THE BEST SUIT BRANDS
FOR A LIFETIME OF ELEGANCE
Everyone should own a suit that they love. From heritage Italian tailors to bold and exciting newcomers, here are 11 of the best suit brands.
In the modern day, with the growing stratification and subsequent freedom of style, the list of so-called wardrobe essentials is shrinking. It’s simply no longer true that everyone should own a wool overcoat, a pair of raw denim jeans, or some white sneakers, no matter how useful these things are. Above all others, though, one thing remains invaluable: a suit.
Whether it’s for weddings, work, or just for the joy of tailoring, a good suit stands as one of the most investment-worthy pieces of clothing. And invest you can. From the quiet-luxury heights of the likes of ZEGNA or Ralph Lauren Purple Label to the more casual but no less refined takes of Paul Smith or Dries Van Noten, the best suit brands in the world span style and price points.
How much should you spend on a suit?
There’s no definitive answer to this question; it all depends on how you’ll use the suit. Things like fabric choice or the level of tailoring can vastly impact the final price of a suit. For daily wear, a wool blend or linen can be preferable, while more formal dinner jackets will offer velvet or pure wool finishes for higher price points. Expertly tailored suits regularly rack up four figure high sums while more affordable suit brands can clock in below the $1,000 mark, and can be tailored after the fact for a more personalized final product.
What are the best suit brands?
This, again, depends on the wearer. Each of the suit brands on this list has earned its spot by perfecting its own niche. Ranging from timeless formal tailoring to oversized, modern cuts, this list presents a comprehensive view of contemporary suit brands to inform one of the most important style decisions of all.
Featured In This Image: Burberry suit
Founded: 1856
City: Basingstoke, England
Instagram: @burberry
SSENSE says: As one of the most iconic British clothing brands of all time, Burberry represents a respected pedigree in the world of tailoring. While classic formality is the bedrock of Burberry suits, the label’s updated, slim-fit wool suits perfectly balance wearability and elegance.
Featured In This Image: Cobra S.C. suit
Founded: 2017
City: New York, US
Instagram: @cobra.sc
SSENSE says: Cobra S.C.’s rejection of glitzy advertising is a major green flag for any tailoring aficionados. For suits, above all other garments, the construction and quality should do all the talking; at Cobra S.C., they do. Inspired by the demographic for whom the clothes are designed, the label’s collections prioritize real-life applications and it comes across in the tailoring. Timeless cuts are easy to style up or down, while stylistic twists like metallic-finish fabrics crystallize Cobra S.C.’s creative streak.
Featured In This Image: Dolce & Gabbana suit
Founded: 1980
City: Milan, Italy
Instagram: @dolcegabbana
SSENSE says: Although the label has rightfully earned a name as one of the boldest in fashion—we’re talking leopard print, slogan tees, and gold-tone hardware—Dolce & Gabbana suits feel almost completely detached from that image. Sleek, refined, and largely traditional, tailoring makes up a central yet often overlooked part of the D&G identity. Expect premium wool builds with strong, structural cuts that contrast with the more relaxed, deconstructed shapes we commonly associate with Italian suit brands.
Featured In This Image: Dries Van Noten suit
Founded: 1986
City: Antwerp, Belgium
Instagram: @driesvannoten
SSENSE says: Dries Van Noten’s ability to temper bold ornamentation with a mastery of traditional craftsmanship is unmatched. It’s what makes the Belgian brand such a standout when it comes to tailoring. For those looking to make an impact with striking fabrics that don’t venture into the gaudy, Dries Van Noten suits are the perfect choice.
Featured In This Image: Emporio Armani suit
Founded: 1975
City: Milan, Italy
Instagram: @emporioarmani
SSENSE says: The Armani name has many offshoots now, but the dynasty began with Emporio Armani in 1975. Emporio Armani suits are a no-frills situation: Premium fabrics, slim tailoring that sides with a modern look, and classic colors combine for a finished product that is almost impossible to pick a problem with.
Featured In This Image: Husbands suit
Founded: 2012
City: Paris, France
Instagram: @husbandsparis
SSENSE says: Mick Jagger, Bryan Ferry, Serge Gainsbourg; three names cited by Husbands founder Nicolas Gabard as inspirations for the label. It’s a triumvirate of impeccable style, with too many iconic tailored looks to mention. Using vintage photographs as the source material, Husbands brings modern updates to time-tested suits.
Featured In This Image: Maison Margiela suit
Founded: 1988
City: Paris, France
Instagram: @maisonmargiela
SSENSE says: Martin Margiela’s proficiency in tailoring has facilitated so many of the label’s most iconic pieces. Even using unforgiving fabrics, Margiela would shape striking and beautiful garments. Cut from premium wool, Maison Margiela suits exhibit this talent with unexpected cuts like flared trousers.
Featured In This Image: Paul Smith suit
Founded: 1970
City: London, England
Instagram: @paulsmithdesign
SSENSE says: Since the first Paul Smith boutique opened in London in 1970, the brand has been reshaping the landscape of British tailoring. The hallowed paving stones of Savile Row have long been the defining factor in the field, but Paul Smith’s playful color palettes and use of patterns—along with a penchant for slim, modern cuts—have offered a new, less traditional perspective to the UK’s industry.
Featured In This Image: POTTERY suit
Founded: 2017
City: Seoul, Korea
Instagram: @ptry.inc
SSENSE says: Founded in Seoul, POTTERY is a component of the explosion in popularity of South Korean fashion brands. On offer is a range of muted staples of the highest quality. Among them are some of the most understated men’s suits on the market. Pure wool builds are tailored to cut a sharp silhouette without being overly formal.
Featured In This Image: Ralph Lauren Purple Label suit
Founded: 1994
City: New York, US
SSENSE says: Accounting for the most luxurious aspects of the Ralph Lauren output, Purple Label doubles down on the all-American, preppy ideals that have informed the brand since it was founded. Heavy luxury wools like merino and cashmere are regular fixtures, while subtle patterns like houndstooth bring a lighter final note without overshadowing the need for elegance.
Featured In This Image: ZEGNA suit
Founded: 1910
City: Milan, Italy
Instagram: @zegnaofficial
SSENSE says: Since 1910, ZEGNA has delivered a wide range of garments, from skiwear to premium cashmere knits. Defining the label’s output, though, is its tailoring. ZEGNA is considered one of the best Italian suit brands in the world thanks to classic cuts, unrivaled fabrics, and high-end detailing.
- Date: November 17, 2023
