What’s in a suit?

 

It is a fact that a man will never look better than when he is wearing a high quality, well-fitted suit.
When it comes to suits, they are designed to accentuate man’s best features such as shoulders, smoothen away the bulges many portly gentlemen may be hiding in their bellies.

Interestingly, when a suit fits incorrectly, however, the opposite happens – rather than look magnificent, he looks unkempt.
True, a gentleman knows no weather but at times some men are often overdressed and sometimes to the point of vulgarity, when a nice suit meant for a wedding or dinner becomes part of one’s office wear.

Is it all about classy, swag, bling and colourful?, one wonders.
Again the influx of our “brothers” from Western countries such as Nigeria, Congo, Sierra Leone and Uganda has also played a role in influencing the bizarre fashion sense of local men.

From metallic, shiny-rainy to bright coloured suits, the case still remains that, most men appear to be struggling in this terrain by wearing the wrong apparel at certain occasion, turning the whole event into a fashion disaster.

Surprisingly those “out of this world” suits range from US$300-US$1 000 in some shops locally. If worn properly they can bring out the best in a man, but it can become a fashion disaster if rules are not observed.

The question on everyone’s lips is: Are men going off hand when it comes to wearing suits?
Saturday Lifestyle this week looked at how church pastors, celebrities and business people among others are donning different suits for different occasions. While others are living by the book by dressing for the occasion, others are just throwing in colours, designs and do not have the faintest clue on what is fashionable.

Local celebrities from Suluman, Tryson Chimbetu, Energy Mutodi, Mudiwa Mtandwa, Philip Chiyangwa, Pastor Uebert Angel, Ezekiel Guti to Emmanuel Makandiwa among others believe that a suit is a symbol of status.

According to fashion critic and manager of Radiant Fashion Wear men’s shop, Blessing Chimoyo, said for functions such as weddings, funerals, parties and awards men should hire rather than spending a fortune on the suit.

“You are likely to wear that fancy weird colorful suit more than once. Once you buy it you are prompted to wear it some other day at a certain function, because you feel you have to use the money. By doing so you are increasing the chances to be a fashion wreck, fashion disaster,” he said.

He said it was advisable to check with designers who are always following trends.
Business mogul and philanthropist Dr Philip Chiyangwa is always seen donning designer suits which are colourful at various occasions.

He said they reflect an outward lifestyle.
“Who said you can’t wear white, yellow or red suit when it’s not a wedding? I am not apologetic when it comes to bright colours. That is the in-thing,” he said.

Dr Chiyangwa said his wardrobe had many suits of different colours including a German suit he bought for US$3 500.
Sulumani and his cousin Tryson were recently spotted wearing tuxedos and colourful matching cravats at Suluman’s album launch.

Some of the people who followed the event said they were elegantly dressed while others did not agree, arguing that they looked like royal grooms.
Tryson, who loves wearing purple, lilac and green suits during the day, said they make him feel special.

“I wear bright-coloured suits because I want to be distinguished from the crowd. A white suit is only for a wedding. These days it’s about glittery and shimmery suits if you want to be outstanding,” said Tryson.

The dendera star said his favourite green suit is valued at US$200.
For prominent businessman musician-cum- politician Energy Mutodi wearing a suit is about choice and being the most outstanding.

“I buy my suits in Turkey and Hong Kong. Bright coloured suits are good but they have an occasion. Actually bright coloured and shiny suits are for artistes while dark colours are for politicians and professionals,” he said.

Mutodi supported the notion that artistes wear bright colours because they want to be outstanding.
“I know there are some people who haven’t seen those types of suits. I agree that they are for a particular event but it also depends with the audience hence the status quo. It is just that some are overdressing and you can really tell that this is too much,” explained Mutodi.

Another example is Prophet Uebert Angel, who is believed to have revolutionised the fashion sense in the ministry.
He has made headlines for being flamboyant, bringing swag and style in church.

There is a thin line between nailing and missing it in fashion and flamboyant Eubert Angel likes flip-flopping on it.
While the man of the cloth openly declares his love for swag, he overdoes the cravat at times.

No one can take away his fashion “gift”.
Those who attend  Spirit Embassy can testify that the prophet is the epitome of style.

United Kingdom-based gospel musician John Mutoko popularly known as Mr Fantastic said clothes should define who you are.
“I love bright colours because that is the in-thing. I buy my suits in Dubai with the help of a fashion advisor. As a singer you need to maintain certain standards when it comes to fashion. It is important to distinguish yourself from the ordinary man,” said “Mr Fantastic”.

Having held several interviews with people, what came out clearly was that some were just wearing the suits from an informed view, while to others it was merely inspired by the need to look and dress good, never mind the fashion embarrassment the suit may bring.