Trending Suits for Men

Washington, DC is a city of sophistication, power, and prestige. For men who work in the capital city or are looking to climb the professional ladder in any city, a high-quality suit is a must-have. But with so many styles to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's why we've gathered the latest trends in suits for men to guide you in making a stylish and confident fashion statement.

Before we get into the details, let me first let you know who I am and why anything I say might be worth your time. My name is Anthony Bolognese, owner of Capitol Hill Clothiers based in Washington, DC. It’s my job to keep a finger on the pulse of what’s trending in fashion for both men and women so that I can keep style-interested individuals like yourself informed when it’s time to buy (or custom-design) a new suit! Should you find yourself in the Washington, DC metro area, give me a shout and we’ll get a suit in the works for you!

Trending Men’s Suit Silhouettes (Fit Styles)

Slim-fit Suits

A trend that has continued to dominate the suit industry is the slim-fit suit. Slim-fit suits are tailored to be a bit more fitted, showcasing a man's physique and giving off a very modern look. In contrast to a traditional suit, slim-fit suits have smaller arm holes, more tapered sleeves and pant legs, and are generally more form-fitted all around. Whether it's a solid or patterned slim-fit suit, this contemporary style is effortlessly fashionable and highly versatile.

Warning: There is absolutely such a thing as too slim. Your suit should fit your body comfortably and not feel too tight anywhere. Make sure that whether you’re purchasing and altering a suit off the rack or working with a custom tailor to create your suit from scratch you know the fit you’re looking for and that the final garment ensures you’ve got a full range of motion.

Double-Breasted Suits

Fashion is cyclical but style is forever. Double-breasted suits are another must-have trend for men. This style of suit features two columns of buttons on the front of the jacket. The double-breasted style has undergone a modern update with slimmer cut jackets, and the added buttons give a masculine touch to any ensemble. They're a perfect choice for formal dinners, upscale events, and professional business meetings.

Note: Double-breasted jackets are best suited for men with an inverted triangle body type, as they help to accentuate broader shoulders and a more narrow waist. For more information on men’s body types, check out this post from The Getting Dressed Podcast.

Wide Lapels

Are wide lapels coming back? Yes. With a vengeance. Designers in the high fashion space never stopped embracing them and in today’s fashion economy, they’re as good as gold. Wide lapels are a great way to create that inverted triangle image even if (like me) you don’t have it naturally. They bring attention upward toward the shoulders and in turn, make the waistline look more slim. Whether you go with a peak or notch lapel, opting for a wider look is very on-trend and can do wonders for the conversation-starting aspect of your wardrobe.

Trending Men’s Suit Colors and Patterns

Bold and Vibrant Colors

While traditional black, navy, and gray suits provide a classic and timeless look, bold and vibrant colors are making a comeback in the modern fashion scene. Suits in shades of crimson, burgundy, royal blue, or emerald green are popping up more and more on the runway and in men's wardrobes. They create a stunning eye-catching statement, enhancing an individual's intrigue and perceived confidence.

Specific note: Green is trending toward being the color of the year for fashion and products in general. Capitol Hill Clothiers has noticed a sharp uptick in clients looking for forest green and sage green suits over the past 6 months and you’ll find that a lot of designers are pushing this color palette in their products as well.

Windowpane and Plaid Suits

Windowpane and plaid suits are excellent options for men who want a stylish update without going too far out of their comfort zone. This trend has been around for a long time but has recently gained increased popularity due to its timeless yet trendy look. The checks or plaids are less overpowering than other patterns, giving a subtle statement that's still stylish and trendy.

Color options for these patterns are near-limitless. Fabric mills are constantly releasing great new patterns and textures in varying sizes and color contrasts. Some of my personal favorites come from Loro Piana’s new Cashmere Wish summer collection.

Textured Suits

A trending style for both Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter is the textured suit. This look adds depth and dimension to any outfit as well as seasonal functionality, making the suit catch the eye and create a lasting impression while helping to keep you either warm or cool depending on the texture and fabric weight. From tweeds to velvets to open-weave hopsacks, suits with texture are an instant pop of sophistication and functionality.

For Spring/Summer: Hopsack fabrics, linens (and blends thereof), and cotton twills are great options to add texture and breathability to your suit or jacket.

For Fall/Winter: Flannels, tweeds, and heavier-weight cashmeres are very insulating materials with great texture that can add a pop of style and warmth to your cold-weather wardrobe.

In a city like DC where professionalism and style go hand-in-hand, choosing the right suit style becomes essential. While there are countless suit styles to choose from, these trends are the hottest and most in demand for the modern man. Whether you're heading for a high-profile business meeting, speaking at a formal event, or just want to elevate your day-to-day look, any of these suits will guarantee you feel confident, look stylish, and make a lasting impression fit for the nation's capital.