2017 Men’s Full Suits: A Blend of Tradition and Modern Edge

The year 2017 marked a noticeable shift in men’s suiting. Fashion was changing — but not by throwing out the old. Instead, it built on tradition and added just the right amount of modern edge. The full suit — jacket and matching trousers, often with a vest — was still very much a go-to for formal dressing, but in 2017, it came with sleeker cuts, bolder patterns, and a sharper sense of personal style.

The fit was the first thing you noticed. Gone were the days of oversized jackets and baggy trousers. By 2017, the full suit had slimmed down. Slim-fit and tailored-fit suits were the dominant look — hugging the shoulders, tapering at the waist, and narrowing through the legs. It didn’t matter whether the suit was off the rack or custom-made — the goal was clean lines, a fitted silhouette, and just enough structure to make it feel sharp but not stiff.

But not everyone went ultra-skinny. 2017 also saw the rise of the “modern classic” fit — a middle ground between slim and traditional. It offered a little more room in the chest and thighs, giving comfort without looking boxy. It was perfect for men who wanted style without sacrificing movement, and it allowed the full suit to feel accessible to more body types.

Fabrics played a major role in setting the tone. Wool was still king, especially mid-weight wool that could move between seasons. But in 2017, suits often came with a twist — subtle textures like twill, sharkskin, or micro-herringbone patterns gave the fabric life without being flashy. Wool-blend suits were common, too, mixing in polyester or elastane for extra durability and a little stretch. For spring and summer, linen suits were popular — light, breathable, and stylishly wrinkled — perfect for weddings and garden parties.

Color and pattern opened up in 2017. Sure, navy and charcoal were still the backbone of most men’s wardrobes, but men were becoming bolder. Burgundy, olive green, medium blue, and even pastel tones like dusty rose or powder blue started appearing more often — especially at daytime events or among younger professionals. Patterns like windowpane checks, Glen plaid, and faint pinstripes made a comeback, worn confidently by men who wanted something different but not over-the-top.

The full suit in 2017 also brought back the vest, adding that classic third piece to complete the look. Three-piece suits weren't just for weddings anymore — they became a smart option for business, evening events, or anyone who wanted to add polish. The vest often matched the suit fabric but sometimes featured subtle contrast stitching or a textured weave to add dimension.

In terms of styling, suits in 2017 were often worn with minimal fuss. The shirt was usually slim-cut, sometimes even collarless or with a subtle cutaway. Ties were skinnier than they had been a decade earlier, and pocket squares made frequent appearances. Brown or oxblood leather shoes replaced the traditional black for a more contemporary look. And in casual settings, it wasn’t unusual to see a full suit paired with clean white sneakers — a trend that mixed formalwear with street style, and surprisingly, it worked.

Jacket designs leaned toward the two-button, single-breasted style, which remained the most versatile cut. Peak lapels were growing in popularity for more formal or fashion-forward suits, while notch lapels continued to dominate business wear. Double-breasted jackets also had a bit of a resurgence in 2017, but they were cut much slimmer than the older boxy versions, giving them a bold, European look.

Tailoring was key. Even if a suit was off-the-rack, men were taking the extra step to have it tailored to fit perfectly. Sleeves were shortened to show shirt cuffs, trousers were hemmed with a slight break or no break at all, and waistlines were taken in for a trim silhouette. A full suit only looked its best if it actually fit — and that’s something 2017 fashion really emphasized.

Overall, the 2017 full suit was a strong combination of classic structure and modern personality. It let men stick to tradition when they wanted, or step out of the mold when the moment called for it. The fabrics felt better, the fits looked cleaner, and the color choices gave more room for self-expression. It was still a suit — still formal, still respectful — but it didn’t have to be boring.

Whether it was for work, a wedding, or just dressing with intention, the 2017 full suit helped men feel sharp, current, and comfortable — proving once again that good style doesn’t have to shout. Sometimes, it just needs the right cut, the right cloth, and the right confidence.