem like common sense right off the bat can sometimes be a little more nuanced, and all of us at Enzo Custom are here to help you with that.

Picture yourself going into a department store that sells suits right off the rack. As these suits are not quite designed to fit individual body types but rather to closely fit a wide variety of measurement variations, it can be tempting to settle on solid colors, as these suits will more easily hide imperfections in the tailoring. This is especially true in the shoulders; imperfections on a black suit will be less noticeable to others than they will be on a suit with crosshatch or pinstripe patterns. With custom suits, however, this becomes less of an issue, as the suit is made to exactly match your own personal measurements. If you're going with a custom suit—and this is something we obviously always recommend—you shouldn't be afraid to expand your horizons outside of traditional black, grey, or solid tan since any patterns will fall more naturally around your frame.

Pinstripes are by far the most popular suit design when we're discussing anything outside of the solid color realm. Many gentlemen who may not be quite ready to tackle herringbone or crosshatch patterns on a suit will opt for pinstripes because of their subtlety. But as we often like to say, less is more in many cases. A black suit with very thin grey pinstripes can help accentuate your shoulder line without coming across as overly bold, and a suit such as this can work very nicely for taller men with a slighter frame. In addition to the pinstripe suit's style implications, its minimalistic pattern fares well in almost all settings where a solid black suit would be appropriate. What pinstripes lack in boldness is compensated by its versatility. For something that jumps out a little bit more, consider a suit with wider pinstripes. Just make sure that the color contrast isn't too crazy, otherwise this may detract from the look of subtlety you're looking for.

As with anything, most of it comes down to your personal style preference. So if you're intrigued by slightly wider pinstripes on a suit then by all means go for it. Bear in mind that depending on your body type, a suit with large stripes might come across as a bit too severe and bold, but for those with a larger body type it's certainly a look that can be pulled off without a hitch. And don't forget, before settling on a particular look for your custom suit, you can always stop into a local department store and try things on to give yourself a better idea of what will best complement your particular style preferences.

When the termcrosshatchis mentioned, sometimes people get this confused with checkerboard or even plaid. But crosshatch is an entirely different design scheme. It's best to visualize crosshatch as intersecting narrow overlaid strands, giving the suit a soft yet more defined visual texture. While a suit with a crosshatch pattern might appear to be of a solid color from a distance, the layered appearance becomes more noticeable as you get closer to it. Like pinstripes, crosshatch suits are ideal for gentlemen who want to maintain a subtler minimalist appearance while still adding a bit of nuance to their personal style. Crosshatch patterns look especially stunning when applied toBritish-style suits, as their more tapered and more refined appearance really shines through with that extra layer of texture. What make crosshatch suits particularly visually appealing is the subtle color overlays between fabric strands. While the colors of each strand may be hard to tell apart, when blended together they can really make a suit stand out above all the rest in a particular room, setting, or event. Darker crosshatch patterns are ideal for office settings and business meetings, while lighter ones can give a summer suit an extra tinge of brighter color contrast. Although crosshatch patterns are not normally someone's very first pick for a custom suit, it is definitely worth consideration as a way to add more versatility to your evolving wardrobe.

One of the greatest advantages of a herringbone suit is its ability to fit well in casual settings without coming across as overly dressy. Wearing a suit made with brown herringbone fabric patterns and without a tie, for example, will give you an edge of sophistication for informal events during the day while leaving you well below the threshold for being overdressed. The pattern has an innate tendency to be softer on the eyes in contrast to the sharper aesthetic of pinstripes or solid colors.From a distance, a suit designed primarily with a herringbone pattern might seem similar to the distinct visual style of crosshatch stitching, but up close there is a noticeable difference. Just as its name implies, the arrangement alternates between ascending and descending sections of perpendicular stitches that showcase a zigzag pattern. For herringbone suits, it is usually best to go with a tighter pattern and softer color contrasts as opposed to larger and bolder delineations between lines and colors. The latter could come across as too loud for most formal settings, but even so, that particular bold look is not completely impossible to pull off gracefully. But for the novice, it's best to lean toward subtlety.

If you decide to go the houndstooth route for your next custom suit or sport coat, keep in mind that whatever neckwear you decide to pair with it should not have the same pattern. The resulting visual effect from this is very similar to wearing plaid shirts with plaid pants, and the pattern combination can be a bit too overwhelming on the eyes. Due to its more casual style, you might even be better off foregoing the tie altogether. A button-down shirt in a solid, soft shade is more than sufficient to complement the busier houndstooth pattern.In contrast to other square patterns, houndstooth jackets, sport coats, and suits display a broken checkered pattern with jagged edges along the small squares formed from the specially woven fabric. Some have likened this appearance to a dog's teeth, hence the name. This pattern is less common than pinstripe or crosshatch for full suits, but its application in settings that fall shy of formal is often overlooked. Houndstooth sport coats, as well as full suits, are great for fall and winter, as the pattern projects a warmer aesthetic than patterns you would more commonly see in formal office settings. The material on most houndstooth jackets is also usually slightly thicker, so you won't necessarily need any extra layers for bundling up when it gets chilly.

In more casual settings that might only require a sport coat, you can push your creative boundaries a little bit more by considering starker color contrasts. Just keep in mind that with any pattern—but especially plaid—a little goes a long way. Olive green, charcoal grey, or alternating neutral-tone blacks and whites can greatly complement your style and allow you to stand out in a crowd without being too overpowering. While you might want to go with pinstripe or crosshatch for suits that you'll be wearing more frequently during events or places that lean toward the formal side, plaid is still a great option for summer suits or ensembles that require a more relaxed aesthetic.From the tastefully subtle to the wildly outrageous, plaid has existed in various forms ever since humans started to develop a sense of fashion. One of the most widely known checkered clothing patterns, plaid is embraced by both formal and casual fashion realms. While the popularity of plaid suits waned toward the dawn of the 21st century, they now seem to be making a bit of a comeback, with some important conditions, of course. Contrary to the popular belief of some in the fashion world, plaid can be done elegantly so long as the color contrasts between fabric threads are not too severe. Some softer plaid patterns even closely resemble the stitching of a crosshatch suit, and if your main use for a custom suit is everyday office wear, this is definitely the look you should be shooting for.

With a variety of suit styles, colors, patterns, and fabrics to choose from, our clothiers here at Enzo Custom will help you get fitted into a suit that works best for both your personal style needs and dress code requirements. Use our custom suit builder on our website or stop into one of our physical showrooms today to give your wardrobe an extra boost.

By picking out a suit with various patterns or subtle color contrasts, your wardrobe may in fact gain an extra notch above everyone else's. But sometimes people don't quite know where to begin in selecting a particular color scheme or style that will look best on them. What looks stunning on someone else may look lackluster on you and vice versa, so in this piece, we seek to give you some brief style tips on how to go about selecting suits with patterns and color schemes that will accentuate rather than detract from your own personal style.

A Quick Guide To Different Suit Patterns And Styles

It's always a sound idea to have at the very least a few suits in your possession to enhance the mileage on your wardrobe, but it's also equally important to consider adding sport coats and blazers to your fashion repertoire. A sport coat can enhance your personal style for occasions that don't quite require a full suit, and they can also add a degree of professionalism to casual dress where a full suit might be inappropriate. While it's sometimes difficult to determine what falls in the grey areas of semi-casual and semi-formal attire, sport coats will almost always help and never hurt your personal style.

While the terms sport coat and blazer are often used interchangeably in current fashion parlance, this usage is technically incorrect. For all intents and purposes, this is merely a matter of semantics that is ultimately trivial, but it's still a good thing to grasp the subtleties in differences between the two terms. We'll get to the finer details later, but a sport coat is usually made from a sturdier fabric and fits loosely enough to accommodate multiple layers of clothing while a blazer is very similar to a suit jacket, only without a matching pair of trousers and a slightly more relaxed fit. In any event, both sport coats and blazers are great articles of clothing to enhance casual dress where a full matching suit would look a bit out of place. While it is better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed for most occasions, there are times when a full suit would be considered overdoing it just a bit. With sport coats and blazers, you have options, especially in situations where a dress shirt and tie are not necessarily required. Adding an extra jacket never hurts, and it's especially useful when the weather gets colder.

The term sport coat originated in the late 1800s and comes from the type of jacket used in outdoor sports such as shooting and hunting. Shooting and hunting parties were common during this time in Great Britain, and the sport coat was designed to withstand the outdoor elements in a manner that was far superior to anything that would be worn at formal or indoor occasions. Over time, the sport coat became more associated with everyday casual wear, and in spite of this many styles still alive and well today have remnants of Britain's rich hunting tradition.

