How to Refresh Your Suit Style for the New Season: Winter Edition

As the temperature drops and the vibrant colors of autumn fade into the crisp, cool tones of winter, your wardrobe must adapt. For the modern gentleman, winter is not just about staying warm; it is an opportunity to explore richer textures, deeper colors, and sophisticated layering that lighter seasons simply do not allow.

At Karako Suits, we believe that a change in season should inspire a change in style. Refreshing your look for the winter months ensures you remain sharp, professional, and comfortable, whether you are heading to the office or a holiday gala. Here is how to transition your tailoring for the cold months ahead.

1. Prioritize Heavyweight Fabrics

The most significant change between a summer suit and a winter suit is the weight of the fabric. Lightweight linens and cottons must be retired in favor of materials that offer insulation and structure.

• Flannel: This is the quintessential winter fabric. Flannel is soft, heavy, and has a slightly "fuzzy" texture that traps heat effectively. It creates a silhouette that looks substantial and commanding.

• Tweed: Perfect for a more relaxed or academic look, tweed is rugged and incredibly durable. It is an excellent choice for a sport coat that can be paired with dress slacks or even high-quality denim.

• Heavyweight Wool: Look for wool suits with a higher "gram weight." These suits hang better in the wind and provide a natural barrier against the chill.

2. Shift Your Seasonal Color Palette

Winter light is cooler and more subdued than the bright sun of July. Your suit colors should reflect this change. While navy and mid-grey are year-round staples, winter is the perfect time to introduce darker, more saturated tones.

3. Master the Art of Layering

Layering is the secret to staying warm without looking bulky. In the world of suiting, this usually involves adding a third piece or a smart outer layer.

The Three-Piece Suit: Adding a waistcoat (vest) provides an extra layer of warmth over your core. It also allows you to remove your jacket in a heated office while still looking fully dressed and professional.

The Turtleneck Swap: For a modern, "European" look, replace your dress shirt and tie with a fine-knit merino wool or cashmere turtleneck. This look is incredibly sharp and eliminates the need for a scarf in moderately cold weather.

The Overcoat: Your suit's best friend in the winter is a well-fitted overcoat. Ensure the coat is long enough to cover your suit jacket and made of at least 80% wool or a cashmere blend. A camel-colored overcoat over a navy suit is a timeless combination that never fails.

4. Adjust Your Accessories and Footwear

Winter weather, with its slush and ice, is the enemy of thin leather soles. It is time to swap your summer loafers for something more substantial.

• The Dress Boot: A sleek Chelsea boot or a polished lace-up dress boot provides ankle warmth and better protection against the elements. Look for options with a thin rubber "city sole" to provide grip on icy sidewalks without losing the formal profile of a dress shoe.

• Textures in Ties: Replace silk ties with wool, knit, or cashmere ties. These fabrics lack the high sheen of silk, which fits the "cozier" aesthetic of winter tailoring.

• Pocket Squares: Opt for deeper colors and heavier patterns, such as paisley or heavy checks, to complement the weight of your winter jacket.

The Karako Commitment

Refreshing your wardrobe for winter does not have to be an overhaul of everything you own. By strategically adding a few heavyweight pieces, deepening your color choices, and mastering the overcoat, you can face the winter months with confidence.

At Karako Suits, we specialize in helping you find the perfect fit for every season. Visit one of our locations today to explore our new winter collection and ensure your style remains as cold-proof as it is timeless.