The velvet smoking jacket has to be among the most iconic items in the history of menswear. It’s suave, elegant, and yet undertones of the louche somehow permeate. Taken together, this creates an absolute sartorial classic. But the problem with iconic fashion is that it can be hard to make it your own. Voluptuous velvet can feel too… showy for the every day. When it comes to suits, it can seem bordering on the pretentious. And yet, velvet is just too good to not wear. The trick is to wear it well.
How to wear velvet
The velvet blazer
Of all the ways for guys to wear velvet, the blazer is the easiest to pull off. Because velvet looks incredible when paired with contrasting fabrics. So, select a nicely tailored piece, like the skinny fit Bruno. Wear it with a plain shirt, smart dark pants and a Cuban heeled Chelsea boot for any smart-casual occasion. For more formal events, you can take the same look and dress it up with a tie and a pocket square.
The velvet suit or tux
Whether you’re going to a black-tie do or getting married, you can’t go far wrong with the archetypal black velvet suit or tux. A skinny fit cut, as you can see in the Sylvester, brings the look entirely up to date. While contrasting satin shawl lapels gently relieve the eye. You can complete the look with the Sylvester black velvet pant, or a plain black tux pant. Wear with a plain shirt and suede loafers. Accessorise with a collar chain and lapel pin.
The party jacket
Some looks just speak for themselves. With the Iggy jacket you can rock the contrast of soft velvet and shimmering gold. And heads will turn. Keep it simple in the pant department with plain black. Then complete the look with either a plain white or black shirt. A white open collar shirt needs no accessories. With a black shirt, you can vamp it up a bit with a collar chain.
The velvet pant
The velvet pant can be harder to carry off without an accompanying jacket, but it can work for more casual occasions. Take the navy Bruno skinny fit velvet pant and wear with either a plain untucked shirt, like the Kiwi or a skinny fit print shirt like the Lightspeed. Avoid accessories and finish up with loafers – no socks.
Wearing velvet can feel a little louche. But it also feels a little luxe. Wear it well, and you will stand out, whatever the occasion.