Key Takeaways:

1. Choose fashion sneakers, not running shoes, for a sleek look
2. Invest in high-quality sneakers to complement your suit
3. Casualise your suit to balance the informal footwear
4. Select suits in lighter colours and textured fabrics for the best pairing
5. Understand when it's appropriate to wear sneakers with a suit
6. Keep white sneakers clean for a sharp ensemble
7. Opt for no-break trousers to create a streamlined silhouette

How to Wear Sneakers with a Suit - Essential Rules for Men

Is It Okay to Wear Sneakers with a Suit? 7 Essential Rules for Men

Have you ever wondered if it's okay to wear sneakers with a custom suit? This controversial trend has been gaining traction, with some fashion-forward gents embracing the look while others view it as a sartorial faux pas. Whether you're 16 or 60, if you're considering pairing your tailored ensemble with trainers, you've come to the right place.

Why do Americans wear trainers with suits, and is this trend crossing the pond? How can one wear sneakers formally without looking like they've made a grave fashion mistake? These are the questions we'll answer as we delve into the world of suit-and-sneaker combinations.

The key to pulling off this look lies in understanding the nuances of how to wear sneakers with a suit properly. It's not as simple as throwing on any pair of trainers with your favourite two-piece. There's an art to it, and we're here to guide you through the process.

In this article, we'll explore seven essential rules that will help you master the art of wearing sneakers with a suit. From choosing the right footwear to selecting the perfect suit, we'll cover everything you need to know to rock this modern look with confidence. Are you ready to learn how to elevate your style game and turn heads for all the right reasons? Let's dive in and discover the secrets to successfully pairing sneakers with suits.

Rule 1: Choose Fashion Sneakers, Not Running Shoes, for Your Suit

When it comes to wearing sneakers with a suit, the first and most crucial rule is to select the right type of footwear. Gentlemen, let me be clear: not all sneakers are created equal, especially when pairing them with tailored attire.

The key is to opt for fashion sneakers, not running shoes. Why? Because running shoes, with their chunky soles, prominent logos, and performance-oriented designs, simply don't complement the sleek lines of a well-tailored suit. Imagine turning up to a smart-casual event in a beautifully cut suit, only to spoil the look with shoes designed for pounding the pavement. It's a fashion faux pas that can make you appear careless or unprepared.

Instead, what you're looking for are sneakers with a slim, elegant profile. Think clean lines, minimal branding, and a flat sole. These fashion-forward trainers are designed with style in mind, not athletic performance. They should look intentional, as if you've made a deliberate choice to create a modern, fashion-forward ensemble.

White sneakers, in particular, have become a popular choice for wearing with suits. Their crisp, clean appearance can add a fresh, contemporary twist to your outfit. However, other neutral colours like black, navy, or grey can also work well, depending on your suit colour and the overall look you're aiming for.

Remember, the goal is to look like you've made a conscious style decision, not like you've forgotten to change out of your commuting shoes. By choosing the right sneakers, you're setting the foundation for a successful suit-and-sneaker combination that will turn heads for all the right reasons.

So, next time you're considering what sneakers to wear with your suit, ask yourself: "Do these look like they belong with my tailored outfit, or do they belong on a treadmill?" If it's the latter, it's time to reconsider your footwear choice.

Rule 2: Invest in High-Quality Sneakers to Elevate Your Suit Look

When it comes to wearing sneakers with a suit, quality is paramount. You wouldn't pair a bespoke suit with cheap, poorly made shoes, would you? The same principle applies when choosing sneakers to wear with your tailored ensemble.

Investing in high-quality sneakers is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, premium sneakers are crafted with superior materials and construction methods, ensuring they look polished and refined. This level of quality complements the tailoring of your suit, rather than detracting from it. Cheap sneakers, on the other hand, can cheapen the overall look, undermining the sophistication of your suit.

Secondly, high-quality sneakers offer better comfort and durability. If you're wearing sneakers with a suit, chances are you're aiming for a balance of style and comfort. Premium sneakers provide this, offering support and cushioning that will keep you comfortable throughout the day or evening.

