Sharkskin Suit

A Sharkskin Suit is both Retro and Modern at the same time

A Sharkskin suit is an easy way to get noticed when that is your goal. The stylish man wants to be noticed and appreciated for knowing how to put himself together. Whenever I think of the Sharkskin Suit, one thing immediately comes to mind. The early 1960s and Motown music. It was a whole new era with a style all its own. I have always associated a sharkskin suit with that era with the narrow lapels and peg leg cuffs on the bottom while paired up with classy Stacy Adams Shoes and a matching color Homburg Hat. Sharkskin suits originally came out as a silk blend fabric suit that had the slight shininess of shark's skin. They quickly caught on in popularity with celebrities of TV and Music fame. Sharkskin suits had a shiny way of telling people that they were well-dressed and stylish at the same time without looking outrageous. They are sort of polar opposites of the Pinstripe suit. The modern versions these days are usually constructed of Poly/Rayon fabric with the same sheen you will be familiar with. You even find 3 Piece Suits in sharkskin. Generally they are single breasted suits with a notch lapel but may be fashioned into something more outrageous as well such as a zoot suit style with the longer jacket and unconventional lapel styles.
Sharkskin fabric is always a good starting point for designers who are looking for inspiration to create something totally new in the suit world. When you start with fabric that is as non conformist as sharkskin, something is bound to be created that is different that what you may be used to. You certainly shouldn't wear a suit with this type of fabric to work because of the lack of formality to it. Suits that are made of sharkskin fabric are simply too stylish for any work environment that is an office environment. Keep those shiny suits for more fun places and entertainment situations and you'll be on the right track.
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