[Acct2000]

Please PM me with your requested change and I will be glad to make it for you.

 

[afuturestrader]

Has it occurred to anybody that the OP just might be having some mischievous fun trolling?

C'mon, now, even I don't wear a suit and tie to go to the market or the movies. Sport coat and ascot maybe, but I recognize that even that is probably overdressing to the point of eccentricity.

No troll here JLibourel. I am genuinely curious as to what the members of this forum think about the question raised. I am new to seriously thinking about attire so my own opinions are just yet forming.

A fair reading of the replies above show different opinions on the topic of wearing a suit and tie in a typically casual situation. The answers are not as clear to me as they may be to you.

For what it is worth - I have a specific reason for bringing the topic up. I currently work from home about 80% of the time and have done so successfully for many years. My thought is to dress better in the office. One of a number of reasons is to better separate work from home time.

However, I very much dislike using time to change clothes. So I may chose to wear suit and tie during business hours. If I go out at some point during the day I would prefer not to change. Thus, I asked about the appropriateness of suit and tie in a handful of example situations.

Thanks for all the responses thus far.

 

[Sator]

I have been known to wear a POW check lounge suit to go out shopping on days off work matched with a more colourful shirt and a knit tie. A light coloured suit eg tan, or cream would also be a nice casual alternative. A tweed (or similar country sports design cloth) suit would be good for the winter. For the grocery shopping, it would be more likely to be a sports jacket - and tie.

However, I would not wear a "city lounge suit" just to go to the shops.

 

[Mercrutio]

To wear a suit an an event after work or not?

My own opinion on whether it is appropriate to wear a suit to an after work event (meeting with friends for cocktails, movie or play or concert, or grocery shopping--if one can call that an event) has changed. I used to be a combination of rather pleased with how put together and career-oriented I looked versus many others whom I met out and happy that I'd saved the time for a social life by not going home to change. Then it occurred to me that I looked as I did because, well, I worked late, and didn't have the same leisure time that others had, and thus, even when I was out, I looked as if work was my focus, rather than fun. I came to think this made me less accessible, and, well, less fun than I actually was (or would have liked to think myself). Now, I go home and change quickly to clothes that are more appropriate. It's helpful, of course, to live in a city, so that it's a quick jaunt from work to home and then to wherever you might actually want to be going.

 

[Sufferable Fob]

My own opinion on whether it is appropriate to wear a suit to an after work event (meeting with friends for cocktails, movie or play or concert, or grocery shopping--if one can call that an event) has changed. I used to be a combination of rather pleased with how put together and career-oriented I looked versus many others whom I met out and happy that I'd saved the time for a social life by not going home to change. Then it occurred to me that I looked as I did because, well, I worked late, and didn't have the same leisure time that others had, and thus, even when I was out, I looked as if work was my focus, rather than fun. I came to think this made me less accessible, and, well, less fun than I actually was (or would have liked to think myself). Now, I go home and change quickly to clothes that are more appropriate. It's helpful, of course, to live in a city, so that it's a quick jaunt from work to home and then to wherever you might actually want to be going.

When I think of a suit being worn in any of the situations in the OP, I think of a different kind of suit than would be acceptable at work.

I think lighter or "less-serious" colours, more casual/less conservative styling.

I agree with your assessment when it comes to suits that look like business suits. I would find that a little odd, and I can't see myself doing that.

 

[Zon Jr.]

It amazes me that you guys fall for this.

 

[Sator]

Irrespective of the intentions of the OP, there is no doubt whatsoever that idea of the casual lounge suit should be taken seriously. It looks great in summer cloths with brighter colours, or with characterful country designs.

American writers in particular, used to talk about the "sports suit". British writers traditionally just refer to it as a form of informal/casual wear. "Track suits" aren't considered formal dress so why do we have to think of lounge suits as always being formal dress? Even the "dress suit" (evening tailcoat suit for white tie) started as a sort of track suit for horseriding.

