Top suit trends for 2018
From burgundy and bottle green, to double-breasted suit jackets and pocket squares – Raja Daswani, head of Hong Kong-based bespoke tailor Raja Fashions, reveals the top suit trends to look out for in 2018
WHAT do Tom Hardy, David Beckham and Prince Charles have in common? They are all trend-setters in the world of bespoke suits. According to Raja Daswani, head of Raja Fashions in Hong Kong, the majority of his male clients take their style inspiration from the red carpet, and while Hardy and Beckham are particularly popular among the younger clientele, Prince Charles has a strong fan base of his own.
“He still dresses very well,” says Daswani. “His style is very popular with barristers in particular.”
It is no coincidence that these three style icons are set to influence some of the biggest suit trends for 2018. Prince Charles’ signature checked suits are already in high demand at Raja Fashions, while Hardy and Beckham have pioneered the tapered leg, fitted blazer combo which is still going strong across the UK.
“What is not so popular is the three-button style suit,” says Daswani. “Now people like to have a two-button style suit, and the double-breasted suit is coming back in fashion.”
This, Daswani adds, is set to be a big trend for 2018.
“Most of the top designers around the world are now producing more double-breasted suits,” he says.
As the founder of celebrated tailor Raja Fashions, Daswani is better placed than most to predict the ‘next big thing’ in menswear. And after the super-skinny cuts of 2016 and the bright blues of 2017, he expects 2018 to offer a more muted take on classic suit styles.
“In terms of colours, blues, greys and blacks will continue to be popular, but in more muted tones than the petrol blue that was everywhere in 2017,” says Daswani.
“We expect to see more navy blues than bright blues. Last year light grey suits were very popular, but this year our clients are choosing darker shades of charcoal and slate.”
For special occasions, bottle green and burgundy are becoming more popular, although Daswani emphasises that these colours may not be suitable for day-to-day office wear.
“Bottle green is popular, but it is not what we call practical,” he says. “Bottle green and burgundy are only really for people who are buying four or five suits and want something a bit different.”
Checks will replace stripes and pinstripes as the pattern of choice for the discerning gentleman, although an unusual alternative to pinstripes is emerging among Raja’s aristocratic client base.
“We are doing a lot of custom-made orders where a name or initial is woven into the cloth,” says Daswani. “That sort of suit would cost you around £8,000, and it is particularly popular with royalty and aristocracy.”
Raja Fashions offers tailored garments at highly competitive prices. Bespoke suits start at £350 for lightweight fabrics and £435 for 100 per cent wool. Raja Fashions’ premium suits go up to £2,500, but the same garment could cost £12,000 on Savile Row.
Tailors from Raja Fashions are in the UK every six weeks to perform fittings across London, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
For more information, visit Raja Fashions’ website at www.raja-fashions.com or email raja@ raja-fashions.com to book an appointment.
Hong Kong main shop: 34-C Cameron Road, G/F, TST, Kln, Hong Kong.
