# Three piece suits, too much? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 10, 2012, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513 "2012-05-10T16:03:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/21 "2012-05-10T20:15:12Z")
I had no idea 3 piece suits were out of fashion! I don’t even own a 2 piece suit, but I absolutely love 3 piece suits and would really like to own one some day just to go out in, to be weird and quirky. I sometimes wore a lady-bug bowtie for the same reason. The effect would be completely different though, for sure. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/22 "2012-05-10T20:35:52Z")
> [@BMalion](#): > > I own several. > > The vest \*must \* have lapels, the trousers with turn-ups(cuffs) and a fine chain and fob for your antique pocket-watch. > How _you_ doing **Anaamika**? > 😃 Oh, my. I’ll be in my bunk. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/23 "2012-05-10T20:43:44Z")
I like them, but I’ve never owned or worn one. I _aspire_ to own and wear one someday, but seeing how I’ve only ever owned one suit at any given time and wear said suit only about once a year if that, it may never happen. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/24 "2012-05-10T20:48:53Z")
My first suit was 3 piece. I think I was 12. Thank god we’ve moved on. ---
**Author:** ![h.sapiens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e0b2c6/32.png) [@h.sapiens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/h.sapiens)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/25 "2012-05-10T20:58:28Z")
Craig Ferguson has recently taken to wearing three-piece suits, and I think they look quite nice on him. Patrick Jane (The Mentalist) usually wears a slightly rumpled three-piece without a tie, and it certainly works for him. And then there’s Roger Sterling… ---
**Author:** ![LawMonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d6d6ee/32.png) [@LawMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LawMonkey)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/26 "2012-05-10T21:01:51Z")
Popped back in to add: No matter what else, it’s going to be warmer by a factor of an extra layer of fabric between you and the world. If your office and/or courthouse has climate control anything like mine and you live in a temperate climate, you might consider waiting until fall to invest in a three-piece. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/27 "2012-05-10T21:06:30Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Oh, my. I’ll be in my bunk. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/28 "2012-05-10T21:24:07Z")
> [@LawMonkey](#): > > Popped back in to add: No matter what else, it’s going to be warmer by a factor of an extra layer of fabric between you and the world. If your office and/or courthouse has climate control anything like mine and you live in a temperate climate, you might consider waiting until fall to invest in a three-piece. I live in Canada and have little tolerance for heat and humidity. The climate control at the courthouse does suck; they don’t seem to realize that it should be started hours before activites start because it’s a big place and it has a lot of air to replace. This is one of the reasons I’m considering Bemberg lining which, according to what I’ve read, is a lot more breathable than polyester/viscose lining. My shirts are already exceptionally breathable so it might not be that bad. Or I’ll only wear the vest 10 months a year. If anyone’s ever had Cupro Rayon/Bemberg lining in their suit, please tell me how breathable it is. ---
**Author:** ![Cunctator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/43a26b/32.png) [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/29 "2012-05-10T23:23:32Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > Is a three piece suit too much? If so, in what way? Yes, too much. Way too many layers in the heat. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/30 "2012-05-10T23:55:19Z")
> [@Cunctator](#): > > Yes, too much. Way too many layers in the heat. Having worn full aurmor, in Death Valley, in August, it is no big deal. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Parker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/35a633/32.png) [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2012, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/31 "2012-05-11T00:45:16Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > So, what are the right places, body types and times? > > I’m 29 years old, 5’8", 150 pounds. Suits size 36 or 38 Short fit me best. IMHO, shorter and skinnyish is not the ideal body type for a three-piece. When you’re on the shorter side, you want the line of your lapels against the lighter shade of your shirt to run as long and obvious as you can make it. That’s why two-button rather than three-button jackets are recommended for shorter men. It makes you seem a little taller. The vest will eliminate the visual effect of a longer lapel, making you seem shorter and more stout. The vest is nice to cover up a big belly and the gap between the bottom of the jacket and pants if the pants ride low, but unless you have pretty low muscle mass, you don’t have much of a belly at that height and weight. Also, if have a tough time getting jackets to fit properly with those dimensions (a common problem for people in your height/weight range), then you’ll just be adding one more piece that needs to be tailored. Finally, I think one of the danger with vests, style-wise, is coming off as a blowhard. It’s isn’t necessarily the case, of course. But since that’s also a professional hazard for attorneys, you might want to avoid it. ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2012, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/32 "2012-05-11T00:50:44Z")
