SUITS AND SNEAKERS: HOLY ALLIANCE OR UNHOLY CATASTROPHE?
The Suit and Sneaker look has been an emerging trend in recent years. As the demand for functionality over style increases, more men are wearing suits with sneakers. The handmade Sartorial community is divided on this trend- some think it's the next step in the evolution of men's style, others think it's just an atrocity. Regardless of opinion, we've compiled this article to show you that not all that glitters is gold but if done correctly this look can give you a modern, elegant yet casual style.
Want to buy a pair of Italian designer sneakers but not sure which to go for? Check out our article here.
Those who think sneakers and suits are an abomination
A traditionalist will never wear sneakers with a suit, because it doesn't fit the style at all. Suit and Sneakers should be worn for walking around town or to an event- not for weddings, funerals, or first dates.
The Suit and Sneakers look is only popular because it's the newest trend to hit men's fashion. It is all too easy to get confused with this type of outfit. Suit Pants with sneakers. Suit jacket with sneakers. Suit shoes with sneakers- all these combinations look like they would work well together, but then you put them on and you're left looking like you don't know how to dress properly.
An absolute NO GO would be to wear a suit with a shirt and a tie and sneakers. this simply looks ridiculous and should never be embraced as an emerging trend. Those who have a passion for sartorial understand the mix of casual and formal is just too much.
Those who think it's an emerging look with a lot of potential
If done correctly, wearing a Suit and sneaker combo can give you an elegant yet casual look.
A Suit and Sneakers outfit in itself can be worn for just about any occasion. Suit pants with sneakers, Suit jacket with sneakers, Suit shoes with sneakers all these combinations can work if they are put on appropriately. A Suit with Shirt and Tie And Sneakers is the only Suit and Sneaker combo that should not go together- it is very hard to get right.
The Suit and Sneaker look has been an emerging trend in recent years. As the demand for functionality over style increases, more men are wearing suits with sneakers.
One thing we personally hate is when the sneakers contrast with the suit.
There is definitely the argument to be made that without a tie, and just a Sportif jacket/blazer goes perfectly with sneakers.
If you want to pull off the suit sneakers combination, then follow these important rules:
- Ensure your suit and sneakers do not contrast, if you're wearing a gray suit, buy some gray sneakers
- Do not wear overly formal suits and pair them with sneakers
- Make sure you choose a great pair of sneakers, we are currently in love with Premiata
- You should wear slightly shorter trousers and make sure you wear sneaker/trainer socks, if not you will be ridiculed. You can also wear no socks depending on your choice of sneakers
Casual suit with sneakers
The idea behind this whole concept is not to match formal with casual, but to generally wear more casual things together. It is therefore difficult to suggest that you buy something like a handmade Kiton blazer and match it with sneakers, it really depends on the suit itself.
Throughout this article and below you'll find some suits which will pair with a nice pair of sneakers. Find out more information about the latest Italian designer sneaker fashion trends here.
This article was inspired by our friends over at Styleforum, user JFWR had this to say about it
I honestly don't understand this look at all.
Why bother with the suit if you are going to destroy the look with sneakers?
Imagine wearing a shirt, tie, and a suit on, then deciding "this is the right time to wear my shitty sneakers"?
Sometimes the look can be fine, if you’re going sailing or something. I'll give a pass there, given the gummy soles and such, but the rest? It's like, can't you guys go find yourself some big boy shoes?
I find it discordant and silly.
It's like the dumb look Letterman had in the 80s.
What style of suit pants works with sneakers?
The most important rule you have to follow is that the sneakers and the dress pants don’t clash. A great example of this would be something as simple as a cream suit with pure white sneakers. The look just doesn’t look good at all.
A pair of linen trousers with a hand-tailored sweater can definitely look good together. This example from Kiton is an excellent example of the subtle, casual style:
As you can see from this example, dress pants with a more casual sweater or jacket can look fantastic. The problem is when the combination of casual and formal is too stark. This is where problems arise. Thus, don’t buy a pair of overly formal dress pants and expect them to mix perfectly with your look.
Examples of sneakers you can wear with a suit
White suit and white sneakers
Is this the perfect wedding look? Don’t want to outshine everyone by wearing your best suit? Add a pair of sneakers into the mix in order to blend in more easily with the crowd. We all know you could blow everyone away with your double-breasted special, but it’s not your wedding. The white suit, white sneakers might just be the perfect wedding outfit if done correctly. Don’t forget to pick yourself up a dress shirt to go with the look.
Blue suit with blue sneakers
To continue the trend of formal with casual, this blue suit and sneaker combination would be a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe. Although as previously mentioned this is a specific look that will only work for some people, it is still a refined look. Here we’ve paired Kiton blue sneakers with a Cesare Attolini suit or a pair of Marco Pescarolo dress pants.
Brown sneakers with a brown suit
A perfect outfit for fall, this outfit comes recommended by the Italians themselves. Want to learn more about how to dress like an Italian, check out our article. A beautiful pair of dark brown Kiton sneakers combined with a formal brown suit. This combination is great for a fall wedding, or for a night off at a sporting event.
Gray Sneakers with Gray suit
The final example we’re going to give is this combination of grays. Perfect for winter or autumn, or even for summer. The reason we love this combination so much is that it’s completely neutral, and the sneakers that you can see here are modern. This outfit can be used for practically any (non-formal) event.
Our favourite brands to help you pull off this look:
