The clothes you wear have a huge impact on people’s perception of you. But did you know that your attire can also change the way you think and perform? This is why it’s so important you wear suits you feel comfortable and confident in.

The color of your suit is the first thing people notice. It’s a reflection of your taste and personality. It’s also an indication of your knowledge regarding style, as some colors are only appropriate for certain situations.

If you’re in the market for a new suit and want to be sure you make the right choice, keep reading. We’re going over some rules that will help you decide what color suit to buy next.

Consider Your Skin Tone

The best suit colors for men highly depend on skin tone. In fact, this is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a new suit.

The good news is, there’s a perfect color for everyone. You’ll just need to explore your options and find a good balance.

Here are some basic rules regarding skin tone.

Fair Complexions

If you have light skin, brown is the best color for you. It works with any hair color and creates a healthy contrast.

If you need something more formal, go with grey. This color works with any skin tone and will help you stand out.

Unfortunately, black suits are difficult for lighter skin tones. The sharp contrast can make you look too pale or even sickly.

Fair to Medium Complexions

If your skin tone is a little darker, but still somewhat fair, try navy blue. This color provides just enough contrast and exudes an energetic vibe.

If you’re more medium than fair, you could even try a brighter blue suit if you’re looking for something a little bolder. Just make sure you don’t go overboard.

If you want a darker suit, go with charcoal grey instead of black.

Medium to Dark Complexions

If you’re on the darker side of medium, congratulations. You have the best skin tone for a black suit. In fact, you’ll be able to pull off pretty much anything except brown.

If you have very dark skin, a lighter grey will look great on you. Khaki also works well too.

With darker skin, however, try to minimize darker colors. You need more contrast.

When You Need Versatility

It’s a good idea to have suits that work for a number of situations. The three colors that achieve this are charcoal grey, navy, and black.

These darker colors are great for formal events, professional attire, or more festive situations like a wedding. You can alter the vibe by pairing them with different shirts and ties.

Let’s break down each color to help you decide which is best for you.

Charcoal Grey

Charcoal grey suits are perfect for formal events. They exude a more dignified feel and are great for younger men who want to look older, more sophisticated, and experienced.

These are perfect for daily professional life, but can also work for social situations. If wearing a charcoal grey suit to a wedding or formal party, try a pop of color in your shirt and tie.

Navy Blue

This is a very popular color right now. A navy blue suit is great for work, as it signifies authority and energy.

If you’re a social person, navy blue is a good choice. It exudes youthfulness while also maintaining a strong sense of professionalism.

While not as formal as charcoal grey or black, it’s still highly acceptable for situations such as weddings.

Black

A traditional black suit conveys dominance and is closely associated with formality. While this color works for a number of situations, it has its limitations.

A black suit can create a huge contrast with everything else you’re wearing. That’s why you need to be careful when choosing a tie and shirt to go with it.

If you have a light complexion, you may want to steer clear of black suits. The contrast can wash you out. Black is more suited for men with darker hair and skin tone.

Casual Options

If you need to add a more subtle, casual suit to your wardrobe, the color you choose is crucial. However, you still want to consider your personality and style.

The last thing you want to do is get adventurous with the color of suit you buy and then realize you don’t feel comfortable in it.

Dark Brown

Traditionally, this color has been associated with intelligence and academia. It’s a very popular option for casual events and is great for autumn.

When choosing a brown suit, consider the fabric. A brown tweed suit has a very English feel and brings a dash of sophistication. A linen sports jacket is more light and casual.

Keep in mind you should avoid wearing dark brown when an event calls for formal attire. Save this color for more relaxed situations.

Light Gray

Even more casual is a light grey suit. These are great for all seasons and can add some flair to your wardrobe.

Light grey works perfectly with pretty much any skin tone. They’re great for outdoor events, but you can also edge on formality by pairing it with a white shirt and black tie.

Khaki

If you need a casual suit for summer, consider khaki. These are great if you want a break from your professional attire but you still need to look sharp.

Khaki suits give you the opportunity to go bold with your shirt and tie. The subtle nature of khaki is more forgiving of bright colors such as pastels.

Know What Color Suit to Buy

Choosing a new suit is difficult, especially if you already have a vast wardrobe. Fortunately, there are countless options out there, which gives you the opportunity to add some variety to your collection.

Don’t make the mistake of buying something without considering the color. There are rules to this fashion game, and if you break them it reflects poorly on you.

Use the tips above when deciding what color suit to buy and come out looking perfect.

We provide a wide range of custom menswear. Contact us today.