Men's Navy Blue Suits
Navy remains the most versatile color for suits. It works for the office, weddings, and black tie optional events. Brooks Brothers has been making navy suits since 1818. Today's lineup offers Classic, Slim, and Traditional fits in solid, pinstripe, and patterned wool.
For a quick fit check, make sure the shoulder seams finish at the bone and the jacket fastens without pulling. The sleeves ought to reveal between ¼–½ inch of shirt cuff, and the trousers should have a single break at the shoe. More details can be found in the Suit Guide.
The Navy Blue Suit Range: Fits, Fabrics & Collections
All navy suits come in Classic, Slim, or Traditional fits. The fabrics consist of 100% wool for the 1818 Collection and stretch wool for the Explorer line. Available patterns are solid, pinstripe, windowpane, tic, and check.
The 1818 Collection in Navy
The 1818 Collection takes its name from the year the company started. These suits include full or half canvas construction, surgeon's cuffs, and side vents. The wool is produced at the Thomas E. Mason mill in Italy. Navy is the leading color in this collection, offered in solid, pinstripe, windowpane, tic, and check patterns for each of the three fits. A navy 1818 suit represents a long-term investment.
Explorer Collection: Stretch Wool Travel Suits
The Explorer Collection is built for travel. The stretch wool resists wrinkles, so the jacket keeps its look during flights. A matching navy wool suit vest can be added for a three-piece ensemble. The jacket and trousers are also offered in Big & Tall sizes.
Pinstripe & Patterned Navy Suits
The Wool Pinstripe 1818 Suit comes in Slim and Traditional fits. It serves as the main business choice for a navy pinstripe suit. Checked and windowpane patterns are more casual and can be worn without a tie. The Double-Breasted 1818 Blazer in stretch wool is the primary option for a double-breasted navy silhouette.
Find Your Fit: How a Navy Suit Should Fit
Fit matters more than fabric. A well-cut suit made from standard wool is better than fine cloth in the wrong silhouette. There are three fit options:
Classic Fit Navy Blue Suits
The Classic Fit represents the original Brooks Brothers shape. It is fuller across the chest and seat and features a natural shoulder. It keeps its shape all day without pulling. This fit is the best starting point for people between sizes or with broad shoulders.
Slim Fit Navy Blue Suits
The Slim Fit is cut tighter across the chest, waist, and trousers. It is often chosen for weddings due to its appearance in photographs. Versions in stretch wool add extra flexibility.
Traditional Fit Navy Suits
The Traditional Fit offers the roomiest cut. It derives from the No. 1 Sack silhouette that built the Brooks Brothers reputation. It includes a soft shoulder, full chest, and relaxed seat. It does not follow fleeting fashion trends.
How to Measure for a Suit
You require three measurements. For the chest, wrap the tape around the fullest part beneath the arms. For the waist, measure at the point where your trousers sit. For jacket length, measure from the base of the collar to the thumb knuckle. Take measurements over a dress shirt and keep the tape level. If you fall between sizes, select the larger size. A tailor can take a suit in, though there is limited fabric for letting a suit out.
The guide to suit fits and measurements offers more detail on body types. Made-to-Measure is offered for those who wish to specify every detail.
How to Wear a Navy Blue Suit: Occasion & Styling Guide
A navy suit works for boardrooms, summer weddings, funerals, or black tie optional events. The shirt, tie, and shoes set the level of formality.
Navy Suit for the Office
For work, match the suit with a white or pale blue Oxford dress shirt and a silk repp tie in burgundy or forest green. Choose black or dark brown leather Oxford shoes. This combination has been a long-standing professional standard.
Navy Suit for a Wedding
Navy is a frequent choice for weddings for both grooms and guests. A typical combination includes a Slim Fit suit in a lighter navy, a white spread-collar shirt, a patterned tie, and brown suede shoes. The Classic Fit is often selected for groomsmen because it fits various body types.
Navy Suit for a Funeral
A dark navy suit is appropriate for a funeral. Choose the darkest navy you have, pair it with a white shirt, a plain dark tie, and black shoes. Do not wear a pocket square or any patterns.
Navy Suit for Prom or Graduation
A Slim Fit navy suit makes a practical choice for prom or graduation. It works well in photographs and can be reused later for job interviews.
Navy Suit for Black Tie Optional
For black tie optional events, a deep navy suit with a white formal shirt and a black or navy grosgrain bow tie is acceptable. Pair it with black patent Oxfords and a white pocket square. If the invitation calls for black tie, a Navy Tuxedo is required.
What Color Tie Goes With a Navy Suit?
Burgundy is the standard tie color for business. Gold and yellow work for weddings and daytime events. Forest green is a viable alternative. Black ties should be saved for formal evening events, as they can appear dull against navy in daylight.
Why Navy? The Case for Your First Suit
Navy ought to be the first suit you own. It is more versatile than charcoal or black. It moves between day and evening more smoothly than other colors and has been a staple of American professional clothing for two centuries.
Navy vs. Charcoal: Which Suit Should You Buy First?
Charcoal is darker and more formal, making it a good choice for conservative legal or banking environments. For most other purposes, navy is equally professional and better suited for weddings and daytime events. Purchase navy first and charcoal second.
The Brooks Brothers Difference: Craft, Fit, Heritage
Construction details include full or half canvas fronts, natural shoulders, surgeon's cuffs, and side vents. If standard sizes do not fit, the made-to-measure program applies the same construction methods to your specific measurements.
Navy Suit FAQs
Is a navy suit appropriate for a funeral?
Yes. A dark navy suit with a white shirt, plain dark tie, and black shoes is respectful. Only black is considered more formal.
What is the difference between a navy suit and a navy tuxedo?
A tuxedo has satin or grosgrain facings on the lapels, buttons, and trousers. It is worn with a bow tie and formal shirt. A suit uses the same fabric for the lapels and has standard buttons. Tuxedos are for black tie events, while suits are for other occasions.
Can you wear brown shoes with a navy suit?
You can wear brown shoes with a navy suit. Brown leather or suede is the standard choice for daytime wear, business settings, and weddings. Save black shoes for funerals and the most formal occasions.
Should my first suit be navy or black?
A navy suit is versatile. Black suits are generally limited to funerals and formal evening events, but navy works for business, weddings, and formal gatherings. You should buy a grey suit as your second option and a black suit as your third.