A suit, also known as a business suit, comprises a collection of matching clothing consisting of:

a coat (commonly known as a jacket)

a waistcoat (optional) (USA vest)

a pair of trousers (USA pants)

Though not part of a suit, a shirt and tie very frequently accompany it.

Originating in formal 19th century middle-class modes of dress, suits traditionally clothe males. However, imitations of the male uniform have also become common in formal attire for females in the workplace and elsewhere: in this case a matching skirt may substitute for trousers. Women have also sometimes adopted masculine suiting with trousers for impact as a mild, socially acceptable form of cross-dressing.

The uniform impression of a suit, often appearing in standard configurations such as pinstripe suit or suit and tie, may carry connotations of staid respectability, unadventurous conformism and narrow-mindedness.

An alternate use of the word as a references to management staff in corporations as "suits" may express contempt for the perceived absence of autonomy seen as imposed on members in a uniform elitist bureaucracy. It may also be a comment on the perceived amorality or even immorality of those who work for corporations.

Don't forget to visit the Men's Suits Store  and Women's Suit Store if you plan to purchase a suit in the near future.

The above article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suit_%28clothes%29  ).  11/2/04  Article modified by Apparel Search

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