“Modern” is a concept that’s difficult to capture—particularly when it comes to men’s fashion. The gentleman’s staple suit has remained remarkably unchanged throughout the years, and yet everyone knows a modern suit when they see one. So what’s the difference? If the combination of a jacket, trousers, and a dress shirt is an old standard, what can you do to take a traditional look and turn it into a bold, eye-catching statement?
We think modern suits are built on a foundation of three key characteristics: fabric, fit, and detail. When you combine these elements, the end result is a suit that is modern, bold, and striking.
Start With Modern Fabrics and Colors
The first step in creating a modern suit is to choose the correct fabric. As far as materials go, wool is the enduring champion of menswear, though it’s not your only option. Linen has become increasingly popular as has cotton if you’re going for a more casual, breathable option.
Modern color combinations are an easy way to transform a suit—and nowadays, lighter colors are taking over. Instead of charcoal, reach for pale grey or even platinum to look modern while still remaining office-appropriate. Instead of the expected navy, opt for royal blue. If you’re looking to turn heads, go with a polished suit in burgundy, forest green, or chocolate brown.
Alternatively, you can explore eye-catching suit patterns. Glen plaids, pinstripes, and checks all feature prominently in recent fashion trends. Stay within the colorways suggested above, and experiment with textured fabrics that draw the eye and accentuate your style. Try an imposing grey glen plaid or a subtly patterned navy—both options are appropriate for the office and the after-party. For maximum impact, boldly-patterned suit fabrics are a surefire way to make a modern statement.
Insist on a Perfect Fit
Most men have made the mistake at some point of wearing a suit that’s baggy in the trousers and blocky in the torso. While this classic “investment banker from 1995” silhouette is still alive and well in department stores today, a modern fit is much slimmer. Look for tapered trousers, jackets that accentuate the natural waist, minimal shoulder padding, and narrowed sleeves. The modern look is fitted and tailored, but never tight.
Regardless of how a suit is cut and styled, the most important consideration is how it fits. The best modern-fit suit will only look impressive if it’s in your size—and we’re not just talking about standard department-store sizes, which only fit well if you’re incredibly lucky.
For the best fit, custom-made clothing is the top choice. At Knot Standard, we make suits in only one size: yours. Through extensive measurements and our exacting process, we craft unique and flawlessly-fitting custom suits for every client.
Imagine wearing a suit with sleeves that show the perfect half-inch of shirt cuff. Imagine trousers that fit comfortably through the waist and thighs, with modern “no break” hems that skim the tops of your shoes. Imagine a jacket that buttons comfortably, that fits you throughout the shoulders and chest, and falls to the perfect length. This is a revelation—especially for those experiencing custom menswear for the first time.
Experiment With Modern Details
It’s the small details that make a modern suit. Choose a blazer with patch pockets in place of the usual flaps—or go slim and streamlined with flapless besom pockets that make for a more formal look. Be creative with your lapel choices: A peak lapel looks striking and fresh, while a double-breasted front takes that uniqueness up yet another level. Even a classic notch lapel looks modern in a more aggressive slim cut. These small construction details will help your suit make a modern statement.
If you choose to buy custom, you’ll have even more details to play with. You can customize the stitching thread on your buttonholes. You can select a silk lining in a color and pattern that shows off your style. You can add extra jacket pockets sized for your devices—or for your passport. You can even have your signature embroidered inside your jacket collar. Custom menswear gives you the freedom to boldly experiment with fashion.
Modern Suit Styles For Every Man
If you want your suit to give off a modern feel, make sure to include some element that’s out of the ordinary. Whether that uniqueness comes from an unexpected choice of suiting material, the perfect fit of your blazer, or the custom details on your cuffs, give the three pillars of fabric, fit, and detail your full attention. Custom menswear collections are created with these modern details front and center, which is why men who favor custom-made clothing always seem to dress on the cutting edge. Custom clothing is the simplest and most impressive way to get the modern suit style you crave.
When we craft modern custom suits, we curate designs based on those three pillars. Our clients leave the Knot Standard showroom confident they’re wearing a never-before-seen ensemble, that they look amazing, and that they’re pushing the limits of fashion in all the right ways. This is how we do modern menswear.
Schedule an appointment with one of our stylists today or visit a Knot Standard showroom and get ready to see the custom difference. Creating custom suits with a modern flair is what we do best—and we’re ready to share that experience with you.