8 Alternatives to Suits for Men Who Prefer Casual Wear

Some people seek out opportunities to get suited and booted. They rejoice at wedding invitations, become giddy at the prospect of a black-tie soirée and have no qualms with overdressing for an evening out. But it’s not for everyone.

For every guy who loves to don a suit, there’s another who’ll do everything in his power to avoid it. He feels constricted, he doesn’t like the way he looks in the mirror, and, crucially, he doesn’t feel like himself. If any of that sounds remotely familiar, this one is for you.

Of course, there are certain situations in which ‘proper’ tailoring is unavoidable. If the invite states ‘black tie’, you’ll have to follow the rules. But when it comes to things like weddings and cocktail parties, there’s usually a little room to get creative.

The good news is it’s usually entirely possible to hit the brief without going anywhere near a traditional two- or three-piece suit. Here are the pieces you should buy instead.

Elevated Overshirt

Think fabric first. An overshirt in its usual heavy cotton twill construction is never going to be able to compete with a suit jacket when it comes to looking put together, but choose one in a more luxurious material and everything changes.

A cashmere-cotton blend is a good option. It will resist creases nicely, feel soft to the touch and add a sense of refinement to an otherwise unremarkable garment. Ensure the fit is on point and wear it in place of a blazer with pleated pants, a tucked T-shirt, and some moc-toe Derbies.

Unstructured Blazer

Going unstructured is a great way to lose some of that rigidity and perceived stuffiness that drives some guys away from tailoring.

The details are still there – the lapels, vents and pockets – but there’s no padding or sharp lines. It drapes softly around the shoulders, creating a softer silhouette and lending your outfit a more relaxed overall feel.

Neutral and autumnal shades work well and will pair nicely with some relaxed-fit wool trousers and a pair of suede loafers.

Drawstring Trousers

What if we told you there’s a type of legwear that’s as comfortable as a pair of joggers, and you can wear it to a wedding? It might sound too good to be true, but that’s exactly what a pair of drawstring pants is.

To everyone else, they look like a pair of tailored pants or chinos, but the wearer gets to enjoy the comfort of an elasticated waistband and the practicality of drawstring adjustment. Everyone’s a winner.

Balmacaan Coat

What you choose to throw on top of your outfit can make a big difference. The right coat can completely alter the mood, which means if you choose wisely you can make a simple smart-casual outfit feel considered and classy.

Our pick is a classic balmacaan coat. The raglan sleeves give it a relaxed feel that tailoring-averse gents will appreciate, but it still has a way of elevating the ordinary and bringing a touch of refinement to the table.

Cotton Twill Suit

Fabric plays a huge role in denoting the mood of a garment. You might think you don’t like suits, but perhaps you just don’t like the formal feel of traditional flannel.

To test this theory, we’d encourage you to try on a cotton twill suit from a brand such as Universal Works or Drake’s. You still get the matching-set feel of a traditional suit, but with a more offbeat and informal edge.

It’s the perfect happy medium for those who fear tailoring but still need to look like they’ve made an effort.

Tailored Separates

Another option is to ditch the matching suit and opt for separates instead. Giving yourself the option to mix colours opens up numerous possibilities and allows you to stray beyond the confines of matching jackets and pants.

It can feel more playful and a bit more laid-back, offering you much more creative freedom. A few colour combos that never fail include cream & olive, navy & grey, and brown & camel.

Oxford Shirt

If you want to loosen things up a touch without looking sloppy, one thing you can do is ditch the poplin shirt and go for a classic Oxford instead.

It’s a touch more casual due to the texture and subtle details, such as the hanging loop and button-down collar, but it still looks smart and put together.

Wear it with one of the options above for a full outfit.

Cashmere Knitwear

That glossy appearance, the silky soft hand feel. Cashmere has the power to make even the simplest of pieces feel luxurious, to the point where they can elevate ordinary outfits.

A cashmere crewneck or zip-up cardigan can be a great alternative to a blazer for smart-casual occasions. Wear it with a slim-fit T-shirt tucked neatly into the waistband of some tailored wool pants and top it off with some chunky Derbies and a wool overcoat.