When shopping for sneakers to wear with suits, look for brands known for their quality craftsmanship. Opt for sneakers made from premium materials like fine leather or suede. The construction should be solid, with attention to detail in the stitching and finishing. Clean, minimalist designs often work best, as they provide a sophisticated look that pairs well with tailored clothing.

White sneakers are a popular choice for wearing with suits, offering a crisp, clean aesthetic. However, don't limit yourself to just white. High-quality sneakers in neutral tones like black, navy, or even rich browns can work beautifully with suits, depending on the colour of your outfit and the occasion.

Remember, the sneakers you choose are not just an afterthought – they're a key part of your outfit. By investing in a pair of high-quality sneakers, you're ensuring that every element of your suit-and-sneaker combination is working together to create a polished, intentional look.

So, before you decide what sneakers to wear with your suit, consider the quality. Are they well-made? Do they look refined? Will they stand up to repeated wear? If the answer is yes, you're on the right track to mastering this modern style move.

Rule 3: How to Wear Sneakers Formally: Casualise Your Suit for Balance

When wearing sneakers with a suit, it's crucial to strike the right balance between formal and casual elements. The key is to casualise your suit to match the relaxed vibe of your sneakers. This creates a harmonious look that appears intentional rather than mismatched.

First, let's talk about what to wear under your suit jacket. Forget the traditional shirt and tie combo - it's too formal for sneakers and creates an awkward juxtaposition. Instead, opt for more casual tops that complement the laid-back nature of your footwear. A crisp white T-shirt is a classic choice that works brilliantly with a suit and sneakers. Alternatively, consider a polo shirt or a Cuban collar shirt for a touch of retro cool. If you prefer a collared shirt, a white linen option can work well, especially in warmer months.

Accessories play a crucial role in casualising your suit. Ditch the cufflinks and formal watch. Instead, consider adding some more relaxed elements like leather bracelets, stylish rings, or a modern watch with a fabric or leather strap. Sunglasses are another great accessory that can add to the casual-cool vibe you're aiming for.

The fit of your suit is also important when wearing it with sneakers. A slightly more relaxed fit can work well, but be careful not to go too loose - you still want to maintain a tailored appearance. Consider having your suit jacket slightly shortened or opting for a suit with a more contemporary cut.

Colour and fabric choices for your suit can also help to create a more casual look. While a classic navy or charcoal suit can work with sneakers, lighter colours and more textured fabrics often pair better with casual footwear. Think about suits in lighter shades of blue, grey, or even bolder colours like green or burgundy. Fabrics like linen, cotton, or textured wools can add to the relaxed feel of the outfit.

Remember, the goal is to create a look that's cohesive from head to toe. By casualising your suit appropriately, you're ensuring that your sneakers don't look out of place, but rather like an intentional and stylish choice.

Rule 4: Selecting the Right Suit for Pairing with Sneakers

When it comes to wearing sneakers with a suit, not all suits are created equal. The key is to choose a suit that complements the casual nature of your footwear while still maintaining a polished appearance. Let's explore how to select the perfect suit for this modern style combo.

First and foremost, consider the formality of your suit. Traditional business suits in navy or charcoal, while versatile, may be too formal to pair well with sneakers. Instead, opt for suits with a more relaxed vibe. Summer suits, for instance, are excellent candidates for the suit-and-sneaker look.

Colour plays a crucial role in selecting the right suit for sneakers. Lighter shades tend to work better with casual footwear. Consider suits in stone, light blue, or even pastel shades like pink. These colours naturally lend themselves to a more laid-back aesthetic, making them perfect partners for sneakers. For the more adventurous, suits in bolder colours like green or tobacco can create a striking look when paired with clean, white sneakers.

Fabric choice is another important factor. Textured fabrics like linen, cotton, or seersucker are ideal for wearing with sneakers. These materials have a naturally relaxed feel that aligns well with the casual nature of trainers. They're also perfect for warmer weather, making them a great choice for summer events where you might want to sport this look.

