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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Peter Bevan

Best work suits for men: Smart tailoring for the 9 to 5

If there’s one thing that belongs in every man’s wardrobe, it’s a timeless, well-fitted suit.

Whether you work in an office where tailoring is mandatory, or perhaps you just like to feel smart at work, a quality suit in a classic colour and silhouette is an investment that will live in your arsenal for years to come.

The most important part? The fit. It needs to fit impeccably, or else risk looking like you’re wearing your dad’s hand-me-down, or worse that you’re squeezing into your childhood two-piece. If you’re unsure of your sizes, heading to the likes of Reiss or Marks & Spencer to have yourself fitted by a tailor is a must.

You can choose from a sharp single-breasted style or a more boxy double-breasted option, where the former tends to be sleeker, more slim fitting and ideal for more formal occasions, while the latter is more relaxed and easier to wear with casual T-shirts or shirts.

Our top rule: never opt for a jersey suit. They may feel more comfortable than their wool siblings, but tailoring is designed to be structured, so anything that lacks shape is a big no-no.

We’ve rounded up the best on the market now that will have you strutting around with sartorial elegance in no time.

Reiss Bold Slim Fit Single Breasted Wool Blazer

Known for its quality tailoring, you can’t go wrong with a Reiss suit.

Cut from a wool blend to an impeccable fit with all of the classic details you could ask for, this navy two-piece is a surefire way to score style points in the workplace.

Buy now £296.00, Reiss

Charles Tyrwhitt Prince of Wales Check Suit - Oatmeal

A brand that offers a six-month guarantee on its entire collection, regardless of condition, lack of packaging, or labels, Charles Tyrwhitt clearly creates pieces that last.

If you’re looking for a touch more interest to wear to the office, perhaps this check design will do just the trick. Designed in a super soft flannel wool, it’s equal parts comfy and stylish for a suit you’ll never want to take off.

Buy now £399.95, Charles Tyrwhitt

Sunspel Corduroy Suit

For British classics, which, of course, includes the traditional suit, Sunspel is the heritage brand that should be on your radar.

Crafted using soft corduroy from French corduroy specialists, it’s a luxurious suit that has a vintage-inspired twist with a coffee coloured finish and relaxed fit.

Jacket, £395, Trousers, £235

Buy now £395.00, Sunspel

Moss Bros Slim Fit Teal Flannel Jacket

Blue is the new black, which is why you should be adding Moss Bros’ terrific teal two-piece to your basket.

A single-breasted style, it’s on the narrower side with a bit of room in all the right places. Paired with a shirt for work or a knitted polo on the weekend, it’s a versatile option that will see you through day and night.

Jacket, £149, Trousers, £80

Buy now £149.00, Moss Bros

Marks & Spencer Regular Fit Pure Wool Double Breasted Suit

Crafted from pure wool that’s resistant to wrinkles, super soft, and breathable, this charcoal suit by M&S is perfect for men on the go.

With one of the best size ranges on the market and credentials that include being the official tailor of the England football squad, this is not just a suit - it’s an M&S suit.

Buy now £199.00, Marks & Spencer

Ben Cobb x Tiger of Sweden Prince of Wales-check Suit

A checked suit is sophistication defined. For those with a penchant for Seventies style, the Ben Cobb x Tiger of Sweden collaboration will answer your wardrobe wishes. The crisp-cut Prince of Wales check suit is a luxurious take on the vintage silhouette for a touch of sartorial nostalgia. One for those with a flair for flares.

Buy now £658.00, Matches

Prada Double-breasted Mohair-blend Suit

For a suit you’ll keep forever, look no further than Prada.

Go for a classic monochrome that you’ll get the ultimate wear out of, whether it’s work or a black tie event. The featured mohair blend and charcoal pigment will stand out from the more traditional designs worn by everyone who’s not in Prada.

Jacket, £2850, Trousers, £980

Buy now £2850.00, Matches

Loewe Pressed-front Wool-blend Suit

Loewe’s suit proves that midnight blue is a step up from navy. The luxury two-piece features refined tailoring crafted from a wool and mohair blend. Pair the Italian-made, single-breasted jacket with the coordinating trousers for a sharp take that it’s a subtle cut above the rest.

Jacket, £1500, Trousers, £725

Buy now £1500.00, Matches

Paul Smith The Soho - Tailored-Fit Wool Suit

In a beautiful blue, Paul Smith’s suit will make you stand out in a sea of black, grey, and navy.

Cut to the expert tailor’s laid-back Soho fit, it’s a clean silhouette that will never go out of fashion. As is the signature Paul Smith style, it features a contrast vivid violet lining for a pop of playful colour.

Buy now £1115.00, Paul Smith

COS Mélange Wool Suit

COS nailed the slim-fit look with its streamlined blazer in smart navy. Crafted from a rich wool blend, the piece has been meticulously tailored with timeless details and notched lapels.

Simply layer over a white shirt, tank top or knit for a laid-back look. Matching suit shorts are also available for those with a relaxed office environment.

Buy now £190.00, COS

Officine Générale 375 Suit

Parisian brand Officine Generale designs wardrobe staples that are intended for use season after season, which is exactly what you’ll do with this suit.

Single-breasted, fully lined and designed in Italian worsted wool, it’s a chic option that will live in your collection for years to come.

Buy now £222.75, Officine Générale

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