Quick Answer: How Many Suits Does a Man Need?
- Most men: start with one versatile suit in navy or charcoal.
- A well-rounded wardrobe: three suits: navy, charcoal and grey (or a lighter seasonal colour).
- If you wear a suit to work every day: five or more, so you can rotate and let each one rest between wears.
How many suits you need depends on how often you wear them. Someone who dresses up for a handful of weddings a year needs a very different wardrobe from someone who wears a suit to the office every day. Here's how to build the right suit collection for your life.
Suit #1: The Versatile Foundation
If you own just one suit, make it navy or charcoal. Both work for weddings, interviews, funerals, the office and evening events, and both pair with almost any shirt and tie.
Choose: a solid colour, a fit you're comfortable in (Slim Fit or Modern Fit) and a year-round fabric like a mid-weight wool blend. Shop navy suits and grey suits.
Suits #2 and #3: Round Out the Rotation
Once you have a navy or charcoal suit, add:
- The other dark neutral: if your first suit is navy, add charcoal (or vice versa).
- A lighter suit: light grey or tan for spring and summer weddings, daytime events and a more relaxed look.
With these three, you can handle almost any occasion, and with different shirts and ties, they'll never look the same twice.
Suits #4 and Up: Add Personality and Rotation
If you wear suits often, keep building:
- A patterned suit: a subtle check, stripe or windowpane adds variety for work and events.
- A seasonal suit: a textured plaid or check for fall and winter, or a lighter tan or light grey for summer.
- A statement suit: a green, burgundy or other colour for occasions when you want to stand out.
- A tuxedo: if you attend black tie events, owning a tuxedo can cost less than renting from the very first event. Tip Top tuxedos start from $279 for the jacket and pants. Shop suits and tuxes for less than a rental.
If You Wear a Suit to Work Every Day
Rotate at least five suits so you can give each one a day or two to rest between wears. That helps them keep their shape and last longer. Mix solids and subtle patterns in navy, charcoal and grey. See our guide to business attire for more.
Make Your Suits Go Further
- Separates: buy jackets and pants separately so you get the right fit for each, and add an extra pair of trousers to the suits you wear most.
- Mix and match: a navy jacket with grey trousers creates a new outfit.
- Change the details: new dress shirts, ties and pocket squares transform a suit you already own.
Ready to add one? Here's what to know about buying a suit that fits. Not sure where to shop? See where to buy a good suit in Canada.
Comparing retailers? See our guide to where to buy a suit in Canada.
Building more than suits? Learn how to find your personal style.
FAQ
What colour should my first suit be?
Navy or charcoal. They're the most versatile colours for every occasion and season.
Is one suit enough?
For many men, yes, as long as it's a versatile colour and fits well. Add more as your needs grow.
How long does a suit last?
With rotation and care, a quality suit can last for years. Let it rest between wears and hang it on a proper hanger.
Build Your Suit Wardrobe at Tip Top
Explore suits from Calvin Klein, DKNY, Michael Kors and more. Need help choosing? Read how to choose the right suit for every occasion. Want help in person? Find one of our 80+ locations across Canada.
