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10 places to wear a suit where you normally wouldn’t.

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Dappered Classics: Where to wear your favorite suit(s) more often.

Originally Published 3/20/12

It takes practice to feel your most comfortable when most dressed up… if you’re normally not.  So even if you’ve got a great suit that’s impeccably tailored, when it comes time to actually use it for a big event, you’ll want to be so used to wearing it that it’s no big thing.  That means making up excuses to put it on if you’re not in a suit and tie workplace. Here’s a few suggestions on where to wear that favorite suit of yours…

1. On an airplane – It’ll save you from having to check a garment bag.  That and the skies tend to get a whole lot friendlier while flying in a well cut suit.  The flight attendants treat you better, as do people who are sitting near you.  They assume you’re someone important going somewhere important. Even if that ain’t quite the case.

2. Bar crawling on a Saturday night – “You look like you own the place.”  “I do.”  “Wait, really?”

3. To work, when you don’t normally – “You look like you’re headed to an interview.”  “I am.”  “Wait, really?”

4. When shopping, especially if you’re suit shopping – The good news is you’ll be treated better, and you’ll be able to compare your favorite to any new potential acquisitions if shopping for a suit.  The bad news is that some sales associates might think you’re made of money.

5. During the Summer – As long as it’s light in color, weight, and fabric.  A summer suit is an awesome thing to have.

6. When checking into a hotel – Dudes in baggy cargo pants hardly ever get upgraded.  Now’s a good time to see if you can make an upgrade happen.  And if you’re staying in Las Vegas, then all the better.

7. When drinking alone – When out of course.  If you go through the effort to put on a suit just to make yourself a Brooklyn at home, then good God man, you’ve got issues.

8. To Saturday mid-afternoon Lunch – Despite what Mad Men might have you think, pulling off a three drink lunch during the work week isn’t easy.  Hit somewhere real nice on a Saturday for lunch.  It’s cheaper, and there’s something about crashing on your couch for a 4pm nap while wearing worsted wool.

9. While hosting a poker party – Class it up once.  Instead of the usual kielbasa fest, invite some ladies (if you don’t already) and give it a dressed up theme.  Keep the stakes affordable, & make cocktails instead of swilling cheap beer.

10. While making your significant other a home cooked candle lit dinner – Watch out for those grease splatters.

Comments

  1. With today’s ultra lax casual dressing style, you can get the same reaction from this list by just putting on a well fitted blazer/sportcoat with some nice trousers/chinos. 

  2. It’s unfortunate, but it’s no longer a suit and tie world. In an age where wearing an untucked button up shirt, jeans with only a few holes and tears, and your cleanest pair of Vans (despite being 28) is considered dressed up, men in suits in casual situations tend to snap necks. I have been wearing my suits out almost everywhere, and it’s amazing the reactions I get. People want to know why you’re wearing a suit. Whether its a cute cocktail waitress at your local dive, or the girl behind the counter at taco bell, people suddenly become friendlier.

  3. Correction – suit and tie country. In my (limited) travels, I’ve seen quite a few people wearing suits sipping coffee at 10 am on a Saturday in Europe. 🙂

  4. The suit is a the physical expression of male charisma, so you can be expected to be treated better when wearing it. I agree with wearing it on flights to avoid packing it but not for transcontinental travel; comfort comes first. To Geoff’s point, you’re absolutely right about Europe. The best dressed guy here on Dappered wouldn’t even make the first sartorial cut in most of France or Italy. Pretty bad when a sportcoat and jeans is cause for a national inquistion. The bar is really low in North America.

  8. I always wear at least a blazer when travelling, it really does make a difference to how you are treated. I’m not sure Europeans are that much better dressed. I lived in Paris for several years and saw my fair share of over-distressed jeans and affliction style shirts.

  10. They are better dressed on average in Paris, it’s not even close. Although for my money the most stylish place in the world is Stockholm. And the women…

  11. #4, times a billion. I don’t necessarily always wear a suit to go shopping, but I definitely put on a coat and tie and some decent shoes. Sales staff will treat you like a prince if you look like you can afford everything in their store. More importantly, if you’re young or very young-looking like I am, they won’t automatically treat you like dirt.

    My worst shopping experience was when I was trying to buy a suit a few years ago – it was hotter than Hades outside and naturally I was working shorts, t-shirt, and sandals. I was literally completely ignored by the sales staff in the suit section in Nordstrom, even when I was obviously trying to solicit their help. Probably one of the most humiliating and infuriating sales experiences of my life – also one of the reasons I ended up buying a suit at Macy’s.

