Some elements of fall style translate perfectly well during to the spring months. One of my favorite style staples that I rock during both seasons are plaid suits. The seasonal trend is always to lighten-up the color of your fabric (think dusties or pastel), but, I’m making the case for darker plaids this spring. The key to keeping your suit color dark but feeling breezy at the same time is to opt for a lighter fabric – like this custom, Super 120’s Australian Merino wool suit by the online custom e-tailor, Buttons & Threads.
All three looks in this post will feature the glen plaid suit by Buttons & Threads – and I’ll give you my impression of the brand as well.
The Full (Button & Threads) Kit
Custom Glen Plaid Suit – Buttons & Threads (available online) | 2 Ply, Egyptian Cotton Bengal Stripe Shirt – Buttons & Threads (available online) | Navy Wool Striped Tie – The Knottery | Millbank Bit loafer – Jay Butler | Blue Houndstooth Check Pocket Square – Commonwealth Proper
Plaid suiting typically has two affects on guys {they scare the hell out of them or it’s a go-to staple}. There really aren’t too many guys that are middle of the road when it comes to the plaid suit. Don’t feel the need to rock that “punchy plaid” if you’re dipping your toe in the water for the first time, a darker plaid suit will be more versatile.
I recently picked up this suit & Bengal striped shirt up from Buttons & Threads – and I was extremely impressed by the cut, fabric quality (of both the suit & shirt). Below are my thoughts on the brands/products:
Overall Impression of Buttons & Threads Products
- Out of the box the suit fit rather well. My only major issue is that I have a slight roll over my left shoulder, which can be corrected
- I had the thigh let out a pinch, just about a quarter-inch. Typically most e-tailors cut my pants a little too big, so I have to have them taken it all the way through the leg, however; this wasn’t the case
- The suit jacket is half-lined, which I asked for via email and I was happy they they were able to accommodate
- The Bengal Striped shirt is one of the best fitting and feeling that I’ve experienced. Here are some stand out specs for this shirt that make it better than most
- 24 stitches per inch | 200 stitches per button hole | 3 mm French Seams | Australian Mother of Pearl Buttons | 2 Ply Egyptian Cotton fabric
- All that being said, Buttons & Threads has made up into my top 5 of custom 3-tailors based on fabric (quality & pattern), fit, custom service.
- Visually, I think their looks on the site can use a bit more styling and should offer some lifestyle shots.
Streetwear Inspired
Glen Plaid Custom Suit – Buttons & Threads (available online) | Short Sleeve Side Zip Hoodie – Zanerobe | White Neo Low Top Sneakers – Adidas | Hunter S. Thompson Aviators – Boast USA | Navy Floral Pocket Square – Dragon Inside
Screw the traditional rules of suiting that say – you can’t sneakers and hooded sweatshirts! These are your clothes, so wear them as you please. That being said, executing a sweatshirt & sneakers with a plaid suit can be tricky without some direction. Here a few tips to guide you in the streetwear to tailored wear mixing process with your plaid suit.
- If you’re new to the mixing sportswear with suiting, keep your sweatshirt plain. You can mix patterns, but, if you’re nervous about pulling off the look without looking like you’re pairing every trend together at one time — stick to a solid color sweatshirt
- Follow the same tip for rocking a sweatshirt when it comes to pairing sneakers with your plaid suit. Keep it simple! A solid color pair of low-top sneakers in canvas or leather will do the trick. Colors like white, black, navy, camel & grey should be your go-tos
- Don’t be afraid to push up your sleeves with this look, especially if you’re wearing a short sleeve shirt
- Pay attention to the fit of your sweatshirt. It should be as tailored as your suit
Beachy Vibe
Custom Glen Plaid Wool Suit – Buttons & Threads (available online)| Michael Bastian x Uniqlo Tank – Uniqlo (available online) | Navy Espadrilles – Soludo | Tokyo Tortoise Sunglasses – Lookmatic
It can get hot as hell in Philly, so I like to wear a tank from time-to-time with a suit during the warmer months. Rock a tank the same way you’d wear a t-shirt or polo with your plaid suit. Opt for complementary or match accents colors in your tank that will pair well with your suit. And remember, you’re going to ruffle the feathers of a few traditionalist — but, that’s your prerogative!
Photography: Marina T. Peele @CantWinkLefty
