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 suits for men today sit at the intersection of ease, intention, and longevity. The best looks feel relaxed on the body but sharp to the eye, use fabrics that respect both your skin and the environment, and are chosen in colors that actually work with your features instead of fighting them. Rather than chasing a single “it” look, modern tailoring is about a small, well‑chosen roster of suits that can move from courtroom to client dinner to weekend event without ever feeling off.
Trending Men’s Suit Silhouettes (Fit Styles)
The dominant shift is away from tight, hyper‑trim suits toward a “tailored‑relaxed” silhouette. A good modern jacket still follows your shape, but with more ease in the chest, shoulder, and sleeve, and trousers that are straight, wide, or gently tapered instead of skinny. Room in the thigh, a clean line through the leg, and a proper rise make the suit drape instead of cling. It looks intentional, moves with you, and avoids the pulling and creasing that instantly reads as cheap or dated.
Structure now tends to be “all or nothing.” On one side are deliberately structured suits—stronger shoulders, clear waist suppression, crisp lapels—that lean into a classic masculine V‑shape and a bit of “I dressed up on purpose today” energy. On the other side are unstructured or softly constructed jackets with minimal padding and light canvassing, closer to a shirt‑jacket than armor. These breathe better, especially in hot, humid climates, and create a fluid, easy line when you walk. Most men look best with a foot in both camps: one properly structured suit for high‑stakes days, and one softer, unstructured option for everything else.
Relaxed-Fit Suits
The dominant shift is away from tight, hyper‑trim suits toward a “tailored‑relaxed” silhouette. A good modern jacket still follows your shape, but with more ease in the chest, shoulder, and sleeve, and trousers that are straight, wide, or gently tapered instead of skinny. Room in the thigh, a clean line through the leg, and a proper rise make the suit drape instead of cling. It looks intentional, moves with you, and avoids the pulling and creasing that instantly reads as cheap or dated.
Structured vs Unconstructed
Structure now tends to be “all or nothing.” On one side are deliberately structured suits—stronger shoulders, clear waist suppression, crisp lapels—that lean into a classic masculine V‑shape and a bit of “I dressed up on purpose today” energy. On the other side are unstructured or softly constructed jackets with minimal padding and light canvassing, closer to a shirt‑jacket than armor. These breathe better, especially in hot, humid climates, and create a fluid, easy line when you walk. Most men look best with a foot in both camps: one properly structured suit for high‑stakes days, and one softer, unstructured option for everything else. For more information on men’s body types, check out this post from The Getting Dressed Podcast.
Wide Lapels
Lapels are doing a lot of the visual work in modern suiting. Wider lapels have become a quiet default because they balance relaxed trousers, broaden the torso visually, and frame the face in a way that feels cinematic but not costume‑y. On a double‑breasted jacket they emphasize the V‑shape and bring presence; on a single‑breasted sport coat they add just enough strength that you can keep the rest of the outfit simple. The key is proportion: wide enough to read contemporary and confident, not so extreme that they overshadow you.
Slim, razor‑thin lapels, by contrast, are receding. They are closely associated with a specific fast‑fashion era: tight jackets, low‑cost production, and a one‑shape‑fits‑all aesthetic. On many bodies, very narrow lapels actually make shoulders look smaller and heads larger, which is rarely the goal. As tailoring shifts toward comfort, drape, and individuality, lapels are being treated as a design lever—adjusted to suit your frame and taste—rather than a trend box to tick.
Fabric, sustainability, and comfort
Modern suiting trends are also fabric trends. There is a clear move away from heavy reliance on synthetics and toward natural fibers like wool, organic cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo and blends thereof. These materials breathe better, drape more gracefully, and age in a way that feels intentional rather than worn‑out. Lightweight, open‑weave wools, wool‑linen and wool‑silk blends, hopsack, tropical wool, soft flannels, and subtle jacquards give suits texture and depth without shouting.
Sustainability and comfort go hand in hand here. Suits are increasingly designed to be kept, altered, and reworn across years: fewer petroleum‑based fibers, more durable cloth, and construction that can handle a tailor’s needle. For the wearer, that translates into less static, better temperature regulation, and garments that genuinely get better with time instead of degrading quickly. The “no polyester if you can help it” mantra isn’t just environmental; it’s about how good the suit feels on your body at 8 p.m. after a long day.
Trending Men’s Suit Colors and Patterns
Intentional and Earthy 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: Beown (more specifically, “mocha mousse”) is the color of the year for fashion and products in general. Capitol Hill Clothiers has noticed a sharp uptick in clients looking for brown toned 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 and Capitol Hill Clothiers can make you whatever you need!
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.