  12. I used to always do #2, then one time, an attractive girl told me that it looked like I was trying harder than I should. She said it looked like I had a good body underneath it — which I didn’t, I just have a good tailor — and it seemed like I was trying to look important. Although, I could have dressed down the outfit more by loosening the tie, not wearing french cuffs and a tie bar, etc. I looked like I was off to have a power lunch with an important client instead of having fun at a bar.

    One main thing I learned from this site is that well-dressed man dresses well for the occasion he’s attending.

  13. one of the best articles i got to read on this website. Maybe because i did most of these things and it’s absolutely true. Keep this site going

  15.  Women are often intimidated by men who outshine them. You were shit tested, and it sounds like you failed. Trying hard is a woman with highlights. Think about that, when is the last time you’ve told a woman, hey I like your highlights? Keep doing #2, and don’t worry about what one person tells you, if we all were affected in that manner, we’d stop presenting ourself nicely at all.

  16.  Women are often intimidated by men who outshine them. You were shit tested, and it sounds like you failed. Trying hard is a woman with highlights. Think about that, when is the last time you’ve told a woman, hey I like your highlights? Keep doing #2, and don’t worry about what one person tells you, if we all were affected in that manner, we’d stop presenting ourself nicely at all.

  17. I recently had to do a series of out-of-town interviews and decided to wear my suit on the airplane instead of the usual polo shirt and khakis I do when traveling. I can say without a doubt that I am never getting on an airplane in anything other than a suit ever again. Not only did I get called “sir” by TSA agents (which never usually happens), but the internal pockets of a suit jacket are great for keeping up with travel documents and what not. Flying in a suit is definitely the way to go.

  18. I love doing #3.  I’ve been having way too much fun with it recently after getting a couple jackets/blazers and a pair of suits in the past 9 months.  When I get an “Whoa.  Interview today?” comment, I usually replay “Of course not.  If I was going to an interview, I would have worn a tie/grey suit/white shirt.” 

    Regarding #4, I was actually grocery shopping one evening after work wearing my grey suit, and as I was checking out at the U-scan, all of a sudden I hear “My, aren’t we looking nice today.”  Yup, 22-year-old-ish cashier was making a pass at me.  I’m married with 2 kids, and couldn’t remember the last time someone openly flirted with me.  You’d better believe I walked out of there feeling like a million bucks, and determined to wear a suit more often.

  19. It seemed like genuine advice to me because she was actually more complementary than criticizing, so I didn’t mind taking that point into consideration. And there was no chance of hooking up with her since we were both there for a mutual friend’s birthday, and in retrospect, I think she was there with a guy.

  21. You’re also comparing Europe to NYC, which, generally speaking of course, is a lot better than a majority of the rest of the US when it comes to fashion/style.

  22. And even still, you get plenty of pretty lack-luster style from NYC residents.

    (I also posted the above, it switched to “guest” for some reason).

  23. I agree and disagree with her.  Not sure what type of bar it was, but if it was a dive, a suit, tie, cuffs/links and a tie bar is pretty intense (particularly if you’re not coming from work, where you wear them usually).  However, if you have a decent suit that you dress down (no tie maybe (if you like that look), or with a sweater or more patterned shirt or something).

    I agree that you dress well for the occasion/location, but I think that definitely takes into account your surrounds moreso than the general consensus on here seems to be.

  25. Main pic reminds me of myself at a transfer station (garbage truck stop) in my suit and pocket square. Out of place like you wouldnt believe, but it felt great.

    Also plan on wearing my suit on my trip to Vegas as ill be leaving directly from work.. May be worth asking if any upgrades are available.

  26. I really like this one!  I try to wear a suit for every occasion that calls for one, and many occasions that don’t…these are great.

  27. On a side note, I’m on a tight budget…really tight, but I’ve fallen in love with one of the Ledbury short run shirts this month…does anyone here recomend them?  Are their shirts as awesome as they say?  Also, would anyone want to be my refer a friend to get $25 credit…and I would ultimately get the same $25.

