Suit Style 2009-2010

Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 August 2009 09:45 Monday, 24 August 2009 19:49

After metroman, skinny man was in vogue. Thankfully skinny never really took off outside the hairdressing set so there's a backlash underway now and we're big fans. Bulky, manly and classic cut with strong lines and definition.

2009 in fashion is all about recession and the economic downturn. Men's fashion in particular has a streak of hard working blue collar running through it. Suits are looking back at the 30's and combining the style with modern elements. Strong broad shoulders with narrow waists are appearing, but we're still out on issuing a verdict on narrow waists. Although we love Tom Ford suits, some of his creations for the 2009 season feature overly narrow waists that we're not fond of. At all. Its as if the skinny in skinny jeans has moved upwards to tackle the waist. That the blue collar manly worker suddenly achieved feminine looking hips. The two styles - narrow waists and manly shoulders just don't sit well together.  Too narrow a waist and the a starts appearing doll like. Broad shoulders coupled with narrow waists and you're in real danger of looking like you could be top heavy and tip over in a strong gust of wind. A good balance is required between having a 'fit' narrow waist and a 'manorexic' waist. At the moment we're treating narrow waists like we treated skinny jeans - like the plague.

The waist coat for the suit is gaining more traction this year too, a trend that looks set to continue into 2010. A complete three piece suit can be ultra sharp if matched correctly. The waistcoat color should match the suit or be a shade darker. There are plunging 'v' necks in waistcoats but we prefer one that stops mid breast, or worst case at the base of the rib cage.

Next has a nice line in three piece suits with the classic lines and strong cut that makes the shoulders stand out. Most of their suits are currently single breasted but for the price conscious single or double breasted should be last on the list of things to check for.

Double breasted suits
No longer about hiding a plump mid section, suits in 2009 are being tailored to enhance the 'V' shape of men - broad shoulders narrowing down towards the waist. We like double breasted suits, not only for aesthetical reasons but practical too - the double breast makes it less likely the rear of the jack will 'crumple' when seated.