Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Tailored Clothing Trend Is Back and You’re Going to Want These Picks

The fashion trade papers are lamenting the passing of the streetwear trend while feting a return to good old-fashioned tailored clothing. Early peeks at Spring and Summer 2020 collections show classic suiting silhouettes trending in a big way, too, with edgy designers like David Hart and Timo Weiland updating the look with great colors and fabrics worth a second look.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The counterbalance to that swing of the fashion pendulum is that big money companies like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan have also been relaxing their dress codes — not 1990s wearing golf shirts and khakis to work, but rather allowing that most workplaces these days are on the casual side. Employees are encouraged to use their judgment, dressing in accordance with client expectations. They did not provide any specifics about what clothes were considered appropriate … or inappropriate. 

Recommended Videos

So what the hell does that mean? Zuckerberg’s gray T-shirts or Obama’s gray or navy suits? Here’s our thought: Choose a few well-made tailored basics, but take advantage of the fact that modern tailored clothing has learned a lot from athletic apparel brands. They incorporate a lot of the same fiber and fabric innovations that make your workout and your workday cooler (or warmer, depending), drier and more comfortable. Here’s a list of some great options that will see you in good stead from that appointment with the software startup all the way through the meeting with the bankers’ executive committee. 

Ministry of Supply Velocity Suit Jacket

Ministry of Supply Velocity
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Velocity combines the classic good looks we love in a jacket but has some hidden characteristics that seal the deal. Four-way stretch means it’s as comfortable as your favorite workout T-shirt, yet also soft to the touch. Travel for work? You’ll be sure to show up wrinkle-free and, best of all, if you run into a little problem in the hospitality suite, the jacket is machine washable. It’s a modern, slightly trimmer fit and comes in four colors (though we’re partial to the gray for a little summer lightness). Pair it with the Velocity dress pant for another $185 and you’ve got a great look that is about as formal or informal as you’ll need to be for most modern work environments. 

North & Mark Union Stretch Blazer

north mark union stretch blazer
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Dress it up with a pair of dress trousers, or keep it casual with jeans, but either way, this North & Mark blazer is sure to become the workhorse of your work wardrobe. There’s a lot going on here, including water and stain resistance (perfect if you’re caught in a storm or when morning coffee has a mind of its own), four-way stretch fabric (handy for reaching the top of the corporate ladder), and zippered internal pockets (keep that passport close and safe when traveling). But the updated silhouette also just looks great: We can’t decide between black, khaki, or midnight —  any of them works as a great foundation. 

Banana Republic Smart-Weight Performance Suit Jacket

Banana Republic Smart-Weight Performance Suit Jacket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This slim-cut, unstructured, and partially lined jacket is already easy to wear, but it’s further accentuated with Banana Republic’s “Smart Weight” wool that’s lightweight, durable, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant. The fabric even incorporates quick-dry fibers that help keep you calm, cool, and collected, even when in those high-stakes meetings. Something to watch out for: Because of the silhouette, not all suit jackets are easily paired with other pants like jeans or khakis. This one is, though, offering some real wardrobe elasticity. 

Land’s End Tailored Fit Comfort First Shirt

Land’s End Tailored Fit Comfort First Shirt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Reinterpreting a classic, Land’s End takes the button-down shirt and revs it up with CoolMax fabric to keep you cool and dry. The button-down collar keeps a nice, neat look for those days when you’re not wearing a tie or even a jacket, the easy-care finish means you won’t have to worry about wrinkles, and the flex collar is super comfortable even if you’re buttoned all the way up. Classic white always works for us, but the shirt is also available in other hues, as well as one classic plaid. 

Descente UV Protection Button-Down Collar Shirt

Descente UV Protection Button-Down Collar Shirt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A sportier, short-sleeved version of the classic dress shirt, Descente’s model is a lightweight knit, comfy as your favorite polo. The shirt still lends an air of formality, especially in white, layered under a jacket. But on the off chance that you score that outdoor lunch meeting — or end up with rooftop cocktails somewhere — this shirt also offers up to SPF 15 sun protection. Quick-drying, wicking fibers help wick away moisture, too. 

Mack Weldon Radius Pant

Mack Weldon Radius Pant
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Dressing seriously for work doesn’t mean you have to give up dressing comfortably, not to mention incorporating function if you like an active walking or cycling commute. Mack Weldon’s pant offers a clean, dressy silhouette, but feels like you’re wearing sweatpants: the high-tech fabric resists rain, wind, and stains. It’s got stretch to keep you mobile, as well as wicking and those quick-dry properties. Hidden zip pockets mean you won’t lose keys, wallet, or valuables while swerving to avoid taxis … or dead-end assignments.  

Arizona Original Flex Chinos

Arizona Original Flex Chinos
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Cotton may be the original performance fabric, keeping things cool and comfortable; but add a little stretch for comfort and we’re sold. These slim-fit chinos are the perfect alternative to dress pants and look great with a blazer or a simple classic zip-front sweater. At $42 (and its JCPenney, so watch for a deal), you can get ‘em in both black and khaki to multiply options. 