 

[PJC in NoVa]

I've definitely worn a suit to do the OP's three cited activities.

Would I put on a suit as the de rigeur attire for each? Most certainly not.

That said, being overdressed is almost never such a bad thing.

About a year ago I showed up for the more "formal" night of my HS reunion (buffet and cocktails in the banquet room of a local restaurant) wearing a tux b/c I was headed on to a black-tie ball as my second event of the evening. At the reunion, all my old (male) classmates were either wearing coat and tie (mostly dark suits) or (a minority) sportcoat/blazer and slacks.

All the comments about my tux were positive; I explained why I was wearing it (not trying to show anyone up or be a deliberate oddball), of course. It made a nice conversation piece with people I had not seen in a long time, some of whom were folks I barely knew when we were in school (it was a big HS). Overdressing as a social lubricant: Stranger things have happened.

 

[46L]

I very much dislike using time to change clothes. So I may chose to wear suit and tie during business hours. If I go out at some point during the day I would prefer not to change. Thus, I asked about the appropriateness of suit and tie in a handful of example situations.

I do not think it inappropriate to wear your "work" clothes in any of the situations you outlined assuming your work clothes are not filthy coveralls or some sort of uniform not fit for social settings. If you decide to wear a shirt and tie in your home office, I do not think it necessary to change before heading out.

I would find it a bit peculiar if you went out of your way to play "dress up" for otherwise casual events. For example, suiting up for a Saturday afternoon only to make a store run would come off as contrived. Unless of course, like Sean1982, you prefer to always be suited regardless of he situation.

That is not to say I don't put effort into running to the supermarket. On Saturday afternoon I changed out of the sweats I was wearing watching football into a button down, sweater vest and slacks for a quick trip to the market.

 

[phillyesq]

1) A movie
2) Dinner at a friends where you know the friends will be in jeans
3) Grocery shopping

As a city dweller, I try to do most of my grocery shopping while I'm using a car for work. If I'm out of the office, I'm generally wearing a suit, so I end up doing most of my grocery shopping while wearing a suit. I don't feel out of place, but I would never put on a suit just to get groceries. Especially if I'm shopping in the city and walking from the store carrying my groceries.

I wouldn't wear a suit in the other situations you mentioned, but if you want to, knock yourself out.

 

[archon]

As a general rule a suit is my standard apparel for most days, regardless of the social setting or day of week. My only standing exceptions are house work, field and stream type activity, sports, the shore, and possibly some vacation destinations.

Does it make me stand out somewhat? Sure, but it is rare that I actually feel weird about it. The usual response is nothing at all. Sometimes older people will come up to me and tell me they remember the days men wore suits almost everywhere and that it is nice to see younger men wearing suits again. Or, on occasion someone will ask me why I am so dressed up if I seem out of place in any given social situation. This usually sparks a good conversation on men's dress, its history, and current state.

Do my friend care? No, not really. In fact they tend to dress better when they are going out with me. I'm not going to paint myself a some big trend setter, but I think they look at me, like what they see (either knowingly or unknowingly), and take a few more minutes getting ready before going out.

Remember it was no more than 50 years ago that any professional man wouldn't go out in just about any social setting without wearing a suit.

 

[Svenn]

Maybe Sator can answer this history question, but I wonder if the modern aversion to wearing suits is just because very few people can afford or care to get one properly fitted, and thus the stereotype becomes that suits are uncomfortable and akward, and unsuitable for all but formal or business occasions.

At one time the whole 3-piece suit ensemble must have been practical everyday wear somewhere in the world right? Every part of the garment seems to have a practical purpose- lapels and shirt collars were once used to folded up against strong winds or rain right? Were buttoned cuffs perhaps designed for rolling up one's sleeves? It's hard to picture any usefulness for the tie- I suppose it could be a sort of hankerchief like Cambodian farmers wear. Anyway, I'm curious to know if at one point in history someone like a rural British dairy farmer actually put on a whole 3 piece suit to go work in the muddy fields.

