18 Best Suit Colours and How to Choose the Perfect One for Any Occasion

Choosing the perfect suit colour can feel like a bit of a minefield, can’t it? With so many shades and tones out there, it’s easy to wonder which one will suit you best—pun intended. Whether you’re dressing for a formal event, a business meeting, or just want to elevate your wardrobe, the right colour can make all the difference.

But how do you decide? It’s not just about personal preference; factors like skin tone, the occasion, and even seasonal trends come into play. This guide breaks down 18 of the best suit colours, helping you understand what works, why it works, and how to pick the one that’ll have you looking sharp and feeling confident. Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s immerse.

Classic Suit Colors

Navy Blue: Versatile and Business-Appropriate

Navy blue is the top choice for men’s suits due to its versatility, fitting both professional and social occasions. It transitions effortlessly from boardroom meetings to evening events and complements various skin tones.

Pair it with accessories like red, silver, or patterned ties, and wear it with a crisp white shirt or soft pastels for a confident look. Navy suits go well with brown or black leather shoes, enhancing practicality.

For a blend of formality and charm, navy blue is the ideal starting point, followed by charcoal grey, another classic of sophistication.

Charcoal Grey: Professional for Office and Formal Events

Charcoal grey is a top suit color for its sharp, unfussy look. Slightly lighter than black, it offers a formal edge, perfect for office wear and conservative events.

This color flatters pale to medium skin tones, providing a striking contrast. Pair charcoal suits with white shirts and bold ties in maroon or navy, and opt for black shoes to keep the look polished.

As a stylish alternative to a black suit, charcoal shines with subtle elegance, though sometimes only the classic black suit will do.

Black: Timeless Yet Formal

Black suits are the classic choice for formal occasions like weddings and black-tie events, offering a sleek silhouette. However, they lack the versatility of navy or charcoal and can appear stark in less formal settings.

While dark skin tones complement black, pale complexions may need careful styling. Bright ties or pocket squares can soften its seriousness.

In the charcoal vs. black debate, choose black for elegance at exclusive events, but charcoal for broader utility. This highlights three classic suit colors.

Modern & Seasonal Suit Colors

Light Grey: Stylish for Daytime Events

Light grey suits offer a fresh, sleek look for daytime occasions, especially in spring and summer as they reflect sunlight. Pair them with pastel shirts like pink or blue for outdoor gatherings or business-casual events.

However, avoid light grey for formal evening occasions, as it lacks impact in dim lighting. Darker accessories, like navy ties or charcoal shoes, complement this color well. When styled correctly, light grey is ideal for modern office settings.

Blue: Bold Choice for Social Settings

Blue suits are striking and versatile, making them a popular choice. Their vibrant hues create a lively impression, ideal for weddings, parties, or creative workspaces.

Pair with white shirts and patterns like checks or stripes. Bold accessories, such as burgundy or yellow pocket squares, add flair. While not suited for ultra-formal occasions, blue shines in semi-formal or casual-chic settings.

Brown: Casual Sophistication with Earth Tones

Brown suits add warmth and sophistication to your wardrobe. They pair well with earth-tone accessories like olive green ties or beige shoes for polished looks.

Brown’s versatility makes it popular in autumn and winter. Light brown suits work for daytime, while darker shades suit evening events. Unlike charcoal or black, brown conveys a relaxed vibe, ideal for casual weddings or dinners. Avoid over-layering to prevent a heavy appearance.

Tan/Khaki: Perfect for Warm Weather Events

Tan or khaki suits are excellent choices for sunny seasons. Their light, breathable fabrics make them ideal for outdoor events and travel.

Pair tan with pastel or patterned shirts for a relaxed vibe, and style with tan loafers and a straw fedora for summer weddings or garden parties. However, avoid these suits in formal corporate settings, as they are inherently casual. They create sharp yet easy-going looks.

White/Beige: Elegant for Summer Weddings

White and beige suits epitomize elegance for warm-weather occasions, especially beach weddings and summer garden parties.