  28. this is the ledbury shirt I WANT/NEED!
    http://www.ledbury.com/products/the-red-starks-gingham-twill-1

    JCrew has this…similar colors not gingham, but much cheaper and available in a slim fit…
    http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/shirts/lightweightwashedshirts/PRDOVR~64247/64247.jsp

    should I go for the spurge on the Ledbury short run, or save myself some buckies with the similar, but not identical JCrew offering?  ARGH, I’m terrible at making decisions….that’s why I need ya’lls help, please! =D

  29. #1 – if in business class/first class, then sure. If in coach, prepare to ruin a nice suit.

  30. If you plan to wear a tie the ledbury is great – if not then a spread collar isn’t my fave. The opposite is true for the jcrew option.

    Keep looking?

  31. MarCar-
    Good advice from ron combs below. From someone who owns a number of the J Crew lightweight shirts, also beware that the J Crew version is very dressed down- no structure to the collar whatsoever, so it won’t be the best option if you want to wear it with a blazer.

  32. I think a suit still packs a whallop that a blazer and trousers can’t muster. Blazers add style to a shirt and trousers, but suits, as a foundational element in an outfit, are the style itself.

  33. “The suit is a the physical expression of male charisma”
    I don’t know if you made this up or got it from somewhere else, but that is all kinds of awesome. 10 perfect words.

  34.  Do it anyway. By all means go out if you feel like it but suit up at home if you feel like it too. It’s about practicing to feel comfortable in a suit and where are you more comfortable than at home? Guys did all the time back in the day anyways. There’s a picture floating around the web of Bryan Ferry in a suit relaxing at home whit his dog. Be like Bryan Ferry.

  35. I already mentioned a *slight* disagreement with #7. Can I add a few more suggestions of my own?

    11. Get a little culture –  visit the library, visit a museum, visit an art gallery, go to the symphony or the opera sometime. You’ll always be dresssed appropriately, you’ll be more likely to blend in than in other places, and you’ll be improving your mind along with your style.

    12. Go for a stroll – go a nice leisurely walk in the afternoon or evening. You can combine it with some small errands. You’ll get some fresh air and some gentle exercise as well.

    13. Have a nice picnic in the park – go with friends or your significant other (or both) If it’s warm wear that nice summer suit Joe mentioned (you can always take off the jacket and loosen the tie later). Bonus points for straw boaters, panama hats, and seersucker.

    14. Go to the movies – Why not? Especially if it’s for a date night. The way movies are getting expensive you might as well. You’ll get treated better there too.

    15. Visiting a house of worship – it’s almost always appropriate there. Even in the many houses of worship that have gotten casual it’s always appropriate for visitors , particularly on important days like Christmas and Easter when the regulars are most likely to be dressed up. If you’re a regular at a casual church, suit up for Christmas and Easter anyways.

  36. Literally got escorted to the first class security line and skipped the masses at 6:00am this morning at Midway in Chicago for no apparent reason – guess who had a well-tailored Kenneth Cole suit purchased for $130 from overstock.com on?  

  38. I have no strong feelings one way or another about the soon to be ex-Broncos QB, but I Tebowed when I read this.  Closing up shop, our work is done for the day.  That right there.  Nicely done Conan.

  41. I lived in France for a time not too long ago and while Europeans may not wear clothes as baggy as the average American’s, I wouldn’t put them on quite the same pedestal you do.

    I’m talking about younger generations in Europe.  Older generations certainly dress better but look at the average college student in France and they’re wearing the same low-quality clothes most Americans do, theirs just come from H&M instead of Koh’s.

  45. I definitely agree with being treated better when wearing a suit, or wearing a tie and blazer at least. I started heading straight to the gym after work in my suit and all the lovely ladies on the treadmills would all give me “the look” as I walk to the locker room. When I used to change in my office before heading to the gym I’d get completely ignored. Also I had a discrepancy with my bill at my insurance company. Went in person in a suit and was helped immediately. Repeatedly called sir. And whatever the discrepancy was was clearly their fault, cause a guy in a suit wouldn’t waste his time if the error wasn’t legit. Haha!

    I actually can’t wait to try wearing a suit the next time I fly. I’ve never considered it before… It just seems as if it would be too out of place if not flying first class.

  46. I have a flight later this month and I am absolutely going to rock my Thompson suit. Will report on my results. Thanks for the inspiration!

  47. Many thanks.  I’m looking to wear it with a sportscoat and tie, so I’m thinking I’ll spend the extra money for the better looking ledbury, and worry about eating later.  Hahaha.  I kid of course, but I know the way I’ll feel with the Ledbury shirt on will definitely be worth every penny!  The first compliment I get on it, which I imagine will be pretty soon after I put it on will pay for the shirt right then and there.  Thanks guys!

