Velvet blazers have been thought of as for-women only clothing, just like silk, lace, and chiffon. However, men have been turning back to this high-fashion fabric for their suits, jackets, trousers, and accessories. Velvet has been seen many times on the runway and has then changed our perspective on men’s clothing. And instead of becoming one of those trends, velvet suits have become a wardrobe staple.
Velvet-collared coats first made a noise by the 6th Earl of Chesterfield in the 1840s. The style is still on point now, giving a sophisticated touch of James Bond elegance. And the Fashion Editors at Esquire magazine say that a touch of velvet on a coat elevates it to something very special.
Styling Tips
Velvet is a trendy piece, so matching it with timeless black or a classic navy is a fail-safe option. Velvet is a material that even fashion experts can go wrong when styling. It’s often dependent on other garments, seasons, and ever-changing trends. So take note of these tips for wearing velvet, whether you’re rocking it to a formal affair or something less traditional:
- Footwear. Try to wear leather loafers or contrast pop-colored brogues in suede when wearing a velvet suit.
- Fabric. Velvet only looks classy if it’s in good condition. Real velvet is woven from silk or cotton, and it should be the only choice for gents with style, such as yourself. It has quality and authenticity, and it would have a timeless look that will look great for years to come as long as you take care of it.
- Colors. The velvet fabric itself speaks volumes, so you don’t need to shout as loud when it comes to hue. Black velvet will always be your classic choice, but it’s not a bad idea to consider other colors, too. The number one rule is to stick with dark and plain colors. Cillian at Fashion Beans recommends we try shades of navy blue, bottle green, or Byzantium, a darker shade of purple that looks luxurious.
- The Pants. If you want to wear a full velvet suit, go for straight-cut trousers.
- The Cut. Look for a blazer that gives off a snug fit without you appearing awkward when you wore it. The jacket shouldn’t be too skinny nor loose, as these mishaps can be easily noticed with this type of fabric.
If you’re getting your new trousers, look for slim-fit ones. - Versatility. Choose a neutral color that blends well with your dress shirts if you want the velvet suit jacket to last a few seasons. It started as a trend, but it’s now becoming a wise alternative for some wardrobe staples.
What to Avoid
- Fashion Beans writer Cillian O’Connor advised us against trying on oversize fits and different symmetries. And Alive Mag’s writer Justin Whaley agrees that we should get slim-fit velvet trousers. He says that we should prefer “modern fit,” slim enough that there are still some ankles showing, and not as tight as your skinny jeans.
- Avoid velvet suits made from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon – they look cheap.
- If you are wearing velvet, do not add any other bold pieces to your outfit. So stick to neutral items with the rest of your wardrobe selection.
- Don’t ruin the precious fabric by ignoring the instructions given by the manufacturer. Velvet is not a common material, so it must be handled by a professional who knows what he is doing. For example, if it says dry clean only, then do so. And to keep your velvet looking elegant, brush it regularly, and avoid folding and getting it wet.
How to Wear a Velvet Suit?
↓ 18 – Celebrity Style
Here are two of my favourite velvet outfits that celebs wore. First, we have James Norton wearing a blue velvet suit with a blue shirt and blue tie. Secondly, Ryan Gosling in a Grey velvet suit with a white shirt and black tie. I like Ryan’s look more because it’s easy to pull off for the average guy, especially as compared to Norton’s.
↓ 17 – Velvet Blazer
A velvet blazer is a great substitute for a leather jacket, and it can give off that rock-and-roll vibe without the metal and unnecessary zip details. If you are looking for a velvet blazer or dinner jacket but don’t want to overdo it, mixing the fabric with other pieces like jeans is a failsafe option. For more tips, check out our previous post on How to Wear Velvet Blazers.
↓ 16 – All Black
Black is a classic option that will make the same jacket look elegant for different occasions. It is the ultimate go-to option for formal events, keeping the shirt, trousers, and accessories neutral and lowkey. If you don’t like black much, try other hues like midnight blue, dark purple, or different earthy colors such as moss green, red and brown.
↓ 15 – Blue Blazer with Black Dress Pant and Bow Tie
↓ 14 – Red
↓ 13 – With Jeans
DMarge said that the chicness of European style goes well with velvet. An elegant smoking jacket looks good when paired with a roll neck in grey to make the velvet pop. Opt for a cashmere under the velvet jacket to give a natural texture. If black is not your color, go for rich red or sapphire blue as they would make you look elegant all the same.
↓ 12 – With Grey Pants
For a dressed-down look, pair your jacket with a plain T-shirt, dark trousers, and a pair of Chelsea boots.
↓ 11 – Business Casual
If you’re not yet ready to don a full velvet suit, try teaming up a velvet overshirt with a cellular vest and jeans instead.
↓ 10 – For Wedding
Whether you’re going to a black-tie event or getting married, you can never wrong with the traditional black velvet jacket or midnight blue tuxedo. A tuxedo can be worn anytime an invitation calls for formal, black-tie/black tie optional dress codes. Velvet tuxes are suitable for weddings, balls, and the opera. Don this style with a tailored shirt for a sleek and formal look. Here’s a complete guide on Casual Wedding Guest Attire For Men.
↓ 9 – Green
↓ 8 – With Chinos
Velvet is business-appropriate, and you can wear it to the office, as long as you aren’t breaking any dress code. Your jacket needs to be in the right fit like any office piece should be. Then match it with a pair of wool trousers or, if it’s allowed in your job, go for cotton chinos or corduroy. Here’s how you can create a complete Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe for Men with our Checklist.
↓ 7 – With Plaids Pants
The trousers can be harder to pull off without a matching jacket, but they can work for more casual occasions. Avoid accessories and finish up with loafers. Socks are optional.
↓ 6 – With Corduroy Pants
A velvet fabric will give your outfit a luxurious vibe while helping you maintain the formality of the typical dinner jacket. I also recommend that you check out my previous post on Men’s Corduroy Pants Outfits.
↓ 5 – With White Pants
Leather shoes will look great with velvet jackets and suits as they give off a different vibe to a luxurious ensemble. But if you want to be a bit more casual, opt for sole brogues and Chelsea boots, which will go well with both jeans and velvet.
↓ 4 – With Turtle Neck
↓ 3 – Black Dinner Jacket
↓ 2 – Midnight Blue
Don’t let your choice lose its appeal just yet. Go for a timeless velvet jacket in a darker, modern color like classic black, wine red, or midnight blue. Midnight blue is the best dinner jacket option to wear in a black-tie event.
↓ 1 – Accessories For Velvet Suits
Michael 84 writer Michael said that a tie and a pocket square could help you stand out from the crowd as they add a different kind of elegance to your ensemble. Velvet accessories will give your look a very sophisticated lift.
Velvet Shoes
Belgian Dandy said that velvet suits can be worn and can look sophisticated with anything – from faded jeans to a double-breasted suit. They would look great and appealing when you team them up with a velvet jacket and trousers. Important note: Velvet shoes need regular brushing to keep the nap clean and smart. And keep them away from the rain.