Beige pairs well with pastel shirts, brown shoes, or linen ties for a refined look. White suits work best with neutral-tone shirts or accessories. While chic, they require careful maintenance due to visible stains. White suits are less versatile for casual events but make bold style statements on special occasions.

Bold & Patterned Suit Colors

Burgundy/Maroon: Distinctive for Evenings

Burgundy and maroon suits are distinctive choices for semi-formal evening events, exuding elegance, especially in velvet or tailored fits.

Burgundy suits are ideal for autumn and winter due to their rich tone. Pair with a crisp white shirt and deep brown or black shoes, and choose a black or navy tie for contrast. Keep accessories understated to maintain focus on the suit’s vibrancy, avoiding overly bright hues.

Green: Unique for Outdoor and Creative Settings

Green suits, from forest to olive and sage, provide a refreshing twist on traditional colors. Ideal for outdoor weddings or creative workplaces, green conveys confidence and originality.

Darker greens work for winter, while lighter shades suit warmer months. Pair an olive suit with a pale blue shirt and brown loafers for a nature-inspired look, avoiding clashing accessories. Green suits blend casual and formal settings, making them a popular choice.

Pinstripe: Classic Business Pattern

Pinstripe suits are classic business attire, blending professionalism with subtle style. Typically in navy or charcoal grey, they elongate the silhouette and project authority.

Originally linked to Wall Street, pinstripes are ideal for formal workplaces and client meetings. Pair with a solid-colored shirt and muted tie to maintain balance. Flattering on most body types, thinner stripes offer a modern aesthetic while refining a confident appearance.

Windowpane: Modern and Striking

Windowpane suits feature large, grid-like checks that add visual interest, making them popular modern choices. Unlike pinstripes, they project bold charm, ideal for creative industries, casual weddings, or networking events.

Common in navy or grey, their patterns attract attention while maintaining sophistication. Pair with solid ties and shirts to balance patterns, and use neutral leather accessories to keep the focus on the suit. They flatter lean or athletic builds by accentuating sharp lines.

Choosing the Right Suit Color

Occasion: Formal vs. Casual

Formal occasions often require classic suit colors like black, charcoal grey, or navy blue, which exude professionalism and elegance. A black suit is ideal for black-tie events, while charcoal grey suits are favored for boardroom meetings and formal weddings. Navy blue offers timelessness and adaptability across various formal settings.

For casual events, lighter shades like tan, light grey, or brown create a relaxed vibe. Light grey suits are great for daytime outings, while brown suits convey warmth. For outdoor or informal events, these colors balance composure and comfort.

When choosing, consider the event’s dress code. A versatile color like navy can suit both formal and casual scenarios with the right styling.

Season: Best Colors Year-Round

Seasonal changes greatly influence your suit color choice. For spring and summer, opt for lighter tones like beige, tan, light blue, or white, which reflect sunlight and keep you cool—perfect for beach weddings or garden parties.

In autumn and winter, darker, richer tones like charcoal grey, navy blue, or burgundy provide warmth and depth for chilly weather. Charcoal, in particular, pairs well with autumn’s earthy tones. Select colors that match the season and harmonize with your surroundings for a cohesive look.

Personal Style & Skin Tone: Suit Matching

Skin tone is crucial in choosing the best suit colors. Men with fair skin may find darker tones like navy blue or charcoal grey flattering for contrast. Those with medium or olive skin suit versatile colors like beige, brown, or light grey. Darker complexions can enhance their look with bold colors like burgundy, emerald green, or bright navies.

Personal style also plays a role. Classic shades like charcoal grey or navy blue suit understated preferences, while adventurous styles can embrace rich tones like forest green, maroon, or patterned suits like windowpane or pinstripes for added personality.

Matching your suit color to your complexion and style ensures your outfit enhances your features and reflects your personality.

Selecting the right suit color goes beyond trends; it’s a chance to express your style and enhance your features for any occasion. By considering season, skin tone, and formality, you can confidently choose a color that suits you.