Businesswear
The suit is the uniform of the well-dressed man in our culture. While there is increasing informality in dress codes, the classic suit remains the wearable calling card of the corporate world.
The suit suggests professionalism and commands respect. And no-one has yet devised an ensemble more flattering to the average man. Most women love the look of a man in a well-cut suit. Parker & Co. has supplied fine suits to some of Australia’s most influential men for more than 100 years.
A suitable history
A suit is defined as a set of clothing consisting of trousers and jacket – and sometimes matching vest – made from the same fabric. In the 19th century, a gentleman used to wear a tailcoat, frockcoat or morning coat with a vest of a different fabric, and trousers of yet another material. By the 1930s the matching suit of clothes had become the accepted mode of dress in business and public life. The pedigree of the suit resides in England, where the tailors of London’s Savile Row traditionally clothed the gentlemen of the city. Today, the Italian suit is recognised as the epitome of elegance. At Parker & Co. we are Australia’s leading purveyors of suiting by Ermenegildo Zegna, Brioni, Cantarelli and Saintandrews of Italy. We also stock Paul Smith London, the label credited with reinventing the Savile Row suit with a contemporary twist. For customised fit and fabric, we also offer a made-to-measure service in collaboration with Zegna and Brioni.
Tips on choosing a suit
- The cut and fit of a suit are its most important attributes. The cut should bring out the best in its wearer. A good fit begins with the shoulders and chest of the jacket. At Parker & Co. we offer expert guidance on the right fit and cut for the individual.
- Whatever a man’s physique, he should shop with his individual body type in mind. The principles of proportion and colour can be applied to enhance a man’s appearance, regardless of height or build. At Parker & Co. we are experienced in advising on the right shapes, colours and patterns to flatter your body type.
- Quality is appreciated long after the price is forgotten. A quality suit is an investment. The world’s finest suits are made using labour-intensive methods and exquisite fabrics of Superfine Australian wool.
- Navy blue and charcoal grey are considered traditional "power dressing" colours.
- The suit jacket is a symbol of authority and is worn in formal business situations. Its removal signifies informality and relaxation. The jacket’s buttons are worn buttoned up when the wearer is standing (except the bottom button which is always left undone) and is undone when the wearer is seated.
- When selecting a business shirt, cut, fit and fabric are again of supreme importance. The point collar and spread collar are the two basic shapes, of which there are many variations. The collar’s shape should flatter a man’s facial bone structure and fit perfectly. Quality business shirts are usually made from pure cotton.
- The shirt cuff may be a double French cuff, which is worn with cufflinks, or a single buttoned cuff. The sleeve length of a suit jacket should just cover the wrist bone so that the shirt cuff is visible below the jacket sleeve to dress the hand.
- The tie adds a finishing touch to the suit.
- Shoes are arguably the most articulate items in a man’s corporate wardrobe. Many people judge a man’s character and standing by his shoes. They should be of high quality and meticulously polished and maintained. Socks should be in the same shade or darker than the suit or coordinate with the tie and should be long enough to avoid revealing any bare leg when seated. Parker & Co. carries an exclusive selection of handmade couture shoes crafted by Europe’s most esteemed footwear artisans.