Fitting the Charcoal Gray SuitĮvery suit will look better if it is fitted properly.įor the conservative dresser, a single-breasted, two-button suit in plain gray is the most practical style. Be cautious of anything suit that has no “drag” when you run a hand over it, or that seems to shine under direct light.

Artificial fibers are especially likely to have a reflective sheen that looks ill-suited to the formality of a dark suit.Ī small percentage of a man-made fiber in a blend is not necessarily a flaw, and may even add strength and durability, but more than a trace of artificial materials in the fabric is a warning sign. Lighter wools, especially “ultra-fines” and other extremely smooth weaves, may appear a little too slickly smooth for charcoal suits. Some sheep even give wool in a natural dark gray that allows for the construction of undyed suits. Heavy wool is the ideal material, lending a smooth drape and a natural luster that stands up well to the darkness of the color. Too bright a shine tends to make it look artificial or even gaudy and destroys the formality of the garment. The Charcoal Gray Suit’s FabricĬharcoal gray fabric for suits works best as a matte color - one with minimal shine or smoothness to its appearance. The universal acceptance of charcoal gray suits makes them a popular first suit for young men, or for anyone who wears suits rarely and needs a single, multipurpose garment to meet all their dress clothing needs. A modest pinstriping still leaves a suit adequately formal for most business occasions, however - unbroken charcoal is usually only needed in black tie optional settings, or at particularly somber social occasions such as funerals. Patterning reduces the formality of any color, including dark charcoal gray.

Its only competitor is navy blue, another deep hue that offers the same advantages: closeness to the formal black without its tuxedo associations and matching challenges.Ĭharcoal gray suits can be worn at any level of business or social occasion that is not “black tie.” Plain, unpatterned charcoal gray is the ideal alternative to formalwear at a “black tie optional” event. The near-black charcoal is considered the ideal in business formality.

It also makes charcoal gray almost certain to dominate the male side of any well-dressed social occasion, and therefore one of the hardest colors to stand out uniquely in. It is always appropriate, easy to match, and flattering to nearly all complexions all of which account for its overwhelming popularity. The dark matte gray has become the standard of business dress, and by far the most ubiquitous option. The better part of most men’s clothing stores’ suit inventory comes in one color: charcoal gray. The Charcoal Gray Suit – Conclusion Introduction to the Charcoal Gray Men’s Suit Men’s Suit Colors: A Man and the Charcoal Gray Suit

The long dark charcoal