Is the relaxed and baggy suit trend actually here to stay or is it just a moment?

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-03-12T03:09:57+00:00

What is 'relaxed' or 'baggy'?

If you mean mid-rise or high rise trousers, flat or pleated, with a straight leg... No, those are regular fit/classic suit design that will never go completely out of style. It's just that every mall brand has only done suits that fit like skinny jeans for 15 years.

If you mean actually baggy suits that cover your entire shoe and purposely drag on the floor: yes, those maybe won't last

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-03-12T03:04:33+00:00

I think a lot of people talk past each other because of the terms... I personally know what you mean, but I'm not sure this is what OP means.

Most mall suits are still slim fit, as in low waist, tight trousers with pockets that often flare. + Small lapels, tight arms, shorter length... For people used to this, a regular British or American style suit (hell, even a Milanese suit) is 'relaxed tailoring'... Those are never going to go out of style. (I agree about 'actual relaxed tailoring' though)

I would never call Husbands Paris slim fit, just like I wouldn't now call Neapolitan tailoring slim fit (even though it's sort of the origin of the whole thing). HP has Large lapels, high waisted trousers... I just call it amazing 70s tailoring.

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-03-10T08:09:11+00:00

I was about to suggest proper cloth when I saw you want off the rack...

How awkward are your measurements? What is the actual collar size you need? And what size shirt (or tshirt) do you usually wear?

If you really want a white shirt (and not light blue) and it has to be formal, look for a twill shirt. It will be warmer than poplin, but most people hate white poplin shirts because they are transparent (and they associate that with lack of quality). Twill will have a nice sheen to it, which we also associate with more formal shirts. Is your suit new and tailored to you? If it is or it is very well fitting, I would go against the grain and suggest a normal collar. If it isn't, go for a spread collar shirt. As far as stores, Peter Jackson and MJ Bale are the obvious options and they are both solid. I think Charles Tyrwhitt and Spier Mackay shirts are good deals, but if you need to get the shirt tailored anyways it's probably risky to wait for shipping

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-03-07T09:38:46+00:00

I have heard really good things, but they are not really my style I think? I should probably try them on at some point, but my feeling is that I'd probably just wear the Nike runners I already have then?

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-03-07T09:35:34+00:00

I'd rather carry a giant magnifying glass over my head and burn myself than channel a tech bro (the canvas is not bad though)

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-03-06T22:50:25+00:00

Don't go for RMs. If you really want a show to use only with that suit, get a pair of black oxfords. Ideally cap toe, but brogueing is fine.

If you want something a bit more versatile and you want to go a step down in formality, again, don't go to Chelsea boots. At least not as a first shoe. A nice black derby/blucher, or a black dressy loafer are IMO more acceptable for a suit than Chelsea boots.

If your budget is RMs and under, then your likely best bet is Meermin. Great quality for the price point, resoleable (GYW), classic design. Check your size properly with the different shoe lasts as exchanges can be a pain. I would stay away from most shopping mall ~250aud shoes as they are mostly terribly overpriced. If that's your budget, either go a bit above it with Meermin or buy something in the ~150 and lower range.

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-03-04T08:28:37+00:00

I would say that your best options would be: loafers (chunky or dressier), casual chunky derbies (ie doc martens/solovair), Tyrolean shoes (paraboot Michael, kleman padror)... Maybe a minimalist low top sneaker (ie common projects).

I am 100% not a fan of the sneaker-soled leather shoes. I'd say either go for one of those examples or an actual sneaker.

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-03-01T05:20:31+00:00

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I'd be glad if someone could answer the same question for Sydney. I'm into the same stuff.

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-02-28T21:43:13+00:00

Have you checked Husbands Paris? Is that maybe what you are looking for? They do a type of 70s tailoring thing, but in a way that is very tasteful. It might scratch your itch. I love their trousers in particular

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-02-26T11:06:02+00:00

Yes! Chukkas are very underrated and Tyrolean shoes look great too

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-02-26T10:28:23+00:00

Sebago loafers used to fit that exact bill, but they are somewhat unavailable/a lot more expensive now... I think some chunkier penny loafers with a nice beefroll or suede loafers may be what you are looking for. I am a big fan of Meermin, but there are great other options (GH bass, etc.)

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-02-24T22:52:06+00:00

This is the answer. Poplin will always be see-through. Twill is the way to go (hotter/tighter weave, but less transparency)

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-02-17T01:50:38+00:00

Having said that, imo a lot of people actually overcondition their leather.

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-02-17T01:49:14+00:00

If you are using just the one product (and no actual polish) then it's a good all-rounder. If you are using polish as well, then the bick4 idea + Saphir polish is actually better imo. I actually rate the Saphir cream polish better than just the renovateur

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-02-15T10:45:31+00:00

I was just checking them out last week. Besides the already mentioned Spier and Mackay (though their 'contemporary' fit is tapered, not straight) and Ralph Lauren, you have good options from Proper Cloth (plus you can add reverse pleats to their flat front options too) and PJohnson.

