It used to be that most suits came in black, dark gray, or navy. Nowadays, there is a wide range of shades and tones for the adventurous man to explore.
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Different colors work better for different occasions, though. Read on to learn about our top nine best suit colors and where to wear them.
Our Favorite Suit Colors
Best Suit for a Spring Wedding - Tan
Tan is a great color for wedding suits in general – you can dress them up or down depending on how formal you need to be. Our favorite tan suit, the Men's Plaid Two Button Formal Suit by Michael Kors is no exception.
The classic cut helps keep the on-trend blue and tan plaid feeling substantial. But while the medium-weight wool is extremely durable, it can be a bit too heavy for summer wear.
PROS: Mix of classic and trendy
CONS: Heavy fabric
- Fit: Classic, true to size
- Comfort: Very Good
- Durability: Excellent
- Value: $$$
Best Color for a Classic Feel - Brown/Gray
The Calvin Klein Mens 2-piece suit offers a classic style. It is perfect as evening wear but equally suitable if you are a snappy dresser around the office.
The classic cut feels timeless, but the two-piece style keeps it modern. The color is gray but warmer and less metallic than some gray suits – it almost has brown tones woven in (another classic). And high-quality wool wears comfortably all day, though it may be a bit too heavy for summer.
PROS: Distinctive and classic
CONS: Somewhat expensive
- Fit: Classic, true to size
- Comfort: Very good
- Durability: Excellent
- Value: $$$
Best Black Suit
Unless you go to a lot of formal weddings or work in catering, black probably is not the most versatile suit color for you. So when it comes to buying a black one, we suggest a classic cut like Van Heusen Men's Regular Fit Suit Separates.
A relaxed regular fit means the tailoring will not go out of style. The cut is also forgiving if you have gained a bit of weight and can be easily altered, as well.
PROS: Classic, forgiving cut
CONS: May feel a bit too much like your dad's formalwear
- Fit: Relaxed, true to size
- Comfort: Very good
- Durability: Very good
- Value: $$
Most Versatile Suit Color - Gray
Gray is probably the most versatile suit color – dress it up, dress it down, and wear it just about anywhere. And while Kenneth Cole New York Men's Travel Ready Finished Bottom Suit is more expensive than other suits on this list, it gives you real bang for your buck.
The modern straight cut looks great but not overly trendy. The gray is not the on-trend paler shades, but a more robust tone. All in all, a suit that is built to last.
PROS: Classic and durable
CONS: Pricey for a first-time buy
- Fit: Modern cut, true to size
- Comfort: Very good
- Durability: Excellent
- Value: $$$
Best for Pizzazz - Pink
Do not be afraid of wearing bolder colors with your suits, either. Something like the Cloudstyle Men's Suit Single-Breasted is a great and affordable way to introduce color to your closet.
We think pink and yellow are the best unique suit colors here – they are great for a summertime party or wear them as separates on a casual date. They can also be washed at home, saving time and money. These are not pieces to stand the test of time, but, boy, are they fun.
PROS: Bright and snazzy
CONS: Trendy fit and feel will not flatter everyone
- Fit: Slim fit, true to size
- Comfort: Good
- Durability: Good
- Value: $$
Best for No-Fuss Occasions - Dark Blue
Darker menswear colors can feel a bit stuffy – wearing a slim flit dark suit like Haggar Men's Active Series Stretch Slim Fit Suit Separates is a great way to keep the look fresh and youthful.
The midnight blue shade here is dark enough to read as formal but not so dark it looks black. And the stretch material wears comfortably, perfect for wearing during a marathon work presentation or a lengthy formal event.
PROS: Youthful way to wear dark colors
CONS: On the pricier side
- Fit: Slim fit, true to size
- Comfort: Very Good
- Durability: Very good
- Value: $$-$$$
Best Casual Summer Suit - Blue/White
You can sort both material and suit colors by season – light seersucker definitely means summer. Kroon Men's Aim Active Inspired Movement Cotton Suit with Flex Lining is a great option for looking put together even in the hottest weather.
100% cotton helps to keep you cool, and we love the pockets here – one for your phone as well as zippered pockets to keep your cash and cards. With a modern but not overly tight cut, you will be looking great for years to come. We recommend the navy and white colors.
PROS: Breathable for hot weather, practical design
CONS: On the pricier side, seersucker is not the most versatile
- Fit: Modern, true to size
- Comfort: Very good
- Durability: Excellent
- Value: $$$
Best Budget Suit (that still looks great) - Classic Tones
If you are on a tight budget and prefer a three-piece suit, we recommend the Cooper & Nelson Men's Suit Slim Fit, 3 Piece. It is a solid, well-performing suit that comes in your choice of black, light gray, or navy.
With an up-to-the-minute slim cut, this set will not necessarily age well. But it looks great and has enough durability to get you through a few years. The light gray here is really on-trend, though it also comes in navy and black.
PROS: Trendy and affordable
CONS: Not intended to be timeless
- Fit: Slim fit, runs small
- Comfort: Good
- Durability: Good
- Value: $$-$$$
Best Sharkskin Suit - Metallic Gray
Sharkskin may be an older style, but it is back in a big way. Luciano Natazzi Men's Sharkskin Two Button 160'S Wool Suit is a great way to wear this slightly flashy fabric.
This is a classic cut with a longer jacket and flat-front pants that looks retro but not like a costume. And the printed jacket lining adds a fun touch. Wear this one to a wedding or even for a date.
PROS: Crisp, stylish, and retro-inspired
CONS: Wool fabric can be heavy in summer
- Fit: Standard cut, runs small
- Comfort: Good
- Durability: Very good
- Value: $$$
Top Suit Colors Every Man Should Own
If you are buying your first suit, we recommend you keep it a dark color like black or navy. This will set you up for formal occasions.
After that is taken care of, try a gray or brown that works well for business or casual wear.
After that, the sky is really the limit when it comes to color. Feel free to express yourself and find your best suit colors.
Wrap Up
If your closet needs some color, now is the time to change that. Black is considered the ultimate classic, but gray and brown are much more versatile options.
Blue is always reliable, while every man should add a splash of color with at least one of his suits – whether that means pink or understated burgundy.
Use our nine best suit colors as a jumping-off point to get you started.
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Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.