[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)
Related articles:
Tailor-M.com – Online Platform on Hong Kong Tailors
Special Offers from Hong Kong Tailors
Buy Suit Accessories Online – with Shipping to Worldwide
About author
Darmian S – Fashionista & suit enthusiast! Lover of local culture and exploring the secrets of the tailoring industry.