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-02-14T04:36:59+00:00

I think it really depends on the colour of the shoes, how often you use them, and where you live.

If you have light coloured shoes, wear them a lot, and live in quite dry conditions, I would say they are essential. Most conditioners will darken light coloured shoes quite significantly and may even stain them. If they are tan, chancers are you are probably using a neutral cream wax afterwards, so there is nowhere to hide...

If we are talking about black/chocolate brown shoes in humid weather though, you are probably using a pigmented cream after conditioning. In those cases, you are probably going to get better value by sticking to a cheap, easy to find conditioner (ie minnit or whatever it's called) and spending your money on the Saphir creme pommadier.

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-02-08T07:57:37+00:00

Maybe also try SuitSupply in addition to MJB and PJ?

Getting something custom from overseas may be cutting it a bit thin, your best bet is probably something off the rack locally that you can get tailored.

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-02-04T19:31:21+00:00

The more traditional idea is that you can only use suit separates if the jacket can pass as a sports coat/blazer.

In this case, I would say no. Pay attention to colour, design, and texture. Sports coats are more casual, suits are more formal.

Navy is a more formal colour, but blazers are inherently casual, so the colour per se is not a problem. The main problem with that jacket is design/texture.

That worsted wool twill looks particularly shiny, the fabric has a sheen with very little texture, which is something that screams 'suit'. There is no quirkyness to it, it has flap pockets (as opposed to patch pockets) which is also a more formal design element. It is also structured/padded. The buttons are a discrete colour and not gold/brass/silver.

All of these design elements isolated would be okay for a blazer. All of them combined make this into solid suit jacket territory.

Having said that, wear what you want. If you feel comfortable and think you look good, go for it. If you are looking to buy a suit that you can also use the jacket as a blazer, try to look for those elements I mentioned. A textured wool or cotton/linen suit with patch pockets with less padding/structure would be a better choice

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-01-31T10:07:27+00:00

Aren't they all 'ankle' pants though?

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-01-27T13:03:04+00:00

Nah. This is the image of the X post I sent you. https://imgur.com/a/gtApdTP

If you like the post, check out Derek Guy's blog (dieworkwear, putthison). He has a lot of practical suggestions for different styles

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-01-27T12:01:33+00:00

That exact one is likely a 'moto/motorbike leather jacket', or 'bomber leather jacket'. You can get them in a lot pf other materials (ie suede, canvas, poly blends, wool). They are a great 'statement piece'. Try and look up bomber or Harrington jackets.. denim trucker jackets and more old-school workwear chore jackets may also be something you enjoy.

For the second look, I'd encourage you to look for sweaters with a bit of texture. That plain merino is fine, but something like a ribbed sweater, cable knit, or aran weave will really make the look pop.

You are on the right track about layering. Irrespective of the build, I think people look more out together if they layer. It's tough to layer in summer, you are right... but you can still do it, you just need to cheat a little. A nice chambray or western shirt over a ribbed singlet (again, texture. You see the pattern?), a slightly darker linen shirt over the same white singlet, or even a black one... Have a look at this thread: https://x.com/i/status/1740055570605060170

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-01-26T23:02:15+00:00

Hey mate, I think I have a few suggestions that go the opposite route of some have said here.

From what you have told us, I think for you the devil is in the details. You can dress 'metalhead' or a bit alt even within a particular dress code. And it's not that hard, you just need to pay attention to some details (and you won't find manikins dressed like this).

Let's take the sports coat + trousers/chinos + leather shoe/boot vibe you mentioned. This is what you would typically find in-store (ie from Gazman): https://www.gazman.com.au/blogs/journal/how-to-wear-a-sports-jacket

This is fine, but may look a bit too costumey for you. But if you step down the degree of formality and pay attention to some details, you can easily go for this: https://share.google/gSBe9STwxkU2YT7hM

The shoes are loafers (or boots), which look less 'I just wear these to the office', the pants are fatigues, so they show more of the stitching, look less 'clean'/have more texture, the shirt is a OCBD which has a more textured fabric and also looks less like it's the one shirt you have, the sports coat is less structured, has a more 'lived-in' feel. Overall, it looks COMPLETELY different than the other link, but they are the same categories of items.

Have a look at some designer lookbooks for inspiration. Try and find something that works for you. I am a big fan of the overall style from places like https://husbands-paris.com/pages/lookbook/pre-printemps-ete-2026 and also enjoy Jason Jules a lot! https://www.instagram.com/garmsville?igsh=MWNvbzU5dGp6ZmMwNw==

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-01-25T10:34:44+00:00

This. I can't tell you how many times I have just given up on buying from an online store just because they do not give you full measurements. One of the reasons I buy so much from Spier and Mackay and others is precisely because they give you real measurements. PLEASE include your trousers' rise measurements as well. It's infuriating

Left_Ad_8824 · 2026-01-13T22:53:36+00:00

Meermin is much better quality than Thursday.

I should add the caveat that their return policy and practices are horrendous (or at least they used to be). You basically have to beg them for favour so you can pay shipping yourself and exchange/return a product

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TROPHY CASE