2-piece or 3-piece suit: which should you choose?

It's one of the questions we get asked most: is the waistcoat worth it? The answer depends on where you'll wear the suit and how often. Let's break it down.

The 2-piece suit

Jacket and trousers. It's the most versatile suit and the one worn most often. It works for the office, dinners, christenings and most weddings as a guest. It's also cooler in the warmer months — which is why 2-piece suits in linen are so popular in summer.

• Advantages: lighter, easier to match, great for frequent wear.
• When to choose it: work, daytime events, summer, wedding guest.

The 3-piece suit

Jacket, waistcoat and trousers. The waistcoat makes the outfit more formal and structured and is the classic choice for the groom and groomsmen. It has an advantage many people forget: when the party warms up and the jacket comes off, the waistcoat keeps the look sharp.

• Advantages: more elegant, looks better in photos, gives you three different looks.
• When to choose it: groom, best man, ceremonies, evening events, winter.

One 3-piece suit, three ways to wear it

1. Complete — for ceremonies and formal occasions.
2. Jacket and trousers — like a 2-piece suit, for a more relaxed look.
3. Waistcoat and trousers with a shirt — no jacket, ideal for parties and warmer months.

In other words, buying a 3-piece suit actually gives you more options.

Double-breasted or single-breasted?

Whether it's a 2 or 3-piece, the jacket (or waistcoat) can be single-breasted — one row of buttons — or double-breasted, with two. Double-breasted is bolder and looks especially good on tall or medium-build men; single-breasted is more classic and easier to wear.

So, which one?

If you'll wear the suit often and in different settings, a 2-piece in a classic colour (navy or grey) is the safest investment. If it's for a wedding or a special occasion where you want to look your best, the 3-piece is worth it.

Whatever you choose, size has the biggest impact on the final result. Follow our measuring guide and save your measurements in your profile — it's done for all future orders.