Three piece good, two piece better! 🆒 A lot of guys leave the jacket unbuttoned in three-piece suits, and I don’t care as much for that look. What really makes suits exciting on a guy, to me, are the clean lines provided by a buttoned tailored jacket that fits like a bodyglove. ---
**Author:** ![magnusblitz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@magnusblitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magnusblitz)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2012, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/33 "2012-05-11T00:51:48Z")
Male here, I think they look sharp, but a little _too_ sharp. Just looking at a bunch of images of people in three-piece suits, I get the feeling they should all be at parties or high-class gatherings, not in business. Also, I am far too fat to look good in one. Unless I want to look like a robber baron. Hmm, maybe I should grow a moustache, buy a monocle and a top hat… ---
**Author:** ![Arrendajo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Arrendajo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arrendajo)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2012, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/34 "2012-05-11T01:17:49Z")
I own at least one 3-piece suit, but I can’t even remember the last time I wore it. I do not like vests under any circumstances. It’s an extra layer exactly where I do not want an extra layer. ---
**Author:** ![Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmy_Gibbler)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2012, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/35 "2012-05-11T01:21:30Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > So, what are the right places, body types and times? > > I’m 29 years old, 5’8", 150 pounds. Suits size 36 or 38 Short fit me best. I think it also depends on: [ul] [li]where you live (say, New York or London, perhaps even Chicago, versus Scarsdale or KC),[/li][li]your practice environment (BigLaw (not that I would necessarily recommend 3-pc suits for BigLaw) or small-town generalist firm),[/li][li]your practice area (transactional practice dealing with bulge-bracket investment banks vs. IP law dealing with engineers or entrepreneurs)[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![emcee2k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emcee2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emcee2k)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2012, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/36 "2012-05-11T01:39:38Z")
I’ve only owned two suits: my current suit, and the one I had before that was mistakenly thrown out (I’ve never owned two at once). They’re both three piece with pin stripes. If I have some sort of office or sales job, where it was normal to wear a suit to work, I’d look pretty ridiculous if I showed up wearing one of those. But as a “special occasion” suit wearer, they work for me. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2012, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/37 "2012-05-11T02:26:51Z")
Just the opinion of an old man, but you’re 29, and an attorney, right? If I were your client, somewhere in the back of my head would be the thought, “He’s trying to impress people.” Now after a while\* you can where whatever you want and no one will think twice. \*yes, I know this is ageist, so sue me. :eek: Ooops. Realizes he _is_ an attorney. ---
**Author:** ![DadWagonDriver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/edb3f5/32.png) [@DadWagonDriver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DadWagonDriver)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2012, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/38 "2012-05-11T02:45:18Z")
I just bought a three-piece. I have an in-person job interview next Friday, and I’m debating whether or not to rock the vest. Maybe I’ll start a poll for that… ---
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2012, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/39 "2012-05-11T02:51:34Z")
I have a 3-piece tuxedo, but not a 3-piece suit. I think it works in tuxedo format (I don’t like cumberbunds), but I’ve never even thought of one for a regular suit. I think it could work on the right body type though (but that’s true of just about everything). ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2012, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513/40 "2012-05-11T03:16:53Z")
I take it lawyer no longer wear gowns in Canada? Because one of the reasons three piece suits survived in England and other commonwealth countries was that lawyers continued to wear them and one of the main reasons for that was that the vest went really well with the gown (the suit jacket is invisible underneath anyway). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-piece-suits-too-much/621513.md?page=3)