Blazers trace their origins to the same jacket type that spawned the double-breasted suit jacket. The double-breasted pea coat was characteristically worn by sailors in the British Navy toward the end of the 19th century, and from this style came the single-breasted coat that over time became associated with rowing clubs and casual daytime affairs. Unlike suit jackets with buttons fastened from the same material as the coat, the buttons on blazers were and still are often metallic. This is perhaps one of the easiest ways to distinguish sport coats and blazers from suit jackets, as buttons made from a different material than the jacket itself indicates appropriateness for more casual settings. Another distinguishing feature is that blazers and sport coats are generally shorter than suit jackets to give the appearance of longer legs when no matching trousers are present.

While suits are usually spun from wool, cotton, linen, and wool/cotton blends across the board, there is a bit more variation in the materials used for sport coats and blazers.

Tweed, while made from wool, has a rougher appearance than the wool used for most professional suits and has a slightly softer texture due to the fabric being more closely woven. If the wool is dyed before it is woven, this can give tweed its characteristic subtlety in color changes, especially if it is woven with a herringbone or twill structure. The more casual and laid-back appearance of tweed jackets is popular with sport coats, in particular with styles worn in autumn and winter. The warmer look and feel of this fabric will keep you comfortable in more casual settings while still giving your personal sense of style an edge.

Suede is another popular material, and while it is almost never used for full suits, wearing a suede sport coat is a great way to stand out in a crowd. Unlike standard leather, suede is made from the underside of animal skin, usually that of deer, goat, sheep, or cattle. It's a bit pricier than other jacket materials, and suede's usefulness is occasionally limited by its superior properties of absorption. It was in fact an episode of the popular sitcom Seinfeld that illustrated this major drawback of suede jackets, as the entire half-hour block centered on a jacket becoming immediately ruined when it started to snow. Exaggerations for comedic effect aside, it's good advice to avoid suede sport coats on particularly rainy days or periods of heavy snow. At the very least, an overcoat might also be in order if you choose to go this route.

Corduroy is arguably one of the most recognizable clothing materials in current use, and while it has waxed and waned in popularity over the years, it still remains a rather common material for casual sport coats. Made with a heavier structure than other materials thanks to its fustian cotton construction, corduroy is a prime choice in winter for those chilly nights to give you some extra warmth absent with lighter jacket materials such as linen or standard cotton. A corduroy sport coat is acceptable for casual outings, but we would caution against wearing one for any event where varying degrees of formality—however small—are expected.

When it comes to sport coats and blazers that fall somewhere in between a casual night out and formal business meetings, wool, cotton, wool/cotton blends, flannel, and linen are common fabric choices. As these fabrics are in widespread use for making full suits, your style will be able to project a sense of formality without being overly dressy. Blazers made from these standard suit materials are ideal for brunch outings or everyday office attire if your company's dress code isn't quite so rigid. As casual office dress is becoming more of the rule rather than the exception in today's business world, a sport coat or blazer can add a tinge of extra professionalism to your outfit in situations where a full suit might come across as overly flashy. And as much as all of us here at Enzo Custom love the look of a full suit, there are times where it isn't always necessary.

As sport coats and blazers have a broader array of fabric choices, the same is true for colors and patterns. Since they are not expected to be worn with an exact matching pair of trousers, the range between subtlety and boldness is a little wider than it is with full suits.

Solid colors are ideal if you want to achieve a subtle, minimalist style. Navy blue is a common choice for sport coats and blazers as it pairs nicely with most types and colors of pants. We would caution, however, against wearing a navy blue jacket with black pants. The color contrast between the jacket and pants never looks quite right, and you're better off choosing khaki, olive, or grey trousers even though some people might be able to get away with the former.

Pinstripe jackets can also complement your own personal style quite well, but we would advise that you pick a pattern with narrow stripes and subtle contrast between threads just as we would with a pinstripe suit. If the stripes are too big or the color gradient is too severe—think red and white, for example—you might stand out in a not-so-good way. Pinstripes should be complementary to your outfit, not detract from it by being ostentatious and gaudy.

While we've seen our fair share of terrible plaid patterns in our day, it's not always something to be completely written off. Plenty of plaid jackets are tasteful and subtle enough to look dignified—dare we say even debonair—in the context of events or places that lean toward the informal side. Even with more conviction than our recommendation against pairing black pants with a navy jacket, it's safe to say that you should never wear a plaid jacket with plaid pants, especially when they are not designed to match. Even when people do it inadvertently in the most casual settings that only require a shirt and a pair of shoes—say, for example, wearing a flannel shirt with plaid shorts—it's something that usually doesn't go unnoticed. In the case of plaid jackets, keep in mind that less is always more.

Once universally frowned upon not long ago, nowadays it is commonplace to see many people wear sport coats, blazers, and even suit jackets with jeans. This trend gained more acceptance in the early 1990s and has since remained a common wardrobe pairing. While this would not be considered appropriate for most weddings, funerals, proper formal office attire, or job interviews, a sport coat or blazer matched with a nice clean pair of jeans is yet another way to give your casual style sensibilities a little extra pizzazz. It's also a way to give yourself a little extra warmth at night when the temperature begins to drop without having to layer with sweaters or shirts that might be too thick for the conditions outdoors. While some fashion purists may still look down upon the practice of wearing jeans with a sport coat, the trend certainly isn't going away anytime soon.

As far as what shoes to wear with a sport coat or blazer, it's best to follow the same fashion guidelines that you would when wearing a full matching suit. Patent leather, oxfords, or any other dress shoe will do just fine, and as a general rule, make sure to match the color of your shoes with the color of your belt at the very least. Just as it goes for suits, avoid any sort of athletic shoes or sneakers, as this pairing will stand out in a way that may come across as unrefined.

The great thing about sport coats and blazers is that your shirt choices are far more varied than they are with a normal suit. While you can never go wrong with a button-down dress shirt, you can also consider wearing a turtleneck, polo shirt, sweaters, or even solid T-shirts underneath a sport coat or blazer for more casual outings. When in doubt, it's always best to dress up a little more than it is to dress down, but ultimately it's a judgment call depending on your own personal style and what you feel comfortable wearing.

In contrast to suits, sport coats and blazers can give you a wider window of flexibility for casual and informal settings. As Enzo Custom offers both full custom suits as well as jackets of different varieties, feel free to browse our website or visit one of our showrooms so you can give your own personal wardrobe a leg up in unmatched style and versatility.

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A sport coat can enhance your personal style for occasions that don't quite require a full suit, and they can also add a degree of professionalism to casual dress where a full suit might be inappropriate. While it's sometimes difficult to determine what falls in the grey areas of semi-casual and semi-formal attire, sport coats will almost always help and never hurt your personal style.

Everything You Need To Know About Sport Coats And Blazers

Single-breasted suits are certainly more fashionable for formal events these days, but it's likely that you have also come across double-breasted suits on more than one occasion. With the exception of black-tie events that require a tuxedo, both single- and double-breasted suit jackets can be worn for most other occasions without restriction; that is to say, single- and double-breasted suit jackets can be worn interchangeably no matter the setting, place, occasion, or season. However, it can be safely said that the double-breasted jacket is the more formal of the two (barring a tuxedo of course), and wearing a double-breasted suit can give you a little extra edge of style and confidence if you pull off the look correctly.

So why the two styles? Many fashion trends and garments that evolve tend to replace the more archaic one over time, but this is not so with single- and double-breasted suit jackets. In this next section, we'll tell you how these different jacket types came into being, and why both (rather than one over the other) still exist today.

Modern double-breasted suit jackets can trace their origins back to the pea coats commonly worn by servicemen in European and North American navies. This style that sported two rows of buttons—with three on each side—carried over to suits and formal wear. While single-breasted suits have always been more popular, double-breasted jackets experienced widespread admiration between the 1930s and 1950s, as well as the latter part of the 1980s all the way into the first years of the 21st century. Double-breasted tuxedos are exceedingly rare, but not unheard of. They are, however, something you'll only likely find in Europe, as double-breasted tuxedos failed to gain a foothold in North American formal fashion. Still, they can be a great way to accentuate your overall style; just be sure that the rest of your outfit is black-tie compliant.

As for single-breasted suits, we traced their origins to fashionista Beau Brummell in one of our previous articles on the different suit styles—British, American, and Italian. The single row of buttons—almost always two and rarely three—has remained the dominant style in formal attire across the globe and likely isn't going to give up this distinguished title. A single-breasted suit allows for more versatility than a double-breasted one, as it can be worn open or closed due to the lesser amount of fabric needed to hold the suit together. Double-breasted suits, on the other hand, should always be worn closed with only the bottom button undone, as wearing one unbuttoned will make it look very awkward, especially when sitting down at a table. But we'll get to these finer rules of etiquette later. As both single and double-breasted suits come with a variety of lapel styles and cuts, the most important aspect of a double-breasted suit is the button arrangement.

