Hong Kong Suit Etiquette
Today, suits have become a popular choice for many people's daily attire, but do you understand the etiquette of wearing a suit? Below is the suit etiquette guide carefully compiled by KDL Weddings, a Hong Kong formal wear rental shop, hoping it will be helpful to you.
When standing, button up the suit. This ensures that the suit maintains a clean line while speaking or making gestures, preventing it from becoming disheveled with movement. Different suit styles have specific buttoning rules:
For single-breasted suits with one button, simply fasten the button.
For single-breasted suits with two buttons, typically fasten the top button only.
For single-breasted suits with three buttons, you can choose to fasten the middle button or the top two buttons.
For double-breasted suits, all corresponding buttons should be fastened.
As a convention, the bottom button is usually left unfastened, except for extremely formal occasions like worship or court appearances.When sitting down, unbutton the suit. If the suit is too tight and the button is left fastened while sitting, it can cause the suit to stretch and wrinkle, restricting freedom of movement. When unbuttoning or buttoning up, maintain smooth and natural movements, following the principle of unbuttoning from bottom to top and buttoning up from top to bottom.
The tie is an essential accessory for a suit. Choosing the right tie can enhance the overall look. Additionally, shirts and ties should be changed daily to maintain cleanliness and politeness. When wearing a suit, remember to follow the "three-color rule" - the overall color scheme should not exceed three colors, and the "three essentials rule" - shoes, belt, and briefcase should be of the same color, preferably black.
There are also some taboos to avoid when wearing a suit:
Remove any labels on the sleeves before wearing.
Avoid wearing a jacket without a tie, especially in international business settings.
Pay attention to sock selection to avoid inappropriate choices like white socks.
The suit's style is a key factor in the selection process. Different suit styles suit different body types and occasions:
European suits have a tapered trapezoid silhouette, suitable for broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted individuals.
British suits have a narrow elongated collar, often with three buttons and a vent design.
American suits are loose and oversized, typically in a casual style.
Japanese suits are tailored for Asian body types, usually single-breasted without vents.
Finally, shoe choice is crucial. Different shoes can complement different suit styles - for instance, lace-up leather shoes are suitable for formal occasions, while casual shoes are more fitting for everyday wear. Through proper coordination, you can showcase your taste and style.