  48. I thought you were going to say that you don’t always wear a suit, but when you do,you prefer a Double breasted…Stay worsted,my friends…

  50. Well, I just look forward to the day when wearing coat-and-tie is once again commonplace, if only so that people will never again say things like “the suit is the physical expression of male charisma” unironically.

  51. I also look forward to the day when wearing coat-and-tie is once again commonplace ( and I suspect there are a lot more guys who do to than will admit it) but  I think “the suit is the physical expression of male charisma” is a perceptive thing to write. So what if it was written without irony if it’s true. It’s time to be sincere about some things. We can’t hold on to adolescent irony forever.

  53. The (1) suit (2) is (3) a the (4; pick one) physical (5) expression (6) of (7) male (8) charisma (9).

  54. Ah, but I’m not talking about “adolescent irony.” I am talking about awareness of the distance between sentimental fantasy and the real, which is a very adult sort of irony indeed, and one in perpetually short supply here in the U.S.A. Since, as the comments on this site make all too clear, that sort of healthy irony is not getting any more plentiful, what else can one do but hope for a return to the days when a popular TV sitcom could plausibly depict the distinctly uncharismatic Fred Mertz–who, you’ll remember, had no job as such to go to–walking around his own apartment building daily in a suit and tie? That would surely poke holes in a few iGent fantasies about the magical ladykillin’ powers of tailored clothing, wouldn’t it?

  59. love this post ive worn my suit  when i decided to go have a drink, take a flight, and to work before when i didnt have to. People treat you way different in a good way lol. Also especially when it comes to women. On my days off i like to go downtown in my area around lunch time to socialize and meet some quality women. A good place i get my suits from is megasuits.com  then i get them tailored to fit. If you want to get some nice suits at a nice price check them out and you can get a additional 15% off by mentioning SUM20 and heres the number  8884341023. great blog

  60. Do it. There’s a great video from J. Crew out there somewhere that talks about how you should be so comfortable in your suit, you can watch a football game on the couch while wearing it.

  61. Come on… no reason a suit can’t be comfortable. I typically find wool, chino, poplin etc. more comfortable than say denim for pretty much any occasion. And please don’t say you wear sweat pants on flights…

  62. Agreed Joe, but for bar crawling – sticking to barrel cuffs, not rocking a power tie, and wearing a lighter colored suit will probably make you look a little less ‘business’ like.

  67. Don’t think I mentioned it in my earlier posts, but that night, I had just got off my shift when I was working for Banana Republic. Nowadays, when I wear a suit to a bar, it’s barrel cuffs and either loosened or no tie

  68. I meant to mention my update: when I wore a suit to O’Hare, I got plenty of admiring looks, and a “nice suit, bro” from an attendant. I may not have gotten bumped to first class, but I did feel like a Coach-riding Don Draper…

  69. If there ever ends up being a “Best of Dappered” section, this post definitely goes near the top of the list.

  71. This site always excels in the trying-too-hard department…if it looks forced for your surroundings, you’ll just look like a douche…

  72. I am currently wearing a suit, drinking bourbon, on my couch playing videogames.

    Screw the end of #7.

  73. Completely agree about the “Nicer treatment on airlines” part. Have experienced and enjoyed the enhanced hospitality many a time.

  74. Love this article. Just as I’m gearing up for my James Bond 50th anniversary Blu Ray marathons in September and SkyFall moods through the rest of the year.

  75. Ditto – I’ve gotten free car rental and hotel room upgrades, comp’d drinks on flights, and had airport security personnel single me out to let me know there were shorter security lines nearby. I’m not saying all of that was only because I wear a suit when travelling – I’m also unfailingly polite when dealing with people working hard anywhere – but I can’t imagine it hurt. Even if it’s only tangentially related to the suit, it certainly makes that couple hundred bucks money well spent.

  79. Hmmmm indeed. This was published a month before theirs. Not to say there can’t be similar ideas out there. But the mention of poker is a detail that’s awfully close. Lots of exclamation points over there.

  82. This morning i went to a farm with a friend who wanted fresh milk to make a special cheese. how about milking a cow in a suit!!!

    your welcome

  83. Just bought a suit for a friend’s wedding. Wore that suit like a boss! Now I want any excuse I can find to wear it again!