Most double-breasted suits on the market today come with two rows of buttons. In a 6 x 2 arrangement (two rows, three buttons each) the top buttons are always decorative. The bottom two on one side (usually on your right) are the ones that actually close the jacket. The very bottom button should be left undone as it will allow you to move more comfortably when wearing the double-breasted suit jacket, and it will be less constricting when you sit down. There should also be two inside buttons invisible to the outside on the left side of the jacket to hold it in place. One of these should always be buttoned, as it will prevent the outer part of the jacket from crumpling too easily. The general rule to follow is that if you decide to button only the top of the outer jacket, you can button the top and bottom inside buttons, or only the top inside button, as this will give you more wiggle room in the suit. Many double-breasted suits also only come with one inner button, and if that's the case, you only have to worry about buttoning the one rather than coin-flipping between two. It's not rocket science, but from our experience people still inevitably get confused about this sometimes.

The 4 x 2 arrangement also follows the same general buttoning rules as the more prominent 6 x 2 layout. The only real difference is that the top decorative buttons on each side are absent. This can be beneficial for men who are shorter than average, as the extra button in a 6 x 2 arrangement can look awkward and out of place in relation to a shorter torso. Even some taller men also prefer a 4 x 2 button arrangement, as the absence of the top decorative buttons provides a more modern, minimalist style aesthetic as opposed to the busier traditional 6 x 2 configuration. As with most subtleties of fashion sense, it all comes down to personal style preference, and one isn't necessarily better or worse than the other.

When we're discussing single-breasted suit jackets (and this goes for tuxedos as well), it is common to only fasten the top button out of the two. Again, this also is an issue of personal style, but in many circles fastening the bottom button is a huge faux pas, so we would recommend against it. If your single-breasted suit has three buttons—which is not very common—the middle button should always be fastened. The bottom button will follow the never-button rule, but the top button on the jacket is always optional. Of course for more casual formal events, there is nothing wrong with wearing a single-breasted suit open and unbuttoned, and this will likely be more comfortable for you especially if the event you're attending lasts a good while. As a reminder, double-breasted jackets should always remain fastened due to the extra fabric required to keep the suit symmetrical and in place; an unbuttoned double-breasted suit would look uneven and somewhat sloppy.

As double-breasted suit jackets add a greater element of prominence to any formal ensemble, wearing a vest is another optional choice to accentuate your personal sense of style. In one of our previous articles, we discussed how to properly pair vests with suit jackets. As both single-breasted and double-breasted vests are widely available, it is best to follow the simple rule of pairing like with like. Single-breasted jackets should go with single-breasted vests, double-breasted jackets should pair with double-breasted vests, and sweater "vests" should be reserved for more casual outings such as rounds of golf or afternoon luncheons.

Of course it is perfectly feasible to wear a single-breasted vest with a double-breasted suit, but it's probably not a good idea to attempt this the other way around, that is to say a double-breasted vest with a single-breasted suit. The latter would look strange and out of place.

Also be aware that during the summer months, you may want to forego the vest altogether, and this is especially true with double-breasted suit jackets. The extra material could leave you sweltering on a hot summer day, but this option of using dual layers may come in handy when the weather is colder if you don't feel like bothering with heavy or cumbersome overcoats to stay warm.

The necktie is undoubtedly the most common suit accessory that people choose to wear when formal dress codes are required. While many decide to forego any sort of neckwear with a single-breasted suit, doing this is quite rare—and off-putting in some social circles—with a double-breasted suit, so a necktie is usually in order. As a double-breasted suit makes a bolder statement than standard single-breasted suit types, you'll want a necktie that will complement this prominence. One of the best ways to do this is to tie your necktie with a symmetrical knot, and as one of our previous articles explained, the Windsor, Half-Windsor, and St. Andrew knots are ideal for this purpose. A full Windsor knot is a great way to accentuate a double-breasted suit jacket as it is the largest of the necktie knots, and you will be sure to stand out in a good way. If you prefer something a little more subdued, a Half-Windsor is perfectly acceptable, as the symmetry of the knot will pair nicely with the uniform layout of the button configurations on a double-breasted jacket. Bow ties can also be worn with a double-breasted jacket, but we would caution against this for all but the most seasoned gentlemen who know formal wear fashion sense like the back of their hand. Of course a bow tie would be required for a double-breasted tuxedo, but for everyday suits you will have to be careful with the color schemes and especially be aware of how well you can fasten a bow tie. You want your neckwear to enhance and complement your double-breasted suit, not detract attention away from it. Our opinion is that neckties fare better with double-breasted suits, but if you're feeling lucky and confident enough, there's nothing stopping you from at least trying out a bow tie to get a better feel for what works for your personal style.

There aren't too many spoken—or unspoken—rules when it comes to pairing shirts with a double-breasted suit, but we would caution you to avoid wearing a shirt with a button-down collar. We would also say the same thing for single-breasted suits, but for double-breasted suits this is more than just a mere suggestion. As most formal dress shirts use cutaway and spread collars anyway, you'll have no trouble at all finding something that will fit into your style preferences when you decide to try out a custom double-breasted suit.

At Enzo Custom, we have a variety of styles to choose from when it comes to custom suits, so whether you're looking for a single-breasted or double-breasted jacket, be sure to browse our website or stop into one of our showrooms to get a custom fitting from one of our expert clothiers.

Many fashion trends and garments that evolve tend to replace the more archaic one over time, but this is not so with single- and double-breasted suit jackets. In this next section, we'll tell you how these different jacket types came into being, and why both (rather than one over the other) still exist today.

Single vs. Double-Breasted Suit Jackets

When it comes to neckwear for formal events and office attire, neckties are still by far the most popular choice, and this is especially true in North America. Bow ties, however, still have a very rich history and are widely used in more formal dress codes such as black-tie and white-tie settings that require a tuxedo. The bow tie has also experienced a bit of a niche resurgence in popularity for use with regular suits more associated with the standard necktie, as it can add an extra tinge of charm that neckties occasionally fail to deliver. But by and large, the bow tie is unequivocally linked to the tuxedo, and this is likely to remain true so as long as black-tie attire never completely falls out of fashion.

In one of our previous articles, we discussed several ways to tie a necktie, and while most people rely on one or two methods of fastening a necktie, the possibilities are quite vast. This is not so with a bow tie, as there are only at most a few ways of tying a bow tie properly. Bow ties are also perceived to be much more difficult to tie than neckties—even more so than the café knot of the necktie that showcases intricate patterns—and generally this is a true statement. But it's not as difficult as people seem to think it is, and by following this guide, you'll be able to get ready for your next formal or black-tie event in almost no time at all.

Several guides that do exist do a very poor job of explaining how to tie a bow tie properly, and this is where many gentlemen feel intimidated in the realm of formal wear. But fear not, as this guide will help you master your skills with a bow tie so you won't be pacing around at the last minute, burying your face into your hands and rushing to the nearest department store to buy a pre-tied bow tie (and please don't ever do this, and we will cover why you shouldn't later on).

But before we get into tying the bow tie properly, we need to go over the right way of selecting one that is right for your own personal style as well as the particular dress code for which you'll be needing one.

A black bow tie made from silk or satin is the gold standard for black-tie dress codes and events that require a tuxedo. A black bow tie will also pair nicely with other less formal suits, giving you more versatility in your wardrobe if you want to give yourself a change of pace from a consistent rotation of neckties. Other materials, patterns, and colors besides black for bow ties can also add an edge to your outfit, but keep in mind that these would not be acceptable for strictly black-tie events. Just make sure that when you do settle on a bow tie that you like—whether it is a standard black one or something more colorful—it is one that you must tie yourself. Avoid pre-tied bow ties and especially clip-ons, as these will severely diminish the class, appeal, and overall sophistication of your suit or tuxedo. The only exception to this aforementioned rule would apply to wedding parties that require strict uniformity in dress; a pre-tied bow tie is going to be perfectly symmetrical unlike a self-tied bow tie, so if you plan on being a best man at someone's wedding you might be required to wear one that is pre-tied. But for all other events and purposes, tying your own bow tie is always going to be the preferred—if not mandatory—way to go.

Even at high-end department stores and boutique shops, most bow ties that you can tie yourself have an adjustable strap in the back so you can fit the tie to your neck size accordingly, and this is perfectly normal and acceptable. Some men, however, want a bow tie that is fabricated to fit their particular neck size without the gap that is inevitably present with an adjustable strap. Just keep in mind that finding one of these is going to be more difficult but certainly not impossible. In most cases, a tuxedo jacket will cover the back of the bow tie anyway, so the part of the strap that adjusts the length will not be visible. This is also only a slight concern when wearing a wingtip collar. As spread and cutaway collars never expose the back part of a tie, you'll be better off with the more common bow tie that comes with an adjustable strap. As with many things when it comes to nuances of formality, it's all a matter of personal taste, so choose accordingly.

