What to wear under a suit for a festive dinner
Short answer: A suit is warm, and a festive dinner lasts many hours. If you choose a thin, smooth layer next to the skin, you stay dry and comfortable from the welcome drink to the coffee.
A suit and warmth go together
A suit is usually made of tightly woven wool or a blend, and it is lined so that it holds on to warmth. When you stand in a full room with a welcome drink it soon gets warm, and the shirt underneath is the first to feel it. If it lies against the skin, it turns damp and sticks. An extra thin layer under the shirt takes up the moisture, so the shirt stays neat and you can keep your jacket on right through to dessert.
A thin layer that cannot be seen
The most important thing is that the layer under the shirt does not draw attention. Choose a vest with a round neck and no pattern, in a colour close to your skin or the shirt. Viscose from bamboo is soft and smooth enough for the shirt to slide over it without catching. See bamboo clothing for men if you want to collect some basic pieces that work both every day and for festive occasions.
Shirt, socks and belt
A suit calls for a shirt that sits well at the collar and socks that do not slide down at the ankle. Long socks that reach up under the knee are easy to sit in, because they do not reveal a strip of bare leg when you cross your legs. Choose thin socks so that your shoes do not become too tight after several hours. A flat belt and a shirt that does not bulge at the waist make for a cleaner outline.
Body heat during the meal
At a festive dinner you sit for many hours, which means you move very little. At the same time you eat and drink, and the body gets warmer. Many people take off the jacket during the evening, and then it is nice if the shirt and the layer beneath still look tidy. If you often feel hot, choose an especially thin vest that does not add bulk. Also try sitting in the clothes at home, so you know whether they feel tight once you have eaten.
How many layers make sense
Three layers are usually enough: vest, shirt and jacket. A fourth layer such as a waistcoat can feel heavy in a warm room. If it is cold outside, you can hand your coat in at the cloakroom so that you do not have to carry too much indoors. Many people prefer to focus on the best fitting basic pieces and then change jacket and tie to suit the occasion. See bestsellers for men for inspiration on the most chosen basic pieces.
Caring for the suit and underwear
The suit is not cleaned as often, and that is why it is important to protect it with clean layers underneath. Wash vests and shirts more often than the suit itself. Viscose from bamboo is washed at 30 to 40 degrees, preferably inside out and without fabric softener, and dries best on a hanger or flat. Hang the suit on a broad hanger after wearing and let it air. For matching basic pieces, take a look at Bamboo Basics.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wear a vest under my shirt to a festive dinner
Yes, it is a good idea, because the layer absorbs moisture and keeps the shirt looking neat for longer. Choose a thin style without a pattern.
How do I avoid sweating in a suit
Wear light layers and take the jacket off when it gets warm. A thin inner layer absorbs moisture so it does not come through the shirt.
How often does a suit need cleaning
Not as often as the shirt. Protect it with clean layers underneath and let it air between wears.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
