Selecting a down jacket that goes with a suit. 3 points to consider and recommended models!

The suit and down jacket used to be an unusual combination, but with the increased freedom of dress in the business scene and a wider range of interpretations of dress styles, it is now a combination that is not uncommon. In this issue, we will introduce the points to keep in mind when considering such suit and down jacket coordination for men, as well as recommended models!

A combination of the extremes of dress and casual wearIs it possible to wear a down jacket with a suit in the first place?

In this day and age, corporate dress codes have become much more liberal. The way suits are worn in the business world has changed dramatically over the past few years, as some companies in the financial industry, which was once considered a “stiff” industry, have greatly relaxed their dress code. Even outside of business suits, dress styles are changing, and free interpretations that deviate from the classic rules (while still respecting them) are spreading. It is no longer unusual to see suits, the theme of this issue, combined with down jackets. However, since suits and down have completely different origins and uses, it is difficult to achieve harmony in appearance simply by combining them. While suits are designed to flatter the body, down is often designed to be bulky to retain heat. If practiced without understanding the difference in structure between the two, the impression of style will be inconsistent, and the outfit will end up looking awkward. Therefore, when matching a down jacket with a suit, keep in mind the cautions in choosing and wearing a down jacket.

Winter men's outfit/coordination with plain black down jacket, plain white shirt, plain navy socks, brown coin loafer leather shoes, plain black briefcase/handbag, glen check gray checked suit, navy tie tie.

What is a down jacket that goes with a suit style? How to choose?

Principles of choosing a down jacket to match a suit 1Choosing the right material and color to match the suit fabric

Suit fabrics, mainly wool, have a texture formed by the yarn count, number of twists and weave density. The higher the yarn count, the finer the fiber, the more evenly light reflects off the surface, and the more subdued and shiny it becomes. On the other hand, nylon, which is common in general down, has thicker yarns and tends to have a stronger luster at lower densities. In a combination with this large difference in luster, only the upper half of the garment will have a different presence, which spoils the sense of unity of the entire garment. Therefore, down jackets with wool or cashmere-blend outer fabrics or high-density nylon with a matte texture will harmonize with the mild luster of the suit fabric. Matching the light-reflecting properties of the materials is essential to maintaining a formal look. Also, basic colors such as navy, gray, and black should be used. Down jackets in flashy colors such as red, green, and yellow are not suitable for suit style because of their casual, outdoorsy look.

Men's fall/winter coordinate and outfit with plain black glasses, plain gray hooded coat, plain gray down jacket, plain white turtleneck knit, brown low-cut sneakers, and gray striped suit.

Principle 2 of choosing a down jacket that goes with a suitLength should be a length that covers the hem of the suit jacket

The length of a suit jacket is designed to make the ratio of the upper and lower body look even. If this area is exposed, the waist position will appear higher and the vertical ratio will change. As a result, the balance is lost, giving the wearer a youthful and casual look. This ratio change is the reason why short-length down jackets look sporty. On the other hand, down jackets that are long enough to hide the hem of the jacket can be worn as a whole without destroying the proportions of the body. The reason why European business-oriented down wears are similar in length to Chester coats is to ensure the consistency of the length-to-length ratio. When worn with a suit, it is best to judge the length based on the jacket length.

Men's fall/winter coordinate and outfit with plain black sunglasses, multi-colored striped scarf/stall, plain navy down jacket, plain beige cardigan, and plain dark gray suit.

Principles for choosing a down jacket that goes with a suit 3Volume

Stitching that divides and secures the down bulge into compartments is originally found in many designs for outdoor use. The more the stitching extends outward, the stronger the unevenness and the greater the visual volume. This unevenness contrasts with the smooth, neat surface structure of the suit, creating a greater impression of difference. Models in which the stitching does not appear on the surface have a more uniform surface, which reduces the visual distance from the suit material, making it less likely to cause discomfort in business situations. Furthermore, the structure with the stitches placed inside has the advantage of facilitating even heat retention, which is rational in terms of both appearance and function.

Winter men's coordinate and outfit with plain black sunglasses from Boston, plain gray down jacket, plain white turtleneck knit, red socks, white low-cut sneakers, and dark gray striped suit.