Joking aside, you will want to leave yourself a little extra time than you normally would need for tying a necktie, as nailing down the bow tie just right can take a bit of trial and error. You may even want to practice tying it around your neck first without a collar; sometimes people find this easier at first than tying it with the shirt you plan on wearing to your formal event.

Now we'll explain the steps of actually tying the bow tie.

Drape the bow tie around your neck- You'll notice that the ends of the tie are flat and parallel to the ground. As a general rule of thumb, the bottom of the right end of the tie (from your own vantage point) should be aligned with the kink (or taper) of the left end; as a result, the left end of the tie will be slightly longer. You may have to adjust this as you practice tying the bow tie in order to get things just right.



Take the longer left end of the tie and cross it over the shorter right end. The left end of the tie should now be to your right as you hold it with your right hand.



Take the end that you're holding in your right hand and pull it underneath the space between the tie and your neck. Pull the end so the tie fits tightly around your neck and throw the longer end that has now been looped over your right shoulder. Let it rest there for a moment.



The other end of the tie—the shorter end—should be dangling directly in front of you. Take the bottom part of this end and fold it over the center part of the tie that is around your neck. The end of this part of the tie should now be perpendicular to the ground. Hold it in place with your left hand.



Take the longer end of the bow tie that is resting on your shoulder and drape it over the part of the tie that you're holding in place. The longer end should now be hanging down under your neck, with an appearance similar to an elephant's trunk. Now this next part is where it gets a little bit more complicated, and where most people have trouble.



Take the two ends of the shorter part of the bow tie that you are holding in place and fold them together over the end that is dangling under your neck. Hold these two ends in place. There should now be a small hole between the part around your neck and the ends that you are holding in place in front of you.



Take the long end of the bow tie and carefully push it through the left side of the small hole between the part around your neck and the folded ends that are being held in place, with the flat end pointed toward your left.



Each side of the loosely formed bow around your neck should have both a flat end and a looped end. Pulling the looped ends away from the center will tighten the bow, while pulling the flat ends will loosen it. You will likely have to pull both ends back and forth a few times before your bow tie is adjusted to your liking.

Keep in mind that a self-tied bow tie will always be slightly asymmetrical, as that is part of the bow tie's charm. But it shouldn't be completely off-center either. So you may have to repeat all of these steps before you can settle on a look that you're comfortable with.

While all of this may sound intimidating, believe us when we say that it is much easier than other people make it out to be. Once you master the bow tie, putting one on in the future will take no time at all, and this will always give you a style advantage over others who may not feel comfortable straying away from the more common necktie. It is always better to have more options in your wardrobe at your disposal, and the bow tie is one of the ways to achieve this increase in versatility.

One more thing to keep in mind when tying a bow tie is how it will sit over your collar, especially when wearing one with a dress shirt that has a wingtip collar. The front part of the bow tie should always sit comfortably over the tips, never under them. You'll also want a dress shirt that is a little closer-fitting around the neck, otherwise tying a bow tie around a loose collar will be more difficult and won't look as cohesive.

Don't forget to check out our guide to different necktie knots as well, and feel free to browse our accessories so you can better complement your custom suits.

When it comes to neckwear for formal events, neckties are by far the most popular choice. Bow ties, however, still have a very rich history and are widely used in more formal dress codes such as black-tie and white-tie settings that require a tuxedo. This guide is here to help you master your skills with a bow tie.

Mastering The Bow Tie: A Quick How-To Guide

More often than not, picking the right material for your custom suit can seem like a daunting task. In addition to the various styles, colors, and lapels that are made available on custom suits, there is also a great deal of variety when it comes to the fabric that holds it all together. While wool is generally considered the gold standard when it comes to suits and formal attire, some people swear by linen or even silk. Many others who buy suits directly off the rack may not even consider the fabric at all or have the mindset that it really doesn't matter. But as we will reveal in this article, it certainly does matter, perhaps more so than any other aspect of a custom tailored suit.

Think of the material of a suit as something that is comparable to tires on a car; without good ones, the thing you're sitting in would be pretty useless. This is exactly why here at Enzo Custom, we use only the finest fabrics available to ensure that your tailored suit will provide not only longevity but also durability, comfort, and style. With colder weather approaching fast, it is even more imperative to be concerned about the material that goes into crafting your suit. While synthetic fabrics are touted by some as a viable alternative to materials such as wool, cotton, and linen, there is a reason why natural wool and cotton have prevailed for thousands of years in the way of clothing. A natural material will always breathe better than a synthetic one, and this is a very useful property in terms of keeping your body temperature at a comfortable level, even when the weather outside is blistering hot or bitterly cold. In addition to being more comfortable and longer lasting, wool, cotton, and linen are renewable sources of fabric as opposed to synthetics such as polyester, many of which are made from petroleum byproducts. So if the environment is one of your major concerns, you can rest easy knowing that your suit made of natural materials is contributing far less to your carbon footprint than a synthetic suit ever would.

Now, we shall move on to the fabrics themselves.

Wool, as we mentioned earlier, is the go-to material for suits and other articles of formal wear. Taken directly from sheep fleece, it undergoes relatively simple processes such as scouring to remove the oily compound lanolin, carding by rolling drums to smooth it out, and looming to weave the fabric together for practical use. As a suit material, it is highly desirable due to its ability to breathe better than most other fabrics while at the same time keeping you insulated from colder temperatures.

Given the structural makeup of wool, tiny gaps in the fabric allow small pockets of air to become trapped inside, which gives it superior insulating properties. It also has the ability to draw moisture away from the body to keep you cool, and this latter process is known as capillary action, or wicking in the clothing world. In addition to all of these desirable properties at the molecular and chemical levels, wool is soft to the touch, making it more comfortable to wear than many other materials. With various thicknesses and thread counts available, wool fabric can be made to fit a broad range of personal specifications, and with proper care a custom suit made from wool will last decades, keeping you looking sharp and stylish throughout all of your life's paths.

Harvested and made into various types of cloth for thousands of years, cotton is a viable alternative to wool. Like wool, cotton is a very breathable material that is good at both insulation and keeping you comfortable regardless of the outside temperature. Before it is woven into fibers, cotton bales are run through machines to remove seeds, dust, and other debris. After a dyeing and looming process, the cotton is ready to be made into clothing. In many cases, a casual observer won't be able to tell the difference between a custom suit made from wool and one made from cotton without touching it.

The biggest advantage of a suit made from cotton is a slightly lower price point. If we're considering pros and cons exclusively from a style perspective, there isn't too much of a difference, barring the finer details of how it feels and how it will hold up over time. Also keep in mind that cotton tends to absorb moisture more so than wool, so this may be good or bad depending on the time and place you'll be wearing your suit the most. While a suit made from cotton might be beneficial for everyday office use, you may want to stick with wool for outdoor formal events in fall and winter.

Human innovation throughout history has enabled us to have our cake and eat it too in a lot of respects, and what better way to have the best of both clothing worlds than in a wool/cotton blend? Combining the lighter feel of cotton with the extraordinary wicking properties of wool will keep you both comfortable and stylish in all conditions and applications. A custom suit made from a blend will also generally have a lower price point than pure wool, and while it may not be as exclusive or fine as a 100 percent wool product, fabric hybrids tend to be more durable than either of their component materials alone.

As both wool and cotton are abundant and widely available, you'll run into no trouble at all finding a wool/cotton blend for your next custom suit, and given many of the similar properties between the two materials, you'll still look just as stylish as you would with a suit made completely from a homogenous material. In contrast to wool being more popular in winter, blended material is a good choice all year round. Thanks to the intertwined fibers of wool and cotton that add a bit of extra strength to the overall structure of a suit, it won't wrinkle as easily as a pure material would. In the long run, this might even save you a few extra trips to the dry cleaners.

Considered by most to be the lightest of all suit materials, linen is an ideal fabric for summer months when everyone is more prone to bring out their pastel-colored suits as a way to shine an extra style edge as the weather gets warmer. Linen is made from fibers of the flax plant, and while it doesn't have nearly the same wicking properties as wool and cotton do, its constituent material makes linen relatively light and comfortable, especially for spring and summer outdoor formal events. An Italian-style suit made from linen might be just the thing for you if you want that extra cherry on top when it comes to your personal style.

As Italian-style suits are cut closer and more tapered to the body, a lighter fabric is usually considered better than a heavier one for this suit type. Many people find that linen is much easier in which to move around, so if you plan on moving about for an extended period of the day a suit made from linen is always a good thing to have hanging in your closet. Compared to cotton, the fiber is actually stronger and dries faster, so this is an added benefit for those hot sweltering days of summer when your office or formal event requires a suit.

In stark contrast to linen and with winter just around the corner, flannel is a popular material for suits if you're looking for some extra warmth that's even superior to standard wool. Flannel is traditionally made from wool, with the key difference being that it is woven less tightly in order to provide more insulation. As we mentioned earlier that wool has extraordinary insulating properties due to tiny air pockets forming between the fibers, flannel works in a very similar way; but as the air pockets between the looser flannel fibers are larger, more heat can be retained. This particular property is what gives flannel that extra feeling of warmth, softness, and coziness over standard wool. A suit made from flannel might allow you to forego any heavy overcoats or scarves when the weather gets chillier.