Don't limit yourself to just full suits, either. Separates can work wonderfully with sneakers. Try pairing tailored trousers with a contrasting blazer or sports coat. This mix-and-match approach inherently creates a more casual look that's perfect for sneakers. A light blue blazer with stone-coloured trousers and white sneakers, for example, can create a stylish, summery ensemble.

The fit of your suit is also crucial when pairing it with sneakers. While you don't want your suit to be baggy, a slightly more relaxed fit can work well with this look. Consider a suit with a softer shoulder and a slightly less structured silhouette. This relaxed tailoring complements the casual nature of sneakers without sacrificing sophistication.

Remember, the goal is to create a cohesive look where your sneakers appear as an intentional style choice rather than an afterthought. By selecting the right suit – in terms of colour, fabric, and fit – you'll ensure that your sneakers enhance rather than clash with your overall outfit.

Rule 5: When to Wear Sneakers with a Suit: Occasion Matters

One of the most crucial aspects of successfully pulling off the sneakers-with-suit look is understanding when it's appropriate. While this trendy combination can look stylish and modern, it's not suitable for every occasion. Let's explore when you can confidently sport this look and when it's best to stick to traditional dress shoes.

First and foremost, it's essential to recognise that wearing sneakers with a suit is inherently a casual style choice. This means it's not appropriate for formal events or serious business settings. Funerals, job interviews, board meetings, and most weddings are occasions where you should opt for classic dress shoes instead.

So, when can you wear sneakers with suits? This look is perfect for creative workplaces, casual Fridays, or informal business settings where a touch of personal style is appreciated. It's also great for social events like gallery openings, casual dinners, or drinks with friends. In these settings, your sneaker-suit combo can showcase your fashion-forward sensibility while still maintaining a put-together appearance.

Summer events are particularly well-suited for this look. Garden parties, outdoor concerts, or daytime weddings with a relaxed dress code can be ideal opportunities to pair your lightweight summer suit with clean, white sneakers. The key is to gauge the atmosphere of the event and dress accordingly.

When attending restaurants, consider the establishment's dress code. While many modern, trendy restaurants would welcome this stylish combination, more traditional or upscale venues might frown upon sneakers, regardless of how well they're paired with your suit.

For everyday wear, sneakers with a suit can be a comfortable and stylish choice for running errands, attending casual meetings, or simply going about your day when you want to look sharp but feel relaxed.

Remember, context is key. Always consider the setting, the people you'll be meeting, and the impression you want to make. If you're unsure whether sneakers are appropriate, it's often safer to err on the side of caution and opt for dress shoes.

Ultimately, wearing sneakers with a suit is about striking a balance between style and appropriateness. When done right and in the right setting, it can be a fantastic way to showcase your personal style and fashion-forward thinking. But it's equally important to know when to stick to more traditional footwear choices.

Rule 6: Keeping Your White Sneakers Clean for a Sharp Suit Ensemble

When it comes to wearing sneakers with a suit, cleanliness is paramount. This is particularly crucial if you've opted for white sneakers, which are a popular choice for this style. A pristine pair of sneakers can elevate your suit to new heights of contemporary cool, but dirty or scuffed trainers can quickly turn your fashion-forward look into a fashion faux pas.

The appeal of white sneakers with a suit lies in the fresh, crisp contrast they create. They bring a youthful, vibrant energy to your tailored ensemble. However, this effect is entirely dependent on keeping those sneakers in immaculate condition. Even minor scuffs or dirt can detract from the overall polish of your outfit.

