A suit is a set of clothing intended to be worn together.
It may be a semi-formal 'lounge suit' or 'business suit'. It always includes a jacket and trousers (pants). In classical gentlemen's tailoring, a waistcoat (U.S: vest) is usually worn with single-breasted suits.
In formal or semi-formal wear, the suit is worn with various other items. Quality socks, leather lace-up shoes, and a tie are essential: if a tie is not worn, that is casual wear. This outfit is worn in many countries by men in professional jobs such as business, law, and politics. It is also sometimes worn by women and in such cases a dress skirt or tailored trousers are worn.
A suit can be part of a dress code, a set of rules that say what people should wear at an event. Ideally, a suit is tailored to the individual wearer. 'Off-the-peg' suits are much cheaper, but they may need adjusting by a tailor.
Special suits for special dangers include space suits and diving suits.
Generally, colder climates are more formal. Suits are standard dress in most countries' international business and politics. In others, celebrity and political leaders aim to make a fashion statement.
Suits are not necessarily expensive, because while some may need to be tailored, this is a relatively cheap op, around $20 USD. Casual people suit up less today than in the last century, and presuming a tailor is a specialist, and cannot do it in the 5 minutes it takes you to stand in the mirror, is one common fallacy. Sportscoats are semi-formal clothing, usual for wearing to some offices, but less mainstream for watching a football match. A trend towards semi-casual style (just dresspants) started in the 1960s and 1970s, and has changed the way many people dress. All the same, many high-status men and women do still wear suits.
The evolution of the suit began with changes made to formal English male dress by Beau Brummell in the early 1800s. More changes were made later in the 19th century by tailors in London and elsewhere. By the end of that century photographs show men wearing suits that are almost the same as those worn today.
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