It would probably surprise the modern suit wearer to learn that his clothing originated with Beau Brummel, a regency dandy pictured here in a navy tailcoat and an elaborate linen cravat in a famous caricature by Richard Dighton.

But you should see what his contemporaries were wearing. Brummel turned away from embroidery, britches and lace, in favour of plain cloth and simple colours. Clothes were fitted rather than draped. Tailoring gained greater importance.

It’s worth remembering these origins of the suit when building a wardrobe today. Brummel’s colour palette, as shown here, was largely limited to blue, white and buff, with black leather accessories. He rightly observed that elegance is achieved with simple, well-matched cloths that suit the wearer and don’t distract from him, throwing the eye from brocade to bauble.

Add in grey as an option for the suit or tie, and you have the foundations for modern business dress. Navy suit, blue shirt and silver tie; grey suit, white shirt and navy tie. With worsted and flannel, single and double-breasted, plus all the patterns in each, there are scores of permutations.

Then concentrate on the fit. It was a novelty in Brummel’s day to have clothes tailored to fit close to the body – wrapping and hanging from the body were the norm. Brummel’s cut was perhaps a little tight, and revealing, but then he was hardly a modest character, despite his choice of cloth.

Modern trousers shouldn’t show off your thighs. But great tailoring is incredibly and subtly flattering. Instead of spending £40 on a new tie or handkerchief, get the waist of that jacket taken in. Would you rather look better or just different?
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MCJ

Hi, what do you mean by this: “get the waist of that jacket taken in.”?

Roger

Agree wholeheartedly concerning jackets fitted on the body. When I lived and worked in England I had two jackets made that fitted properly which are still in service. I also had my first fitted shirts from Frank Rostron in Manchester. It makes a world of difference.

I grow tired of coming across jackets too large at the breast and waist, which is the norm here in the Netherlands (but wasn’t at home in Belgium). When money permits again, I’ll have a new jacket made and have my OTP one altered.

MCJ

Thank you for your explanation. I find here lot of inspiration, but I must come to London, because here in Prague i can´t find and buy anything.
We are still emerging market :))

Neel

Can you suggest a company selling cravat for a ascot tie online?