So, how do you maintain that box-fresh look? Here are some tips:

1. Invest in quality cleaning products. Look for cleaners specifically designed for the material of your sneakers, whether that's leather, canvas, or synthetic materials.
2. Clean your sneakers regularly. Don't wait for them to get visibly dirty. A quick wipe-down after each wear can prevent buildup of dirt and grime.
3. Use a soft brush or cloth for cleaning. This helps to avoid damaging the material while effectively removing dirt.
4. For stubborn stains, use a targeted approach. A mixture of baking soda and water can work wonders on tough marks.
5. Protect your sneakers before wearing. Use a water and stain repellent spray to create a protective barrier against dirt and spills.
6. Don't forget about the soles. Clean white soles are just as important as the upper part of the shoe for maintaining that fresh look.
7. Store your sneakers properly. Use shoe trees to maintain their shape and keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

It's also worth considering when and where you wear your white sneakers with a suit. If you know you'll be walking extensively outdoors or if there's a chance of inclement weather, it might be better to opt for a darker coloured sneaker or traditional dress shoes.

Remember, the goal is to look like you've made a deliberate, stylish choice to wear sneakers with your suit. Dirty or worn sneakers can make it seem like you've simply forgotten to change out of your casual shoes.

By keeping your sneakers, especially white ones, in pristine condition, you ensure that your suit-and-sneaker combination looks intentional, fashionable, and perfectly put-together. 

Rule 7: The No-Break Trouser Rule for Wearing Sneakers with Suits

When pairing sneakers with a suit, the length of your trousers plays a crucial role in achieving a polished, intentional look. This brings us to our final rule: opt for no-break trousers when wearing sneakers with your suit.

But what exactly is a 'break' in trousers? The break refers to how your trouser leg falls onto your shoe. Traditionally, suit trousers have some degree of break, creating a slight fold or crease where the fabric meets the shoe. However, when wearing sneakers with a suit, this traditional approach can look sloppy and unintentional.

Instead, aim for no break at all. This means your trouser leg should just barely touch the top of your sneaker, creating a clean, straight line from hip to ankle. This modern, streamlined look complements the casual nature of sneakers while maintaining the sharp silhouette of a well-tailored suit.

Here's why the no-break rule works so well with sneakers:

1. It creates a sleek, contemporary silhouette that matches the modern vibe of wearing sneakers with a suit.
2. It prevents your trousers from bunching up around your ankles, which can look messy and draw unwanted attention to the unconventional pairing of sneakers and suit.
3. It allows your sneakers to be fully visible, showcasing them as an intentional part of your outfit rather than an afterthought.
4. The clean lines of no-break trousers elongate your legs, creating a more streamlined and put-together appearance.

To achieve the no-break look, you may need to have your suit trousers tailored. When visiting your tailor, wear the sneakers you plan to pair with the suit to ensure the perfect length. Remember, different sneakers may have slightly different heights, so consider this when deciding on the trouser length.

It's worth noting that you might want to have certain suits tailored specifically for wear with sneakers, while keeping others at a more traditional length for pairing with dress shoes. This versatility allows you to adapt your suits for different occasions and footwear choices.

By adhering to the no-break rule, you're ensuring that every aspect of your outfit, from your suit jacket down to your sneakers, works harmoniously together. This attention to detail is what separates a well-executed sneakers-with-suit look from one that misses the mark.

Remember, wearing sneakers with a suit is all about balancing casual and formal elements. The no-break trouser rule helps you achieve this balance, creating a cohesive, stylish ensemble that looks intentional and fashion-forward.

Looking to perfect your suit-and-sneaker combination? Consider elevating your style with a custom-tailored suit from Westwood Hart. Our bespoke suits are crafted to your exact measurements, ensuring the perfect fit that's crucial when pairing with sneakers.

Whether you're after a casual linen suit for summer events or a more versatile year-round option, our expert tailors can create the ideal suit to complement your sneaker style. With a wide range of fabrics, colours, and customisation options, you can design a suit that perfectly balances sophistication with contemporary cool.

Westwood Hart's online suit configurator makes it easy to design your perfect suit from the comfort of your home. Choose your preferred style, fabric, and details to create a unique suit that's tailored not just to your body, but to your personal style as well.

Remember, the key to successfully wearing sneakers with a suit lies in the details - and nothing says attention to detail like a custom-tailored suit. Start designing a suit that will take your sneaker-and-suit game to the next level.