May 13, 2026
6 Styles of Suits That Stylish Men Over 50 Wear
Men over 50 often dress with more confidence and personal style than younger men. They understand what looks sharp, what feels comfortable, and what works best for different occasions. Today’s suit styles for mature men combine classic menswear with modern details. As a result, stylish men over 50 now have more choices than ever before.
From three piece suits to bold plaid patterns, modern suits allow mature men to stand out while still looking refined. Many of these suits are worn to church, weddings, dinners, and upscale social events. At the same time, the right suit can make a man feel confident and polished.
Key Takeaways
- Three piece suits remain the most popular suit style for men over 50.
- Double breasted suits have made a strong comeback in men’s fashion.
- Contrasting vests and fancy lapel vests add extra style and personality.
- Bold plaid suits offer modern patterns that stand out.
- Banker stripe suits remain a timeless and stylish choice.
- Wide peak lapels create a powerful and refined appearance.
1. Three Piece Suits
Three piece suits continue to be the most popular look for men over 50. These are men's suits that include matching pants, a jacket, and a vest. The vest adds an extra layer of style that creates a more complete appearance. These originally used to be the only style that men wore in the early 1900s until the double breasted suit was created.
Why Three Piece Suits Remain Popular
- They look polished and refined.
- They create a complete outfit.
- They work well for formal and social events.
- They add structure to the overall look.
Many mature men prefer three piece suits because the vest adds elegance without looking flashy. It has a more complete look in comparision to the standard 2 piece suit. This style works especially well for church, weddings, and upscale dinners.
Popular Colors for Three Piece Suits
- Charcoal gray
- Navy blue
- Burgundy
- Hunter green
How to Style Three Piece Suits
- It doesn't take much more than putting on a nice white dress shirt.
- Add a patterned tie or pocket square that either matches or contrasts.
- Choose polished leather dress shoes. Leather or leather style soles are the preferred way to go.
This suit style remains timeless because it combines tradition with modern sophistication.
2. Double Breasted Suits
Mens double breasted suits have made a strong comeback in recent years. These suits feature overlapping front panels and two rows of buttons. The result is a bold and structured appearance. Although they never go out of style, they do ebb and flow in terms of popularity. Right now, they are on fire.
Why Double Breasted Suits Are Trending Again
- They give the wearer a powerful look.
- They add structure to your body in a way that a single breasted jacket can't.
- They stand out in a stylish way. You also don't see everyone in the room wearing one.
Many men over 50 appreciate the classic feel of double breasted suits. At the same time, newer cuts make them feel fresh and modern.
Best Occasions for Double Breasted Suits
- Church services
- Weddings
- Special dinners
- Formal parties
How to Wear Double Breasted Suits
- Always keep the jacket buttoned while standing.
- A basic clean dress shirt is all you really need.
- Choose classic leather shoes. I prefer Italian style shoes myself.
This style offers confidence and elegance for mature men who enjoy traditional menswear.
3. Suits with Contrasting Vests
Now here is where style meets fashion. Contrasting color vests have become very popular among stylish men over 50. These suits with vests will feature a vest in a different color or pattern from the jacket and pants. On some suits, the vest is a stand out all by itself. This is where the designer puts extras effort into designing the vest instead of just thinking of it as an after thought.
Why Contrasting Vests Stand Out
- They add depth to the outfit.
- They create visual interest.
- They allow men to show personality.
Some suits also feature fancy lapel vests with satin trim or patterned fabric. You can also find many that have a scoop style vest, a double breasted vest and more. These details add elegance and style. There are also many styles have will have a patterned jacket and pants with a solid color vest and vice versa.
These are Popular Contrasting Vest Combinations
- Navy suit with burgundy vest
- Gray suit with black vest
- Black suit with silver vest
Here are the Best Accessories for Contrasting Vest Suits
- Pocket squares
- Tie bars
- Matching dress hats
This style works well for weddings and church events where fashion matters. You will see a few men over 50 all decked out immediately.
