Modular
Maximum Versatility
The casual suit excels when worn as separates. Jacket with jeans, trousers with a polo - each piece works independently in your wardrobe.
Style guide · Atelier Mesure, Paris 7th
Men's Casual Suit
Modern relaxed elegance. The casual suit combines refinement and accessibility for a contemporary style adapted to new dress codes.
16 chapters5 rules6 min read
Introduction
The casual suit responds to the evolution of contemporary dress codes. As work environments become more relaxed and 'business casual' becomes the norm, the casual suit offers accessible elegance without the rigidity of the traditional suit. It is the suit of startups, creative agencies and new ways of working. The casual suit is distinguished by its textured fabrics and its capacity to be worn as separates. Discover also our made-to-measure jacket (blazer) and our made-to-measure trousers to complete your modular wardrobe. For autumn, explore our tweed suit. The occasions where the casual suit is the appropriate and modern choice.
Comfort
Modern Comfort
Relaxed construction, supple fabrics, natural cuts. The casual suit prioritises comfort without compromising an elegant appearance.
Expression
Contemporary Style
The casual suit allows you to express your personality: textures, colours, creative details. More freedom than the traditional formal suit.
Modern Offices & Startups
ProfessionalThe casual suit is perfect for relaxed work environments: startups, tech, creative agencies, where a traditional suit would be too formal.
Smart Casual Events
SocialFor events with a 'smart casual' or 'casual chic' dress code: relaxed cocktails, brunches, private views, elegant evenings with friends.
Urban Weekends
LeisureTo stay elegant at the weekend in the city: lunches, cultural outings, shopping, terraces. The separate blazer becomes your signature piece.
Travel
NomadThe unstructured casual suit is ideal for travel: folds easily, comfortable in transit, appropriate on arrival without ironing.
Dates & City Dinners
PersonalThe relaxed look that attracts without trying too hard. A made-to-measure casual suit in lightweight flannel or textured cotton projects a natural confidence. Worn without a tie, collar open, it says everything about your style without forcing anything.
Garden Parties & Summer Receptions
SummerFor outdoor events or refined Sunday lunches, a casual suit in linen blend or unlined cotton offers perfectly calibrated relaxed elegance. Its supple structure follows the movement; its fabric breathes in the sun.
Private Views & Exhibitions
CulturalThe art world values confident style without ostentation. A casual suit in textured fabric or an original colour positions you as a connoisseur. A piece that converses with art without ever competing with it.
From Office to Evening
VersatileThe made-to-measure casual suit excels in transitions. From office to restaurant, from co-working space to launch event: one outfit, adapted to every register. Its deconstructed cut remains impeccable from morning to night without ever appearing contrived.
The cuts
- UnstructuredMaximum RelaxationSuppleness
- Unlined or half-lined jacket, soft shoulders, minimal construction. A modern Neapolitan approach. Folds into a bag; absolute comfort.
- Semi-StructuredBalanceVersatile
- Light structure to hold the shape, yet more supple than a formal suit. The ideal compromise between elegance and casual comfort.
- Coordinated PiecesModularSmart
- Blazer and trousers in complementary but non-matching fabrics. Designed to be worn together or separately. Maximum versatility.
Materials
The casual suit is distinguished by its less formal fabrics: visible textures, relaxed patterns, creative blends. Avoid super-fine smooth wools - favour character and texture.
- Structured Cotton
- Thick, tightly woven cotton. More relaxed than wool, perfect for spring-summer. Excellent for separate blazers worn with jeans or chinos.
- Casual Wool Flannel
- Flannel in less traditional colours (green, brown, rust). Flannel texture brings warmth and casual character for autumn-winter.
- Cotton Twill
- A robust cotton serge with a visible diagonal texture. Hard-wearing, easy to care for, relaxed. Ideal for daily use in creative environments.
- Technical Blends
- Wool-polyester-elastane for performance. Stretch, crease-resistant, breathable. The suit for the modern man who travels and moves frequently.
Fabric weights
- Cotton-LinenRelaxed
- The quintessential relaxed blend. Visible texture, excellent breathability, a natural and accessible feel. Perfect for creative settings and warm seasons.