Keep in mind however, that these days many flannels are blends made from wool and some other synthetic material, so it is important to double-check the source of your fabric. This might be feasible for a suit that you plan on wearing only during the fall and winter, but if you need something for year-round use, we would strongly suggest going with wool or wool/cotton blends to ensure that your suit is made from all-natural materials.

Synthetic fabrics often use the promise of durability as a selling point, and while artificial materials such as polyester will stand up better to heavier short-term handling and use, the material itself will disintegrate more readily over time, sometimes in as little as 20 years. A suit made from natural materials that is properly cared for will last much longer, so if you want a suit that will look just as good on you many years from now as the same day that you bought it, you will be eternally grateful to yourself for settling on wool, cotton, linen, or a wool/cotton blend.

Polyester and other synthetic fibers also tend to be more uncomfortable due to the itchy nature of the fabric and its inability to breathe. A polyester shirt on a hot summer day is bad enough, but imagine wearing an entire suit made out of that material; pocket squares are supposed to add to your style, not used to blot your forehead every five minutes. Many suits sold directly off the rack also contain polyester blended with other natural materials, so be sure to always check the label before you make a final purchase. Here at Enzo Custom, we only use the finest natural materials available, and we hold firm to the belief that fabrics such as linen, cotton, and wool will always be superior to synthetic substitutes in the context of formal wear.

Now that you know a little bit more about the benefits and drawbacks of the common suit materials, it's time to get you fitted. Schedule an appointment with one of our clothiers, browse our website, or stop into one of the Enzo Custom showrooms. We'll make sure to get you into a suit that perfectly fits not only your style but also your needs in terms of comfort and utility.

Picking the right material for your custom suit can seem like a daunting task. In addition to the various styles, colors, and lapels that are made available on custom suits, there is also a great deal of variety when it comes to the fabric that holds it all together. While wool is generally considered the gold standard when it comes to suits and formal attire, some people swear by linen or even silk. Many others who buy suits directly off the rack may not even consider the fabric at all or have the mindset that it really doesn't matter. But as we will reveal in this article, it certainly does matter, perhaps more so than any other aspect of a custom tailored suit.

Picking The Right Suit Material

As the old adage goes, "Wear a vest, if you want to look your best." While we can't say for certain who said it first—or if anyone ever did at all—it's catchy and it rhymes. And there is, of course, some truth to that pithy statement. No matter the occasion, a vest will always add a higher degree of style to your formal ensemble when you wear it right. Aside from the extra points you'll receive on style and elegance, a vest also has the innate ability to keep you extra warm during the looming colder parts of the year without having to bring out the heavy overcoats and winter sport parkas.

But not all vests are created equal. With a variety of styles and fabric options available, it can be sometimes hard to differentiate between what is acceptable at the office and what should be worn only on the golf course. Tuxedo vests, or waistcoats as they are also commonly known, are pretty straightforward; with black-tie dress codes, there isn't too much wiggle room on the rules, so these traditional pieces of clothing are rather uniform across the board, with only minor variations in style. Vests that are more commonly worn with suits, however, offer a broad range of patterns, lapels, and button styles that are excellent articles of clothing to have if you want to keep your wardrobe a little more interesting than everyone else's. For example, a double-breasted vest combined with a tie worn with a half Windsor knot can really add a sense of prominence and sophistication to your outfit, and doing so doesn't take too much extra effort at all.

In this article, we'll give you a rundown of the various common vest types, as well as the not-so-common for those of you who want to make an even bolder fashion statement at your next event or office party.

You're probably most familiar with the waistcoat in the context of formal black-tie dress code, as it is commonly worn with a tuxedo and a bow tie. Its name even comes from the fact that the vest is cut for the bottom to fit just above the waist rather than below the pelvis, as many vests previously did long before modern formal attire evolved into its current form. This type of vest is also notable for having very few buttons and staying low to the waist so it does not obstruct any part of the tuxedo shirt when worn with the standard black-tie dinner jacket. Black is obviously going to be the most common color choice for this purpose, but there are other shades that are popular, especially when you're dealing with an event that is black-tie optional. In any case, the vest should match the color or pattern of the tuxedo, and if you do decide not to heed our warnings, keep the color contrasts to a minimum. You can get a little more creative when you're sporting a normal suit or a summer ensemble saturated with vibrant pastel colors, but when it comes to black-tie dress, less is almost always more.

Another style tip to keep in mind with formal waistcoats is that when paired with tuxedos, they should always be worn with either braces (suspenders) or bare, never with a cummerbund and certainly not with a belt; as a rule, if pants have belt loops in them, they're not tuxedo pants at all.

Try saying that five times fast and perfecting it might end up taking longer than it does to tie a bow tie. Double-breasted vests, while not usually worn with tuxedos for black-tie events, make great additions to suits in most other formal settings. The following rule is not set in stone, but it is advisable to match a double-breasted vest with a double-breasted suit, just as it is to go with single-breasted vests with normal single-breasted suits. One of the largest draws to a vest from a style standpoint is that it's supposed to look good if you plan on taking your jacket off at any point during the workday or an evening event; as a plain white shirt tends to wrinkle throughout the duration it is worn, a vest will keep your overall look much cleaner than if you decide not to wear one.

Another rule to keep in mind is that anything that is double-breasted is always considered more formal than its single-breasted counterparts, save black-tie attire; while double-breasted tuxedos do exist, this is far from the norm. Aside from the style enhancements, double-breasted vests tend to be warmer than their single-breasted counterparts, so once that mercury starts to drop, they are very useful accessories to have in your closet, especially for those chilly nights walking around the city.

In contrast to their double-breasted counterparts, single-breasted vests are far more common and therefore better from an availability standpoint. Not that many people need to run out in the middle of the night to buy formal attire, but single-breasted vests offer more versatility and style options, so if you're the type of person who likes to keep things simple, having a few of these in your wardrobe is just good planning. Who knows? If you ever find yourself in a situation where you spill coffee or spaghetti sauce on your white shirt just before you're headed out the door to a formal event, throwing on a vest is much faster (and cheaper) than pleading with your local dry cleaner to perform miracles.

While many gentlemen prefer vests without any lapels on them, plenty of formal vests do come equipped with peak or notch lapels, and these extra features can add a degree of sharpness to your outfit, especially if you plan on showing off your vest more so than your jacket. Different button styles abound as well, ranging from vests that are very low cut to give more prominence to your shirt to ones that button up almost to the knot in your necktie.

As a brief refresher, notch lapels are lapels with notches at the top facing outward like sideways Vs, with each point being even and symmetrical without extending past the other. This is generally considered less formal than peak lapels, but having any lapels on a vest at all usually signifies a slightly higher degree of formality than no lapels. A vest with notch lapels is a stylish option for a variety of formal events, and it looks great if you plan on removing your jacket and showing off the rest of your outfit. The general guideline is that the lapels on your vest should match the style of your lapels on your jacket for symmetry and consistency, but you could feasibly get away with a notch-lapel vest with a peak-lapel jacket. Trying this the other way around, however, might not be so advisable. More prominent style features should be on the outermost layers of your ensemble while less prominent attributes fare better on the inner parts.

If you want a vest that does in fact feature more prominence and a sense of boldness, you might consider opting for peak lapels. In contrast to notch lapels, peak lapels extend slightly above the point of the top-notch, giving the shoulders an accentuated and more powerful look without the use of shoulder pads or bigger armholes. Peak lapels are also considered sharper and more formal than their notch counterparts, and vests with peak lapels can look stunning when they're matched with British-style or especially Italian-style suits, given the sleek tapered appearance of the jacket and pants. When opting for peak-lapel vests, we would suggest pairing them with jackets that also come equipped with peak lapels to maintain consistency, otherwise, your formal ensemble might come across as a little uneven or mismatched. Vests with peak lapels also pair quite nicely with double-breasted suits, as they will greatly accentuate your personal sense of style once that jacket comes off on the wedding dance floor.

Wearing a vest without any lapels at all is probably the most common style preference for the majority of men. Vests without lapels can either be formal or informal, and because of this versatility, they can be worn for just about any occasion. In addition to the more minimalist toned-down look that a vest without lapels provides, it also tends to be more comfortable than vests with lapels, as there is less fabric to get bunched up underneath a suit jacket. A vest without lapels will feel lighter, so this might be a better option if you want to rock a vest during the summer months without sweltering in the sun or suffering through a wedding ceremony in a venue with no air conditioning. Vests without lapels also tend to have more variety in the button styles, as the material does not need to make any extra room for notch or peak lapels, so if you prefer vests that button up on the higher side, you'll find more options with straight no-lapel single-breasted vests.

