[Question from SK Chan] Hi Darmian, leather shoes are classy companion for suits. What about sneakers? What is your view on sneakers-and-suit combination?

Darmian S: Hi SK, thanks for your email.

Suits are multi-purpose wear, it can be used as formal wear and casual wear. You can match suits with shirts or T-shirts, leather shoes or sneakers. Darmian doesn’t see any big issues with the sneakers-and-suit combination.

The combination (or the dress code) largely depends on the formality of your wearing occasion. For job interviews and/or business meetings, Darmian always prefers suits with leather shoes (like brogues or Oxfords). The first impression you make comes from the way you look. The suit-leather-shoes combination is a classic business attire with an impression of formality and structured. For those of you who work in a law firm or in the finance industry, there is no second option but suit-and-leather-shoes combination (and Oxfords are more preferred).

(For job interviews and business meetings, Darmian prefers leather shoes to sneakers. Photo credit: Clem Onojeghuo from Pexels)

For weekends or at friends’ gatherings, get yourself more playful and be more energetic. Put on a good looking suit blazer, T-shirts (or tie-less shirts), with contemporary sneakers. This stylish look can differentiate yourself from the crowd.

Kim Ho, professional image consultant, points out 3 ground rules for the suit-and-sneakers combination:

1) Simple Design – The first rule of thumb is simplicity. Choose suit blazers and sneakers of plain colours, e.g. light grey/light blue suit jacket instead of pinstripes, and grey or white sneakers rather than too many different colours. Overly-complex colour matching would see you as messy rather than trendy guy.

2) Fit and Proper Suits – Good fit, or bad fit suits, can easily tell in 3 seconds. For example, a good fit suit jacket should not pull across the chest (fabric making an ‘X’ shape across your abdomen). Kim prefers custom made suits to ready-made, which give better fitness. If you are looking for tailor-made suits/ shirts, there are a list of tailors in Hong Kong available here.

3) Choosing the right fabrics – most common form of suit fabric is wool, suitable for all-season and durable. But if you are looking for options other than wool, flannel is another good option for casual suit blazer. (See more options apart from wool here)

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About author

Darmian S – Fashionista & suit enthusiast! Lover of local culture and exploring the secrets of the tailoring industry.

 

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