Why You Can't Wear Your Formal Suit as a Business Suit and (Usually) Vice Versa

For men just getting their first suits on their own, the difference between a business suit and a formal suit is not that noticeable. They may just look like different suits. But the styles are different, and you really don't want to wear one when you should be wearing the other. There are times when you have to make an exception, but overall, business suits and formal suits are not interchangeable, and one shouldn't be worn as a substitute for the other.

The Styles Really Are Different

Business suits tend to be a little boxy and can come in a few muted colours in addition to basic black. Formal suits are sleeker, with thinner lapels. The trousers for formal suits tend to be slimmer and not wrinkled, while a business suit may have trousers that are a little longer and thus bunched up at where the shoe meets the ankle. You'll have more options for mixing and matching with a business suit than you will for a formal suit.

Your Business Suit Will See a Lot of Use, and Thus Wear

Business suits see a lot of use, from sitting and standing repeatedly to having the jacket nearly crushed under your arm as you hold it and a bunch of folders while you walk from one office to another. That's not so healthy for formal suits, which have to keep their sleek, smooth look. Business suits, and this includes the more basic suits as well as the more upscale versions, are made to be worn daily. They can handle more twisting stress and physical pressure than a formal suit might.

Sometimes You Have No Options

All that being said... sometimes, you don't have a choice. Maybe your formal suit is the only one clean enough to wear for work, or you were invited last minute to a wedding and have only a business suit available. You could do worse than wear the wrong type of suit, but do be prepared for some gentle jokes. If you have to wear a business suit in place of a formal suit, keep the suit and shirt as wrinkle-free as possible, and ensure the tie is dark and slim. If you have to wear a formal suit as a business suit, you may want to see about removing the jacket whenever possible and wearing a more business-like shirt instead of a formal white button-down shirt.

That's why it helps to have a few business suits and a couple of formal suits ready to go in your closet. If you have to find one at the last minute, having extra will mean you won't be over- or under-dressed for the occasion. Have the suits well-tailored and make sure you let them air out occasionally if you haven't had a chance to wear them for a while.

If you are looking for business suits, visit a suit shop near you.