Alfani Varick Alfatech Oxfords

Alfani Varick Alfatech Oxfords
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Don’t let your feet miss out on all the fun! Alfani created these updated oxfords with all the panache of a classic dress shoe, but with the modern styling and comfort of your favorite trainers. The knit pattern evokes a classic cap-toe, while “ComfortFLX” technology provides flexibility, moisture-wicking, and light weight. They’re a perfect finish to those chinos, modern dress pants, or a pair of white jeans. 

Charles Tyrwhitt Stain-Resistant Necktie

Charles Tyrwhitt Stain-Resistant Necktie
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Not that you may ever be required to wear a tie again in the modern workplace, but just in case that super formal meeting comes up — or you just want to look a little more awesome than everybody else — grab one of these hand-finished numbers from Charles Tyrwhitt. It will not only look great with today’s suits and blazers, but it’s also stain-resistant, so you don’t have to freak out over morning mishaps or cocktail-hour calamities. 

Need to accessorize with the clothes above? Don’t forget to pick up a nice watch or a pair of shades.

John Jones
John Jones is a Jersey City, New Jersey-based writer who enjoys covering design in all its forms, from fashion to…
You can embrace this year’s ‘old is new’ trend with Olderbest
Military, work, and mid-century inspired style
Olderbest Fair Isle Sweater

This season is all about raiding your grandfather's closet for the best items from yesterday. Call it vintage chic, call it old-is-new, or call it whatever you want. We prefer Grandpa-Core. Vintage styles made popular, from loose-fitting pleated Donegal pants made popular in the early 1900s to the baggy styles of the Y2K era, are popping up all over the industry and giving all of us a fit of nostalgia. Of course, finding quality goods that fit this criteria without raiding your ancestor's closets or spending an arm and a leg is a tricky proposition. Luckily for all of us, brands are emerging into popularity that fill the void and give all of us the garments that keep us in nostalgic heaven. Olderbest is a third-party retailer that excels in bringing these brands together.
Vintage-inspired clothing with modern quality

There are three main avenues of the old-school looks that most of us like to emulate. The military styles of the past, which include garments like a Vietnam utility shirt, a WWII flight jacket, or a peacoat from Navy origins. The workwear looks feature old railway-striped jackets and selvage denim, and you could never go wrong with a good pair of coveralls. And finally, you have the vintage looks of suspenders, flat caps, cardigans, and loose-fitting pleated trousers. Olderbest brings together a collection of brands, including Bronson MFG. CO., Remains Clothing, and Time Catcher Clothing. While other people are scrounging thrift stores, second-hand shops, and smuggling old favorites from their grandpa's house, you can find your own right here.
Olderbest

Read more
State & Liberty wants to clothe the fittest among us
The fittest on the planet need the stetchiest athletic fits
State & Liberty Dress Shirt

Any suit salesman will tell you that while they are always happy to see a customer walk through their doors when an athlete (swimmers especially) enlists their services, there is a certain level of frustration and work that the two of them will need to go through before they find the fit they like. You see, suits (nested and off-the-rack) are made with a six-inch drop, meaning they expect a standard difference between the shoulders and the waist, but athletes often have smaller waists, and therefore, they end up struggling to find suits that fit them. They run into the same problem with the dress shirt. If they find one that fits their barrel chest and broad shoulders, they look like they are wearing a sail in the body. However, the State & Liberty Athletic Fit solves the problem for the athlete in multiple ways.
The perfect athletic fit

If there is one thing State & Liberty does well, it is stretch fabric. Their suits, pants, and polos all feature stretch technology made famous by the love of professional athletes from Tim Teabow and Christian McCaffrey to Aaron Judge and Mark McGwire. One of the things that all of these fellas have in common is that they are big and broad. Their pro-performance technology does two things for the man wearing it. It stretches across the back and shoulders, so they don't have to size up too far, and the darts on the back and tapered body bring it closer to the torso and keep him looking trim and fit. If you are a man that works hard on your body, show it off.
State & Liberty Athletic Fit Dress Shirt

Read more
Jack Victor wants you to look your best without discomfort with COMFORTWEAR
Looks like a suit coat, feels like a sweater
Jack Victor Comfortwear Navy Check

If you have ever been to a men's store and listened to the guys around you, you will have figured out that the biggest issue we have with dressing up is comfort. The restrictive nature of suits is one of the most significant drawbacks to dressing like Don Draper every day. However, if you do wear a suit daily, you may have figured out that times are changing. It may have taken a century of wearing the modern iteration of suits to figure it out, but the industry finally started changing the makeup of our favorite garments. Jack Victor is a favorite destination for our needed menswear, and they are also doing what they can to solve this little issue. Jack Victor COMFORTWEAR collection is their answer to our discomfort.
Look like a suit, feel like a sweater

The Jack Victor COMFORTWEAR Collection blends innovative fabrics like wool, silk, linen, cotton, and cashmere with exceptional stretch. This combination gives the look of a blazer with the maximized comfort of a sweater. You can go with the three-button look that offers the feel of a more casual jacket, the checked two-button look that feels more like a sport coat, or you can go for the truly unique look of the double-breasted jacket. Any of the above options are just as appropriate in the office, elevating your business casual to a smart casual, or on the cabin porch with your coffee. Either way, the tech leads with sharpness and ends with unparalleled comfort.
Jack Victor COMFORTWEAR

Read more