What is a lounge suit, anyway?
Everything you need to know about lounge suits
Words: C. Stewart
Most of us will receive an invite with a ‘lounge suits’ dress code at some point in our adult lives. And most of us will probably do a quick Google to find out what it means. Let us put your mind at ease – lounge suits are just classic suits by another name. The kind you’d wear for any smarter plans, like meetings, weddings, christenings or funerals. Your options are endless: two-piece, three-piece, single-breasted, double-breasted, tweed, wool, black, grey, navy, checked, pinstripe. You name it: if it isn’t a dress suit or tails, it’s probably a lounge suit.
Why is it called a 'lounge' suit?
You might be unlikely to reach for your freshly dry-cleaned suit when you’re relaxing, but for gents in the nineteenth century, that’s exactly what they would turn to on their days off. They were called lounge suits because they were seen as informal but, as a gentleman would always want to look his best, they were still reasonably smart. For working-class men, a lounge suit would be their Sunday best.
Fit for purpose
You can choose a lounge suit in any fit that suits your frame and sense of style. Finding the right fit for you is the key to making you feel confident in your lounge suit. Regular fit suits are cut to traditional proportions. They’re looser-fitting and a comfortable option, while still looking smart. Our new relaxed fit suit is also cut generously but with a boxier fit in the torso and straight arms and legs in line with the trend for softer tailoring. For a trimmer profile, it’s best to go for a tailored fit suit – they’re cut to define your profile but with a little room left for ease of movement. For those who like a very close cut, a slim fit suit is narrower through the shoulders, torso and limbs, giving you a sharp outline.
If it isn't a tux or tails, it's probably a lounge suit.
How to style a lounge suit
Once you’ve found your fit, the rest should fall into place. One of the best things about a lounge suit dress code is the chance to show off your personal sense of style. For really smart occasions, go for a three-piece lounge suit with a crisp poplin shirt and a silk tie, then add a ruffled pocket square for a final flourish. If you’re keen to do the whole three-piece but want to keep your look relaxed, try it with an open-collar shirt and a pair of loafers. Or go for a more casual suit, like something cut from a more textured cloth like linen, or perhaps a double-breasted jacket worn open, and dress things down with a polo shirt or denim shirt and trainers – just as long as the more casual feel will go down well with your hosts. Now that’s all cleared up, why not take a look at the latest lounge suits to drop at Moss?