4. Bold Plaid Suits
Bold plaid suits have become a major trend in men’s fashion. These suits come in many different plaid patterns and colors. Every year, fabric designers will create new styles and colors of materials for suit makers to make their future suit line. Some of the popular patterns will be the glen plaid which is generally more subdued and windowpane plaid that can run from a basic checkerboard-like pattern to an interwoven design.
Why Plaid Suits Are Popular
- They create a modern look.
- They stand out without looking too flashy.
- They offer variety in menswear.
Plaid suits can range from subtle checks to larger bold patterns. Mature men often choose medium sized plaid patterns that balance style and sophistication. Men who prefer more attention will go with the larger louder patterns that are available.
Popular Plaid Colors
- Blue plaid
- Gray plaid
- Burgundy plaid
- Brown plaid
How to Style Bold Plaid Suits
- Wear a solid shirt. With a plaid, you don't need to add more patterns to the mix.
- Keep accessories simple. Let the suit speak for itself.
- Choose polished shoes.
Plaid suits are especially popular for church, social gatherings, and weddings. They are definitely not for the business world.
5. Banker Stripe Suits
Banker stripe suits remain one of the most classic patterns in menswear. These suits feature bold vertical stripes that create a sharp and professional look. They are also known in some circles as chalk stripes and gangster stripes. The stripes are usually 3/4 of inch apart but there are many styles that will be a 1/2 inch apart and 1 inch apart.
Why Banker Stripe Suits Stay Stylish
- They create a tall and slimming appearance.
- They feel classic and timeless. It is a style that doesn't go out of style.
- They work in both formal and social settings.
Banker stripe suits often come in three piece or double breasted styles. That is how popular this pattern is. This combination creates a strong and elegant look.
Popular Banker Stripe Colors
- Navy with white stripes
- Charcoal with silver stripes
- Black with chalk stripes
Best Ways to Wear Banker Stripes
- Pair with a solid color tie. You can wear a pattern tie where the pattern is very small.
- Wearing white shirt is pretty much all you need.
- Wear classic dress shoes like captoe oxfords are great choice.
This style remains a favorite among mature men who enjoy traditional menswear with strong character.
6. Suits with Wide Peak Lapels
Suits with wide peak lapels have become very popular in modern menswear. It brings back the look of suits from the 1940s where the lapels dominated the style of the jacket. These lapels create a bold and elegant appearance that draws attention to the upper body.
Why Peak Lapels Matter
- They make the shoulders look broader.
- They create a luxury appearance.
- They add formal style to the suit.
Wide peak lapels are commonly seen on double breasted and some three piece suits. They work especially well for weddings and upscale events. They are great for men who aren't afraid of showcasing their style.
Best Colors for Peak Lapel Suits
- Black
- Burgundy
- Royal blue
- Dark gray
How to Style Peak Lapel Suits
- Wear a spread collar shirt.
- Add a silk tie. Preferably with big knot.
- Choose polished leather shoes like wingtips are always a great choice.
Wide peak lapels help mature men create a bold and confident appearance.
Why Mature Men Dress Better
Men over 50 often have a stronger understanding of personal style. A mature man is not afraid of what others will think in comparison to a 25 year old. They know which colors, fits, and patterns work best for them. Because of this, they tend to dress with confidence and balance.
Instead of chasing every trend, mature men often choose styles that combine timeless menswear with modern details. This is how you build up a wardrobe, instead of just chasing trends that only last for a short time.
Tips for Choosing the Right Suit Style
- Focus on proper fit first. A well fitting suit is a winning look.
- Choose colors that work with your wardrobe.
- Keep accessories coordinated.
- Invest in quality shoes and shirts. Don't mess up a perfectly good outfit with terrible shoes.
- Select patterns that match your personality.
Final Thoughts
The best suit styles for men over 50 combine sophistication, comfort, and personality. Three piece suits continue to lead in popularity, while double breasted suits have returned in a big way.
Contrasting vests, bold plaid patterns, banker stripes, and wide peak lapels all offer stylish options for mature men who want to look polished and confident.
With the right suit, mature men can create a timeless appearance that feels modern, stylish, and refined for any special occasion.