NG examples and factors that make a suit look tacky

The problem of discomfort when matching a suit is not the specific detail itself, but rather when the visual effect created by that detail does not mesh with the suit’s structural beauty. Particular attention should be paid to short length, excessive sheen, and volume. Short lengths expose the hips and change the vertical proportions of the suit, which can disrupt the proportions that the suit is supposed to provide. Materials with a high sheen tend to be highly reflective and draw the eye to the upper half of the body, making it difficult to harmonize with the mild sheen of the suit’s fabric.

On the other hand, it is impossible to make a blanket judgment about whether quilting and stitching are acceptable or not. Even if stitched, downs with fine width and modestly designed unevenness go well with suits. Also, if the surface is not excessively bulged and the shoulder line is not broadened, the contour is not disturbed and a neat, suit-like appearance can be maintained. Conversely, large quilted suits designed for outdoor use are highly uneven, making the wearer appear larger than his or her physique and weakening the suit’s smooth shoulder structure. This inconsistency is the cause of the ” too casual look.
Therefore, it is not the presence or absence of stitching, but the width of the stitching, the strength of the unevenness, the design of the shoulder area, and the reflective properties of the material that determines the affinity with the suit. When matching a suit, it is important to choose a design that does not overly emphasize these visual information.

Down jackets that go with suits 1TATRAS 'DOMIZIANO'

The TATRAS DOMIZIANO is the brand’s best seller and a standard down jacket that goes with suits. The length is set slightly longer so that the hem of the jacket does not stick out when worn with a suit or jackets, and the silhouette is calculated for a well-balanced fit. The material is wool and silk blended for a luxurious and elegant look that best matches the attire of a calm and mature person. If you are in doubt about which down jacket to match with your suit, consider this one first.

タトラス公式オンラインストア

Click here for details and purchase

Down jackets that go with suits 2MONCLER 'LOIRET'

Moncler is synonymous with luxury down jackets. The Moncler logo in navy and red on a white background is iconic, but the LOIRET has a minimalist design with a logo in the same color as the body of the jacket, giving it a chic look that goes well with a suit style. The front of the jacket has a button-fly placket layered on the front side of the zip, and this design also contributes to the classy impression. The material used is GORE-TEX, making it a dependable piece for any occasion.

BEAMS

Click here for details and purchase

Down jackets that go with suits 3WOOLRICH 'NEW ARCTIC PARKA'

Woolrich’s Arctic Parka, renowned as a timeless classic down jacket, is another royal road to suit. This model was originally designed as workwear for extreme cold regions for pipeline builders in Alaska, but now it has been modernized as the ” NEW ARCTIC PARKA,” and many men love it as a down jacket for both on and off duty use. This down jacket has a distinctive button design, and its classic look goes well with suits. The fur can be attached or detached, so enjoy putting it on or taking it off depending on the tension of your coordination.

BEAMS

Click here for details and purchase

Down jackets that match suits 4MooRER 'CRAIG'

MooRER is a relatively young brand founded in 2006, but has established itself in Japan as a luxury down brand. They produce many luxurious down jackets that match suit styles, and CRAIG-KN picked up this time is one of them. The hem below the front button is designed in an arched cut, giving it an elegant look that goes well with suit jackets. While it looks beautiful, it is also attractive for its many functionalities, such as two-way stretch, water-repellent finish with resin coating, and tear-resistant durability with its fine-grained fabric, which is as good as an outdoor brand’s down jacket. It can be said to be a practical luxury down jacket that can be worn as much as you like on your daily commute.

cettire.com

Click here for details and purchase

5 down jackets that go with suitsHERNO '4 POCKET HOOD DOWN JACKET'

HERNO, which produces sporty and elegant down items, is another standard brand of down jackets that go with suit styles. This model, characterized by its matte nylon material and four pockets, has a mid-length that falls somewhere between a down jacket and a down coat, making it perfect for a suit style. It is a down jacket that will give you an elegant adult winter coordinate. The nylon chamonix material used for the outer fabric is Herno’s standard high-performance nylon material with a classy appearance and high water repellency.