 

[archon]

Here are the reasons I hear people do not like modern suits:

1. The quality of wool in most off the rack, affordable suits is poor and itchy. This makes wearing a suit very uncomfortable.

2. Men, especially Americans, are just now downright fat and find wearing tailored trousers uncomfortable.

3. Most men buy their suits the wrong size and so they tend to be too large or too small.

4. Suits that are not tailored tend to be uncomfortable. Men do not know how to properly tailor a suit or do not want to spend the money to do so.

5. Men find wearing a tie to be constraining mostly because they buy dress shirts with the wrong neck size.

Also, in general, I think that men just frankly don't care about their outward appearance so it is easier to wear an oversized t-shirt with loose fitting pants.

 

[46L]

I actually find my dress pants to be much more comfortable than wearing jeans. Most guys don't know what they are missing.

 

[Blueboy1938]

Suit and tie worn:

1) Maybe, if after work.
2) No.
3) No, unless en route from work.

 

[OzDresser]

While morally reprehensible to many on this forum, a suit can become much more socially appropriate by losing the tie. Yes, I should probably go pants and sportcoat instead, but I occasionally do the tie-less suit anyway. I think usually the tie is what weirds out the general public, not the suit.

 

[Cruiser]

I actually find my dress pants to be much more comfortable than wearing jeans. Most guys don't know what they are missing.

As I've pointed out before, this concept of "comfort" is much more than simply how something feels when worn. Of course if I'm just going to stand or sit all day my suit pants are as comfortable as my jeans, but in the real world I don't just stand or sit all day.

If I have to crawl under my desk to retrieve something or to hook up some computer cables or if I have to drag some heavy boxes out of a storage room or if I have to jump start someone's car or any number of other little things that might pop up during the course of a day, I'm going to be much more comfortable doing those things in a pair of jeans and a polo shirt than I would be in a suit and tie. There is always a trade off.

If my day involves an activity for which a suit is required then I'll wear the suit and deal with whatever arises; however, if a suit isn't needed then I'll go with more casual clothing and feel much more comfortable simply because I don't have to be as concerned with my clothes. I'm much more at ease getting my jeans dirty changing a flat tire than I am getting my suit dirty doing the same.

Like I said, there is much more to comfort than simply how something feels when you put it on.

Cruiser

 

[Scoundrel]

While morally reprehensible to many on this forum, a suit can become much more socially appropriate by losing the tie. Yes, I should probably go pants and sportcoat instead, but I occasionally do the tie-less suit anyway. I think usually the tie is what weirds out the general public, not the suit.

+1

And BTW, OP is a troll, IMHO

 

[Scoundrel]

The suit is appropriate when you feel comfortable wearing it. Also at events where respect for a dress code is needed, like a funeral or quality restaurant. If you want to wear a suit out with your friends, and they have a problem with it, they probably have a problem and are insecure.

I personally wear a three piece suit every day for every activity, apart from being at home (i.e if I leave the house, it's in a three piece suit). This includes a hat and usually a watch chain, most often my briefcase, always a full length brolly, polished shoes, and whenever the weather allows a full length coat, scarf and lether gloves.

This is appropriate for everything I do. My friends are happy and comfortable with this, and I generally wouldn't want to go to a place where being myself would be unaceptable. I wear this to the theatre, cinema, shopping, to the pub. In all parts of life!

I don't find it a problem, and many people like it. But I do live in Central London, not only a tolerant city, but one where you do see smartly dressed men regularly.

P.S: I do wear a two piece suit and take as little as possible if I am having a procedure or examination at the hospital that requires me to substantially undress (which I have to do on a regular but not frequent basis), as you have to stuff your things into a plastic bag or small locker. Not great for my beloved suits.

You, sir, have nerves of steel!

 

[jst]

Back to the OP:
1. No, I wear usually sport coat and trousers, no tie.
2. No.
3. No, but I do not hesitate to do grocery shopping while wearing suit. It
saves time and makes no problem.