- Textured WoolStructure
- Wool with visible texture: basket weave, boucle, slub yarn. More character than a smooth wool whilst retaining professionalism.
- Wool JerseyComfort
- A knitted fabric (like a t-shirt) rather than woven. Maximum comfort, crease-resistant, supple drape. The suit of the modern traveller.
The details
- Casual Details
- Pockets
- Patch pockets or flap pockets - avoid jetted pockets, too formal
- Fastening
- 2 buttons standard, or 3-roll-2 (top button hidden) for a relaxed style
- Lapels
- Standard notch lapel, medium width - avoid overly formal styles
- Vents
- Two side vents for comfort and ease
- Lightweight Construction
- Lining
- Half lining or three-quarter lining for lightness and breathability
- Canvas
- Lightweight canvas or none - suppleness takes priority
- Shoulders
- Natural unstructured shoulders (spalla camicia)
- Weight
- Lightweight construction allowing the jacket to be folded without damage
- Colours & Patterns
- Colours
- Light blue, mid-grey, beige, olive green, brown, burgundy
- Patterns
- Checks, visible stripes, herringbone are acceptable and even encouraged
- Avoid
- Black (too formal), dark charcoal, strict navy blue
- Contrast
- Contrasting jacket and trousers are acceptable in a casual context
- Casual Pairings
- Shirts
- Oxford, chambray, denim, linen - open collar is acceptable
- Alternatives
- Quality polo, plain basic t-shirt, lightweight jumper
- Shoes
- Elegant trainers, loafers, derbys, desert boots
- Accessories
- Relaxed belt, sport-chic watch, no pocket square necessary
Care
- Simple Care
- Casual fabrics (cotton, blends) are often easier to care for than fine wool. Some can even be machine washed on a delicate cycle. Check the labels.
- Steam Freshening
- A garment steamer is your best friend with a casual suit. Quick, effective, risk-free. Ideal before wearing and after travelling.
- Smart Rotation
- If you wear your casual suit as separates, alternate the combinations. The jacket with jeans one day, with chinos the next. Balance the wear.
Casual Suit vs Formal Suit
Understanding the differences between the casual and formal approaches.
- Relaxed fit
- Ready-to-wear
- Loose and shapeless
- Made-to-measure
- Effortless elegance
- Separability
- Ready-to-wear
- Jacket and trousers often uncoordinated
- Made-to-measure
- Separable yet harmonious
- Style advice
- Ready-to-wear
- None
- Made-to-measure
- Expert balances relaxation and elegance
- Versatility
- Ready-to-wear
- Limited
- Made-to-measure
- 4 looks in 1 (full suit, separates, smart casual)
- Price
- Ready-to-wear
- EUR 300-600
- Made-to-measure
- From EUR 980
Casual Suit Investment
BudgetA made-to-measure casual suit starts from EUR 890 in cotton or a casual blend, EUR 1,190 in premium textured wool. More accessible than formal suits as the construction is simpler and fabrics are often less costly.
Key takeaways
Smart Casual Style Rules
- A casual suit must remain clean and well-maintained - 'casual' does not mean neglected
- Wear the pieces separately to maximise your wardrobe - that is what they are designed for
- An open collar is acceptable in a casual context - no need for a systematic tie
- Elegant trainers work with a casual suit - favour quality leather or suede
- Adapt your level of relaxation to the context - even within casual, there are degrees
Frequently asked questions
Before you begin.
A made-to-measure casual suit starts from EUR 980, depending on the fabric, construction and finishes chosen. A coordinated made-to-measure shirt can be created from EUR 150.
The average lead time is 4 to 5 weeks from the first appointment to delivery. This includes a fitting to adjust the cut before final delivery.
The process comprises a consultation with measurements, the choice of style and fabrics, then a fitting. Delivery follows once the balance, comfort and finishes have been validated.
Supple wools, lightweight flannels, wool-linen or wool-silk blends suit a high-end casual wardrobe well. The choice depends on the desired level of relaxation, the season and the intended use.
It suits the modern office, startups, city dinners, private views and smart casual events. A supple cut and textured fabric allow an easy transition from office to evening.
Create Your Made-to-Measure Casual Suit
For a modern, versatile style adapted to your daily life, let us create your perfect casual suit together.
Further reading
