5 Things You May Not Know About Suits (But Should)

The difference between a man who simply wears a suit and a man who understands a suit, is in the details. Details most people walk past without ever noticing.

Below are five little-known facts that will instantly raise your menswear IQ and help you choose better garments, avoid mistakes, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind luxury clothing. And keep you from making a fool of yourself.

1. Why Men’s Shirts and Women’s Shirts Button on Opposite Sides

Most people think this is random. It’s not.

Historically, men dressed themselves, and because most men are right-handed, their shirts were designed to button left-over-right to make it faster and easier. Women of high status, however, were traditionally dressed by house staff. Because servants were often right-handed, women’s shirts were reversed—right-over-left—so the person dressing them had better access.

Today, the tradition still remains, even though nobody thinks about it anymore. It’s one of those small, subtle markers of tradition that quietly lives on in modern clothing.

2. The Real Reason Suits Have Surgeon’s Cuffs

Those working buttons on a suit sleeve? They’re not decorative.

In the 1800s, military surgeons needed to roll their sleeves during field operations without removing their jackets. Tailors added functioning sleeve buttons so they could unbutton, roll up, and work quickly.

Today, a surgeon’s cuff is the sign of a true custom or high-end suit, because:

• It requires more handwork

• It must be set correctly for sleeve pitch

• It cannot be altered easily

If your sleeve buttons don’t work, it’s usually a mass-produced suit. If they do, you’re in bespoke territory.

3. The Neck Tie Started as a Bib — Literally

Most people think the tie began as decoration. In truth, it was originally functional.

Croatian soldiers in the 1600s wore cloth around their necks to protect their shirts from dirt, sweat, and food. It acted as a washable bib during eating and travel. When French nobility adopted it, it evolved into a symbol of refinement and status.

Even today, a tie draws the eye upward, adds vertical structure to the chest, and brings color to the face. But its origin was pure practicality.

4. A Button-Down Collar Is Not a True Dress Shirt

A true dress shirt has a floating or structured collar designed to be worn with a tie. A button-down collar, however, originated in polo. Players needed their collars secured so they wouldn’t flap during the game.

That’s why a button-down collar is technically:

• A sport shirt

• More casual

• Better with blazers, sweaters, and sport coats

• Not ideal for formal business wear

It’s become acceptable in the, lazier and misinformed, American business culture, but it will never be considered true dress wear in the world of properly dressed men.

5. The Thickness of the Sole Tells You If a Shoe Is Truly Dress or Just Looks Dress

So many shoes look like dress shoes but aren’t. The giveaway? Sole thickness.

• True dress shoes have a thin leather sole, designed for elegance, formality, and clean lines.

• Casual shoes disguised as dress shoes almost always feature thicker, rubber, or hybrid soles for comfort — but they lose the sleek dress profile.

If the sole is thick, chunky, or overly cushioned, it isn’t a true dress shoe. People call them "hard bottoms" for a reason.

Why These Details Matter

When you understand why clothing is made the way it is, you make better decisions:

• You learn which details signal true quality.

• You avoid mistakes that undermine your appearance.

• You invest in pieces that elevate your presence and reputation.

That’s the difference between “wearing clothes” and commanding respect in the room.

If you want a deeper dive into bespoke menswear, or you’re ready to upgrade your wardrobe, I’m only a message away.

Text me or hit the link — let’s get you suited.