There is a reason Korean-style suit jackets are chosen by many young men: they can be worn for more than one occasion. With the same jacket, on Monday you go to a meeting, on Friday you go out to dinner with friends, and on the weekend you throw it over a T-shirt. The key lies in how you pair it, and this article points out the easiest ways to do so.
Quick answer
A Korean-style suit jacket has a trim cut, so it is easy to pair: for work, with a shirt and dress trousers; for parties, add a tie or bow tie; for the weekend, with a T-shirt or polo and chinos or jeans. The thing to watch most is a well-fitting shoulder.
Outfits for work
- A grey or navy jacket, a white or light blue shirt, dress trousers in the same tone or one shade darker.
- A slim tie in a simple color. Derby or loafer shoes.
- If your company is relaxed, replace the tie with an open shirt collar, one button undone.
Outfits for parties
- A dark jacket, a white shirt, a tie or bow tie.
- A neat pocket square, a watch with a small face.
- Polished leather shoes, socks in the same tone as the trousers.
If you are attending an evening wedding, you can see more suggestions in the lookbook.
Outfits for the weekend
- Jacket + plain T-shirt + dark jeans. Simple but still has structure.
- Jacket + polo + chinos. Suited to relaxed days and meetings with familiar partners.
- Light-colored jacket + striped shirt + beige trousers. Youthful, suited to sunny days.
A jacket worn over like this should be chosen in soft fabric with little structure so it is comfortable all day. You can ask a stylist to make a separate jacket, or try mixing your own on the design page.
Choosing size and fit: the shoulder decides everything
With the Korean style, the shoulder line is slim, so flaws show more easily:
- Shoulder: the shoulder point sits exactly at the end of your shoulder. If the shoulder edge droops onto the arm, the jacket is too big.
- Chest and waist: buttoned without an X-shaped crease, and you can still reach forward comfortably.
- Sleeves: showing about 1 to 1.5 cm of shirt.
- Jacket length: covers the seat, or slightly shorter if you are tall.
When pairing a separate jacket with trousers in another color, choose two tones clearly apart, one light and one dark, with the same smoothness of fabric. That way it looks intentional, not like you put on someone else's jacket by mistake.
Why have a Korean-style jacket made to measure
Ready-made jackets are usually chosen by size S, M, L and wear fine on people with average proportions. With broad shoulders, a large chest, long arms, a fuller belly or a slim frame, a fit is very hard to find. When made to measure at Mon Amie, the master tailor takes over 30 measurements, so the jacket is cut to the person. You can also choose fabric straight from the fabric library and see the price range on the price list.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Korean-style suit jacket be worn with jeans?
Yes, if the jeans are dark, slim and not ripped. Choose a jacket in soft fabric with little structure, with a T-shirt or polo underneath.
Which color should I choose for my first jacket?
Navy or mid grey are the two safe colors, going with almost every shirt and trousers in your wardrobe.
Can someone with a fuller belly wear the Korean style?
Yes, but you need extra room at the waist, a relaxed shoulder and deeper tones. Made-to-measure helps adjust these more precisely than a ready-made size.
An invitation from Mon Amie
If you would like to try, book an appointment and bring a few photos of styles you like. A stylist will choose fabric, style and pairings with you.