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Steeped in British history, the Prince of Wales suit deserves a key place in any gentleman’s wardrobe. Full of character yet highly versatile, it can look equally brilliant in the office as it does at a fancy event. This detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know about this style of suit, including when to wear it and what to wear it with.
What is a Prince of Wales Check?
If you’ve never heard of the Prince of Wales check, you may recognise it by one of its many different guises: glen check, glen plaid and Glen Urquhart plaid. It is a woven design of small and large checks which is usually made up of black/grey and white, but can also feature a range of other muted colours.
It originated in the valley of Glenurquhart in Inverness-shire, Scotland. This is where the checked wool was first used by the New Zealand-born countess of Seafield during the 19th century. It wasn’t until a little later — due to its popularity with Edward VII, or otherwise known as the Prince of Wales — that the fabric started to be referred to as the ‘Prince of Wales check’.
While Edward VII helped make it popular, it was his grandson Edward VIII who made it truly fashionable. Edward VIII was somewhat of a style icon and decided to add blue and red undertones to his tweed. This popularised the check, and cemented its place in the tailoring hall of fame.
When to Wear a Prince of Wales Suit
Suitable for both day and evening occasions, the Prince of Wales suit works for all seasons and is perfect for those looking for something different. It’s a particularly popular choice for weddings, as it offers a great way to stand out from the sea of plain navy and grey suits that are often worn by the majority of male guests.
How to Wear a Prince Of Wales Suit to a Wedding
If you decide to wear your Prince of Wales suit to a wedding, choosing what to pair it with depends on how formal you would like your look to be. For the most formal outfit, you should team your suit with:
- Formal shirt
- Silk tie
- Leather shoes
If you wish you to create an outfit that leans more towards the semi-formal dress code, you would be better pairing your suit with smart-casual essentials such as:
- Casual button-down shirts
- T-shirts
- Jumpers
- Pocket squares
- Loafers
How to Wear a Prince of Wales Suit to the Office
For those that wear suits to the office, a Prince of Wales design offers a chance to incorporate some subtle character into your everyday look without going overboard. For a fail-safe outfit that is suitable for both important meetings and days at the desk, team your tailoring with a formal shirt and a silk tie. On your feet, a pair of lace-up Oxfords or Derbies would make a stylish choice.
What Shirt Should You Wear With a Prince of Wales Suit?
To avoid your shirt clashing with the check pattern, we recommend opting for something plain — ideally a pale blue or white formal shirt, or simply a hue that compliments the colours running through the check. If you’re not sure what size shirt to choose, you can use our guide to taking your shirt measurements.
What Accessories Should You Wear With a Prince of Wales Suit?
Since the Prince of Wales suit features a distinctive pattern, it is best practice to keep your accessories subtle. Opt for classic styles that don’t clash with checks, and avoid vibrant pocket squares and ties in prints like paisley. Our guide on ties and pocket squares can help you find the perfect combination.
What Should You Do If Your Suit No Longer Fits?
Has lockdown changed the way your suit fits? Whether you’ve put on a few pounds or recently lost weight, take a look at our guide to suit tailoring and alterations.
Shop Men’s Check Suits
In addition to our Prince of Wales suit, we also offer a range of check suits that follow the same style rules and work just as well for any occasion. Shop our full collection of tailored suits and enjoy free UK delivery on all orders.
