Foundation of a Gentleman's Wardrobe

The gentleman suit has become an essential standard garment in our society. In the Western world, the traditional men's suit has been in and out of fashion for four hundred years; starting in the 17th century France.  During the development of the men's suit, there have been many time periods; the Regency, Victorian, Edwardian, Inter-War, and Post-War each time period resulting in the evolution of the suit design.  The style we know today a coat, trouser, sometimes a waistcoat or vest has been designed for style, comfort, and functionality.

Now that we have a basic history of men's suits.  We will go on a learning expedition through these Essential Series for men, we will examine the sartorial elements of men's suits; from the use, care, functionality, design, fabrics, and how to select the right suit for every occasion. 

When building the foundation suit wardrobe, there are five major colors that are essential staples;

black, navy blue, charcoal gray, brown, and glen plaid pattern.  These colors will be great for business, non-business functions, for an example the navy blue suit can be used for job interviews, festive occasions, and for funerals. Black, charcoal gray, and brown are great colors for business environment, and can be used also for non-business attire. Finally, the glen plaid pattern or Glen Urquhart plaid oftentimes are known as the Prince of Wales pattern, it was made famous by the Duke of Windsor, Edward Vlll; glen plaid pattern can be gray or brown color, can be used for business, and all other occasions. 

Finally, when building or updating men's wardrobe, these five foundation colors are essential addition to create a well balanced functional working wardrobe. These colors will add style, longevity, and functionality to the sartorial needs of a gentleman wardrobe. In our next series, we will examining design and fabrics.