When it comes to vest fabrics, you'll want to pick something in the same way you would choose a fabric for your custom suit. Wool and cotton are always going to be the premier choices, as these fabrics tend to breathe better than everything else out there. Wool also has the added benefit of giving your formal outfit a little bit of extra warmth without the need for bulky overcoats or heavy scarves if you want a sleeker, more minimalist look for the fall and winter seasons. If you like the extra style and color options that vests provide during the summer months, linen is also another option worth considering, as the material is very light and won't leave you too hot when you're out and about. Just as you would want to avoid synthetic materials for your suit jacket and trousers, it's best to have the same mentality when it comes to vests. Synthetic fibers don't breathe very well, and a vest made from polyester has the tendency to add to your overall level of discomfort, and this is especially true on hot days or in banquet halls with poor ventilation. Natural materials also tend to last longer, so you'll end up saving money in the long run in spite of the initial higher price point.

In short, vests are great for accentuating your personal style with the added benefit of keeping you a little warmer when the temperature starts to drop. Double-breasted vests are more formal than single-breasted ones, and all vests can be worn with or without a tie, as well as with or without a full suit. If you feel like spicing up your tuxedo for a black-tie event, consider wearing a vest instead of a cummerbund. Keep your color contrasts to a minimum, and if you decide to opt for a vest with lapels, do your best to match them with the lapels on your jacket.

A custom suit can say a lot about your personality, and adding a vest to your ensemble can foster confidence and that extra tinge of style you might have been missing. When shopping for a custom suit, be sure to check out our vest offerings, and our expert clothiers here at Enzo Custom will gladly assist you in choosing the best vest to go with your personal style, no matter what next big event is just ahead in your future.

The Enzo Custom Experience

Not all vests are created equal. With a variety of styles and fabric options available, it can be sometimes hard to differentiate between what is acceptable at the office and what should be worn only on the golf course. In this article, we'll give you a rundown of the various common vest types, and which to wear to look your best!

The Best Vests To Go With Your Custom Suits

As you have perused our articles and style guides, you probably think that by now you have this whole suit thing down. But as we have mentioned before, it's not just the suit itself that people notice. Your shirt, your cufflinks, your shoes, and even your pocket squares and lapel pins can say a lot about your personality. Neckties and bow ties are no different. In fact, the tie you decide to wear with a suit has the potential to make or break your entire formal ensemble. While bow ties are generally reserved for the most formal occasions such as black-tie dinners and weddings, the necktie is by far the most common form of neckwear in both formal and professional worlds. And believe us when we say that this is an absolute godsend. A necktie can be fastened and tied within minutes, while even the most skilled and worldly gentlemen may struggle with getting a bow tie just right for up to an hour, if not longer. So whoever is responsible for keeping the necktie at the top of the fashion food chain for decades, we'd like to take a brief moment of reverence to say thank you, wherever you are. As a result of being more popular, neckties are pretty much available everywhere in a vast array of different colors, so even if you're rushing to your next meeting at the last minute, you can always get one with relative ease. Even if a necktie is not required for your office dress code or casual evening event, a tie will always add an extra tinge of class and elegance to your outfit, as you will always come out ahead by dressing up a notch in contrast to dressing down.

But many of us have become accustomed to putting on a tie only one way, not realizing that there are several different knots out there that fare better with different suit styles or different events. By knowing some of the knots that go above and beyond the common four-in-hand standard, you will for certain get more mileage out of your wardrobe without too much effort at all. In this guide, we'll give you all the tools you'll need to increase your style sensibilities by using nuanced subtleties in the way you knot your neckties. As we've explained before, the devil is almost always in the details.

The Windsor knot, in its full bona fide form, is usually considered the most formal and most prominent of all necktie knot styles. The knot is very wide and also has the benefit of being even and symmetrical when it is tied properly. The Windsor knot looks best with spread and cutaway collars paired with suits that are on the more formal side of dress attire. The prominence and symmetry that this knot provides may even give you a slight advantage over your colleagues when you're going for a promotion or a job interview, as it not only shows an elevated sense of fashion but also conveys that you can actually tie this slightly more complicated knot. Now for the tricky part...

Tying a Windsor knot is a little bit more difficult than the standard four-in-hand knot that most gentlemen are used to. When tying this knot, you'll want to leave a little extra slack on the wider side of the tie. Cross both ends and pull the wide end back through the space between the loop of the tie and your neck. Take the wide end of the tie, cross it underneath the skinny part again, and then pull it back over the other side of the top of the loop. Wrap the wide end of the tie around the forming knot, pull the wide end back through the loop around your neck, and then pull it through the very front now-formed loop around the knot. Once you pull the tie down and adjust it to your liking, you should have a symmetrical and wide standard full Windsor knot. Just like with all tie knots, it's easier than it sounds, and you may want to look at a few diagrams to get a better visual of how all the steps fall into place.

Just like its namesake parent, the Half Windsor necktie knot will yield a symmetrical even knot. The only real differences are that the knot is smaller and involves fewer steps to tie. This style is ideal for business professionals who want an even look to their ensemble without the prominence of a Full Windsor. A Half Windsor knot exudes a sense of subtle elegance that isn't very achievable with its full bolder counterpart.

A Half Windsor will require more slack on the wider side of the tie, but not as much as a Full Windsor, so adjust accordingly. Cross both ends of the tie and pull the wide end over the loop around your neck. Unlike the Full Windsor, take the wide end of the tie, pull it over the forming knot, pull it back under the loop around your neck, and then take the wide end and pull it through the top loop of the knot. Voila! You should now have a Half Windsor. Many professionals in the business world prefer this knot as it is more versatile than the Full Windsor, and it will look just as good with spread or cutaway collars as it will with more informal forward-point collars. The other benefit to the Half Windsor is that it requires fewer steps, so it can be very convenient if you're in a hurry.

This classic knot is likely one of the first ways in which you learned how to properly tie a necktie. If you're really running late, and we mean no-time-for-coffee-or-a-banana late, you can tie a four-in-hand knot in less than 30 seconds with no problems at all. One of the main drawbacks of the four-in-hand is that the knot is not symmetrical, nor is it very prominent. But many professionals prefer the smaller knot, and since each person may tie it a little bit differently, this can add a bit of charm to your ensemble that is otherwise absent in Windsor knots.

To tie a four-in-hand knot, you will need even less slack on the wide end than you would with a Half Windsor. If the wide end is too short, you'll end up with a tie that prominently displays the narrow end dangling way down past your belt line; if the wide end is too long, your entire tie might be visible when your suit is buttoned. A little trial and error might be necessary, but as a general rule, the narrow end should be about half as long as the wide part of the tie before you begin to form the knot. Cross both ends and loop the wide end over the point where the tie was originally crossed. Take the wide end and bring it underneath and over the loop around your neck. Then take the wide end and place it into the loop that has formed over the knot in the front. Pull the wide end downward and with a few adjustments, you should have a standard four-in-hand knot at the top of your necktie. Due to its relatively small knot, many gentlemen prefer this knot with the sleeker, more contoured fit of Italian-style suits, as bolder knots can sometimes take away from the sharply tapered look of the suit. For most practical applications, the four-in-hand knot is perfectly acceptable, but we would caution you to go with a more symmetrical knot for occasions that require or expect a little bit more formality than standard office attire or after-work functions.

At first glance, there is almost no difference between the St. Andrew knot and the Half Windsor knot. The biggest change lies within how the knot is actually created, even though the result is pretty much the same. Unlike all the previous knots we've covered, the tie should be turned on its reverse side when you drape it around your neck in the beginning. As a result, the part of the tie that is normally invisible will be seen if the tie is not fastened all the way up to your neck, so it is important to only use this knot if you don't plan on loosening your tie at any point during the day.

With the reverse side of the tie facing out, cross both ends (with the wide end underneath) and then wrap the wide end around the front of the forming knot. Now that the wide end of the tie should be to your right, bring it over the loop around your neck. Take the wide end and bring it across the forming knot and pull it back upwards through the loop around your neck. Then take the wide end (that should be facing out) and bring it through the top part of the knot. This should give you a symmetrical St. Andrew knot. While this knot is less common than the other three we've already discussed, it's a perfectly good alternative to the Half Windsor, and if your tie stays all the way up throughout the day no one will know the difference.

Christensen, Kelvin, Balthus, Hanover, and Grantchester knots will all yield an even appearance similar to the Windsor variations as well as the St. Andrew knot, while Nicky, Oriental, Pratt, Plattsburgh, and Victoria knots are similar in appearance to the uneven four-in-hand knot. All of these are by far less common, but one feature throughout all of the different necktie knots is that even knots are slightly more difficult to tie than uneven ones. At the end of the day, it all really comes down to personal preference.

The few exceptions to this rule, however, are the Cafe, Eldredge, and Trinity knots. While they are technically even in the most rudimentary sense of the word, these three knots are by far the most difficult to tie; as a bonus, they are also not very common, so their practical uses are limited. Rather than a flat one-dimensional knot as most neckties tend to have, these styles have more intricate patterns in the knot itself. It is very rare to see these knots in the wild, and you should only attempt to pull off this very peculiar style if you feel like you're more confident with tie knots than you were on your wedding day. They can bring a sense of intrigue and sophistication to your formal attire when you execute them properly, but their real-world applications are relatively scarce.

Considering all of the different necktie styles available, by knowing a little bit about the various common knots you will be able to maximize the utility of your wardrobe. Variety is the spice of life, after all, and with some practice, you'll be able to ensure that you look your best for any occasion. As you're browsing our custom suit offerings, be sure to check out the various ties and accessories we have available so you'll stay sharp and sophisticated whether you're headed to the office or invited to be the next keynote speaker at a formal evening event.

While bow ties are generally reserved for the most formal occasions such as black-tie dinners and weddings, the necktie is by far the most common form of neckwear in formal and professional worlds. And believe us when we say that this is an absolute godsend. However, the tie you decide to wear with a suit has the potential to make or break your entire formal ensemble. In this guide, we'll give you all the tools you'll need to increase your style sensibilities by using nuanced subtleties in the way you knot your neckties.

A Quick Guide To Necktie Knots

Fall is just around the corner, and our combined knowledge at Enzo Custom will ensure that you get into a custom suit that is not only stylish but also comfortable and warm for the latter part of the year.

While many professionals enjoy the freedom of more relaxed dress codes and brighter color selections during the spring and summer months, fall and winter can also be a time to shine from a style standpoint, as the number of accessories and suit pieces tends to increase with a drop in temperature. For all of our friends in the southern hemisphere, you may want to read up on our summer suit guide, as the hottest time of the year is only just a few months away for you. But for everyone else, the looming winter usually means scarves, overcoats, vests, and extra layers to keep you nice and toasty on those cold morning walks from the parking lot to your office building. For all but the most extreme temperature conditions (we're looking at you, Barrow, Alaska), there is usually no need to dress like the Michelin Man to stay warm, and there are plenty of stylish suit options to keep you comfortable as the days get shorter.

When it comes to staying stylish during the winter months, subtlety always goes a long way. Softer, more neutral colors tend to be very popular as opposed to bright pastel shades that seem to trend during the spring and summer. But the material of your suit is just as important, if not more so, as cold temperatures can really put additional stress on your body's mechanisms that maintain homeostasis. Here at Enzo Custom, we want to make sure that you stay warm without looking like you rummaged through a box that's been sitting in your closet for 10 years, and our style tips will keep you looking sharp, even when the weather is dull and dreary.

In terms of suit materials to keep you warm and comfortable during the winter, wool is going to be your best option. This natural material is superior to everything else on the market when it comes to regulating body temperature; not only does it pull away heat and moisture from your body during warmer parts of the year, but it also allows you to retain more heat during winter due to its superior breathability. A thicker wool is generally preferable for fall and winter, but wool/cotton blends are also acceptable. It is also one of the easiest materials to source and find as it is the most common used for suits year-round. Depending on the thickness of the wool that is used for your custom suit, overcoats, scarves, and extra layers may not be necessary if you're going for a sleeker, more minimalist look and the climate in which you live isn't particularly frigid. If, however, you find yourself in cities that have winters on the harsher side such as Chicago or Minneapolis, you may want to consider something with a little more insulation.

This is where flannel comes into play. Flannel is essentially just a thicker type of wool. Most flannel suits are made from wool or a wool/cotton blend, but sometimes other synthetics are used as well. But as we will explain shortly, synthetics should be avoided. The more loosely woven and thicker wool fibers found in flannel material will allow your body to retain extra heat, and this is obviously going to be more favorable when the temperature outside drops below freezing. As the material is woven more loosely, tiny pockets of air get trapped in between the fibers, and this provides a barrier between your body heat and the outside elements. Flannel suits are available in a wide variety of colors, styles, and patterns to fit anyone's fashion sensibilities; while the word flannel tends to have connotations of truck stops and greasy diners, many articles of winter formal wear are made from this material, even if the word itself isn't used as often in how dressier clothing items are advertised. But when the snow begins to fall and the wind turns the stagnant air into a blustery vortex, you'll be thankful for choosing the softer, thicker composition of flannel.

In the realm of custom suits, we must always emphasize that synthetic materials should be avoided, and this is especially true in winter months. Just as synthetic fibers are not ideal in the summertime due to their propensity to be suffocating, the opposite problem can occur in winter where very little heat is retained. Synthetic fibers may be more durable in the short term, as they are able to withstand more rough handling than their natural counterparts such as wool, cotton, and flannel made from wool/cotton blends, but the difference is in the longevity of the piece of clothing. While a suit made from synthetic may have a lower price point and last for a number of years, a well-tailored custom suit made from wool can last decades with proper handling and care. When it comes to lighter natural materials such as linen, this is a perfectly acceptable cloth for summer suits but as you've probably gathered, it should be avoided in winter as it also is a poor insulator. If you do opt for a linen suit this winter to add to your collection, consider adding an overcoat or vest to your clothing repertoire as well.

In contrast to the suit styles that permeate the spring and summer months, fall and winter styles tend to be more subdued, subtler, and more refined. When we're talking about the best fall and winter colors for custom suits, various shades of tan, beige, brown, and even dark burgundy are very popular choices that do a great job of complementing the shades of falling leaves and feelings associated with changing weather patterns. Classic black is also hugely popular, as it is the most common suit color for all seasons and events. A black suit made from flannel wool will keep you looking stylish and warm not only in the office but also for a night on the town. You may also want to try out some checkered or striped patterns. Soft nuanced color changes can really add a sense of tasteful subtlety to your fall ensemble. For a look that is even more reserved, consider opting for a charcoal grey pattern with very slight shade variations; from far away, your suit will look almost as if it is a uniform color until it gets closer in one's field of vision. The visual contrast that occurs at varying distances can add a very unique effect to your outfit that will stand out in a memorable and positive way.

When a custom suit by itself isn't quite enough to keep you warm during the fall and winter, especially when you get up into the higher latitudes, overcoats are a great way to add a bit of extra flair to your outfit rotations. As they are considered an accessory and not part of the suit itself, your flexibility in terms of picking out patterns, designs, and colors can get a lot more creative. With overcoats, you are certainly given more liberties to bend the unspoken fashion rules to a greater degree than you would when picking just a suit or tuxedo. As with a custom suit itself, you can't go wrong with wool for your overcoats. This extra wooly layer will keep you insulated and warm whether you're headed out to lunch or going for a quiet evening stroll. For colors, classic black, gray, or various shades of tan pair nicely with fall and winter attire, and as with most overcoats, you can feel free to wear them in both formal as well as casual settings. Chesterfields, trench coats, paletots, and even the more informal peacoat are all popular choices for that extra layer whether you're going to the office or meeting up with friends.

In addition to an overcoat to protect yourself from the elements, a vest can also add another layer to keep you warm as well as bring an extra component of style to your fall and winter look. This is especially true in the fall, as the temperature fluctuations from day and night can be quite pronounced. By adding a wool or tweed vest to your wardrobe, you'll have a leg up on your peers when it comes to sharpness and elegance.

While scarves are slightly less common today than they were in the past, they are still relatively widespread in colder regions of the United States such as the East Coast and the Midwest. The main purpose of a scarf, other than a bold style statement, is in its versatility and functionality. This extra simple piece is designed to keep your neck warm, and this is especially effective on those bone-chilling windy days. As it goes with most accessories, a scarf should match your suit as well as the rest of your outfit, but it's not an exact science. Go with black or grey if you feel more comfortable with a toned-down minimalist look, but there is also no harm in picking a color with a little more pizzazz such as red, burgundy, or even dark olive green. We would, however, suggest that the scarf should complement your suit rather than overpower it, so whatever color or design you choose shouldn't be overly loud or ostentatious, save a handful of more informal occasions. 

Style guides don't normally talk about socks because it is always going to be the part of your outfit that is seen the least. But we're betting that anyone over 30 reading this is always excited around Christmas time to get extra pairs of socks stuffed into their stockings. Seriously, the only thing that tops it is an envelope full of cold hard cash. These seemingly standard items of everyday attire are particularly handy in winter, especially if they are made with extra thickness and insulation in mind. As your feet tend to lose heat very quickly compared to the rest of your body, you want to make sure that your toes don't freeze on the way to the office, and even a small layer of extra thickness will go a long way. Whether you prefer classic black or wacky designs is really up to you, but we would caution against anything too crazy for anything above a casual setting.

