Determining what colors suit you as a man primarily involves understanding your personal coloring, especially your skin's undertones, but also considering your hair and eye color, and even personal preference.
The Foundation: Skin Undertones
A highly effective method to discover flattering colors, particularly for formal wear like suits, is to base your choices on the natural undertones of your skin. This underlying hue of your skin significantly influences how certain colors will look on you.
Determining Your Skin Undertone
Your skin's undertone typically falls into one of three categories: cool, warm, or neutral. Here's how to identify yours:
- Vein Test:
- Look at the veins on your inner wrist in natural light.
- If they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones.
- If they appear green, you likely have warm undertones.
- If you can't tell if they're blue or green, or if they appear a mix of both, you might have neutral undertones.
- Jewelry Test:
- Consider whether gold or silver jewelry looks better on you.
- Silver often complements cool undertones.
- Gold often complements warm undertones.
- If both look equally good, you likely have neutral undertones.
- Sun Reaction Test:
- Think about how your skin reacts to sun exposure.
- If you tend to burn easily and tan minimally, you likely have cool undertones.
- If you tan easily and rarely burn, you likely have warm undertones.
Color Palettes by Undertone
Once you've identified your undertone, you can select colors that enhance your natural features. As a general guideline, for men with lighter complexions, darker suits such as navy, charcoal, or black tend to pair exceptionally well, offering a sophisticated contrast.
Here's a breakdown of color palettes based on undertones:
| Undertone | Best Colors (Examples) | Colors to Potentially Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Cool | Blues (navy, royal blue, sky blue), greens (emerald, jade), purples (lavender, plum), deep grays, crisp whites, true black. | Oranges, strong yellows, very warm or earthy tones. |
| Warm | Earth tones (olive, forest green), browns, reds (burgundy, rust), oranges, yellows (mustard, gold), cream, off-whites. | Icy blues, stark whites, some true purples. |
| Neutral | Most colors work well; you can comfortably wear both warm and cool shades. Focus on medium-intensity hues. | Very neon or overly saturated colors (unless for an accent). |
Beyond Undertones: Considering Other Features
While skin undertones are a primary factor, other personal attributes also play a role in finding your best colors.
Hair and Eye Color
- Complementary Contrast: If you have dark hair and light eyes, or vice-versa, colors that provide a good contrast can be very striking. For instance, dark hair often looks great with brighter, clear colors.
- Harmony: People with warm hair colors (like auburn or golden blonde) often benefit from warm clothing colors. Similarly, cool hair colors (like ash blonde or black) can be enhanced by cool clothing colors.
Personal Style and Occasion
Ultimately, your personal preferences and the context of the outfit are crucial. A color might scientifically "suit" you, but if you don't feel confident or comfortable in it, it won't look as good. Similarly, the formality and nature of an occasion will dictate appropriate color choices.
Practical Tips for Discovering Your Best Colors
- Try It On: The most direct way to know if a color suits you is to try it on and see how it looks against your face in natural light. Pay attention to how it makes your skin, eyes, and hair appear. Does it brighten your face or wash you out?
- Take Photos: Snap a quick photo in different lighting conditions. Sometimes a camera can reveal nuances you miss in the mirror.
- Seek Trusted Opinions: Ask friends or family members whose style you admire for their honest feedback.
- Start with Basics: Build a core wardrobe around neutral colors that universally flatter most men (like gray, navy, and white), then gradually introduce accent colors based on your undertones.
- Experiment with Accessories: If you're unsure about a bold color for a full garment, try incorporating it through accessories like ties, pocket squares, or socks.
By understanding your unique coloring and experimenting with different shades, you can build a wardrobe that not only looks great but also makes you feel confident and comfortable.