At Enzo Custom, all of our tailor-made suits are fabricated with natural materials and the highest standards in mind, ensuring maximum comfort in all the seasons. And this upcoming fall and winter are no different; we've got you covered. Don't hesitate to call us, make an appointment at one of our showrooms, or browse our products online so we can tailor your next fall or winter suit just in time for the autumnal equinox. Your style will be on fire, even when it's freezing.

Fall is just around the corner, and we will ensure that you get into a custom suit that is not only stylish but also comfortable and warm for the latter part of the year. Here at Enzo Custom, we want to make sure that you stay warm without looking like you rummaged through a box that's been sitting in your closet for 10 years, and our style tips will keep you looking sharp, even when the weather is dull and dreary.

This Year's Guide To Fall And Winter Suits

Let's just say, for the sake of an entertaining anecdote, that you've been invited to speak at a political fundraiser in your city. Your tuxedo is laid out perfectly on your bed, all of your cufflinks match, your white dress shirt is ironed and pressed, and after countless YouTube videos and a bottle of wine, you have mastered the careful art of properly tying a bow tie. You're all set to head out the door until you peek into your closet and notice that the one pair of raggedy black dress shoes poking out of a pile of Nikes, flip flops, and Chuck Taylors are faded, scuffed, and no longer fit, even with the most creative applications of a shoehorn. Panicking and running out of options, you contemplate calling in sick to the event, frantically knocking on your neighbors' doors asking to borrow a pair of patent leather shoes, or sprinting to the nearest shoe store to pick up a pair of passable black loafers just in time to catch the next train.

Well, if you ever find yourself in this aforementioned pickle, we can't really help you, short of waving a magic wand or building a time machine. But what we can do is give you advice on how to avoid this predicament altogether; as the saying goes, prophylactic measures are always better than treatment for any situation.

If you are starting to build a wardrobe with various tuxedos, suits, pastel sport coats, and other formal evening ensembles, having a decent selection of shoes on hand can be equally important, especially as your rotation of clothes becomes more sophisticated. Many people new to the world of suits and tuxedos are under the assumption that any old dress shoe will do just fine, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Different dress shoes have varying degrees of appropriateness, and this is largely dependent upon the type of clothing as well as the overall ambience of an event. In this article we will give you all the style tools you'll need to pick the right shoes for the right outfit every single time.

Before we even begin to delve into the many different shoe styles available for formal—as well as informal—attire, the following rule can never be stressed enough: Belts should always match the color of your shoes, and vice versa. It is unclear from where this rule originated, but it's something that we all just do, almost instinctively. With the exception of the most informal gatherings among friends and grocery shopping after rolling out of bed, black shoes should pair with a black belt, brown shoes with a brown belt, burgundy shoes with a burgundy belt, and so on. This rule is especially important when wearing suits of any kind. But you'll find this rule a very easy one to follow, as black is one of the most common colors for formal wear when it comes to belts and shoes. This also marks a perfect segue into discussing the quintessential formal shoe that is patent leather.

Patent leather shoes are the gold standard for pairing with a tuxedo, and you'll be hard-pressed to find any shoe store that doesn't carry them. Patent leather shoes are characterized by a high-gloss coating that gives the shoes a shiny appearance, and this is normally achieved with plastics or flaxseed oil. In the past, it was common for patent leather shoes to come with very smooth and extremely slippery soles. This feature is obviously not ideal, and many men familiar with formal attire would purposely scuff the bottoms of these shoes to prevent slipping and subsequent potential serious injury. However, many patent leather shoes nowadays come with a gripped surface built into the soles; this is usually rubber or synthetic material with tiny ridges embedded into the sole that removes the need for scuffing the shoes before wearing them. Regardless of what type of sole comes with your patent leather shoes, just make sure that you can walk on them without feeling like you're skating on a freshly polished ice rink.

While patent leather shoes are most commonly associated with the tuxedo, they can also be worn with other suits. Keep in mind, however, that if you opt for patent leather with anything other than a tuxedo, the event should be on the more formal side. The black glossy finish is sometimes too much for pairings with a summer suit in light pastel colors, for example.

One more interesting tidbit about patent leather shoes is that in recent years, they have been increasingly worn with informal wear such as jeans and polo shirts. While certainly more unconventional in style, this is a trend that likely arose out of the perceived narrow use of patent leather shoes in order to broaden and maximize their utility. As informal dress codes have rules that are very loose, wearing patent leather shoes with jeans is one way to make a subtle fashion statement, and the increased comfort of patent leather shoes over the years won't leave your feet sore after a long night of socializing.

Loafers, or dress shoes that slip on with ease, are some of the most versatile and comfortable shoe styles out there. In some social circles, black loafers are perfectly acceptable to wear with tuxedos, and they are certainly given the seal of approval for most—if not all—suit types. Loafers can be an especially superb choice if you are in a hurry, as you won't be wasting any time untangling shoelaces at the last minute. Use caution, however, with suede loafers. These are generally considered more informal than their fully leather counterparts.

One of the best things about loafers is that they can also be worn with informal clothing, so if you ever feel like going out on the town after work in something more comfortable than the full suit you wore to the office, you won't have to worry about changing your shoes whether you decide to go with slacks or a decent pair of jeans. While black is the most common and highest-selling color for loafers, various shades of brown, burgundy, tan, and even mahogany are widely available. If you have more than just a few suits in your closet, consider keeping a few loafers of different colors on hand, as they will maximize the combinations your wardrobe can provide.

If you are going to an event that requires long periods of standing such as political fundraisers, weddings, or charity events, Oxfords may be the superior choice, as the extra support they provide can make you feel like you're walking on air. Just like loafers, Oxfords are considered a very common shoe variety appropriate for both formal and informal events. The Oxford style is characterized by eyelets that are positioned underneath the vamp of the shoe. This position of the eyelets is referred to as closed lacing and is considered more formal than the open lacing found in Derby shoes or bluchers. Oxfords make a great match for both tuxedos and suits, but if you choose to wear Oxfords with a tuxedo, make sure that they are polished and black at the very least.

In contrast to the closed lacing of Oxfords, Derby shoes have open lacing, or eyelets that are fastened above the vamp of the shoe. While the Derby style is seen as less formal than the Oxford, it is considered by many to be more comfortable and more breathable. Derby shoes can be paired with all types of suits, including those associated with rigid formal wear as well as more casual options for the office or outdoor events.

One of the best aspects of Derby-style shoes is that they can match with an array of formal and informal dress codes. Whether you need a full three-piece suit or you're just going to an informal business meeting that requires a pair of khakis, Derby shoes are comfortable, come in several colors and style variations, and have the benefit of lasting many years without experiencing any premature wear and tear. Even when suits or khakis are not required, you can easily thrown on a pair of Derby shoes with a pair of jeans if you want to have a casual night out. Derby shoes in casual settings such as this will still convey an elevated sense of style that would be absent with a pair of gym shoes, flip flops, or driving shoes.

In the realm of formal wear, the terms cap toe and plain toe get thrown around quite often. While the presence of a cap toe doesn't really change the level of comfort of a shoe all that much, it is more or less a style preference for most people. Cap toe shoes are considered to be more stylish and formal, but plain toe shoes can project a sleek sense of style just as well, especially if you're going for a look that is more modern and minimalist. In terms of suit styles, cap toe shoes will pair better with American- and British-style suits, while plain toe leather shoes work very nicely with the sleek and tapered contoured style of the Italian suit. Cap toe and plain toe varieties are usually available with most shoe styles, including Oxfords and Derbies.

While we've covered the basics in terms of matching shoe styles with suits, you've learned that most formal shoe styles can pair well with the majority of suit types, with tuxedos having a little more of a rigid standard. In some very informal settings, you may come across some men who might be wearing a suit, khakis, or a sport coat while rocking a pair of top-siders (boat shoes) or even some Chuck Taylors. While boat shoes may get a pass sometimes, the latter is usually not acceptable by any standards of formality, and it is nearly on par with the fashion faux pas of wearing sneakers or gym shoes with anything more formal than a pair of jeans. It's one thing to try out your aspirations of being a trailblazing trendsetter by wearing a pair of patent leather shoes with a pair of jeans, but by wearing sneakers with a suit or even a pair of khakis, you'll just end up looking ridiculous. So while this rule is pretty cut-and-dry, if you're unsure of what type of shoe to wear to your next formal event, it is always best to err on the side of formality rather than dressing down.

At Enzo Custom, we not only pride ourselves in making tailored custom suits of the highest quality, but also in providing our combined knowledge of making sure your entire ensemble for your next formal event or business meeting is up to high standards, from your cufflinks all the way down to your toes.

If you are starting to build a wardrobe with various tuxedos, suits, pastel sport coats, and other formal evening ensembles, having a decent selection of shoes on hand can be equally important, especially as your rotation of clothes becomes more sophisticated. In this article we will give you all the style tools you'll need to pick the right shoes for the right outfit every single time.

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