The Color Brown

[David Conwill]

My wife often picks on me because of my affinity for brown and tan clothing, saying it's not formal enough and pushing me toward more blacks and charcoals. We've managed to compromise on gray for a lot of items.

Anyway, I often hear that one has to be a particular "type" to look good in a brown suit. Ronald Regan is often identified as that type. Can anyone explain to me just what it takes to wear brown?

I happen to like the way I look in brown, though I do follow Frank Sinatra's advice and don't usually wear it to evening functions.

-Dave

 

[Patrick Murtha]

My wife often picks on me because of my affinity for brown and tan clothing, saying it's not formal enough and pushing me toward more blacks and charcoals. We've managed to compromise on gray for a lot of items.

Anyway, I often hear that one has to be a particular "type" to look good in a brown suit. Ronald Regan is often identified as that type. Can anyone explain to me just what it takes to wear brown?

I happen to like the way I look in brown, though I do follow Frank Sinatra's advice and don't usually wear it to evening functions.

-Dave

All it takes to wear brown is the conviction that one looks good in it. That shows. I think the brown and tan range is great.

 

[CharlesB]

Im partial to brown and lavender myself

 

[Marty M.]

Ronnie knew brown.

All it takes to wear brown is the conviction that one looks good in it. That shows. I think the brown and tan range is great.

I agree with PM here. Self Confidence is the key to wearing any color.
Marty Mathis

 

[CharlestonBows]

2 things...

Firstly, listen to Marty & PM. I often say (and I'm sure Mr. Mathis would agree) that a lot of time, the hardest thing to fit on a client is his mind. Brown and tan is a great palette, and if you like it, then wear it with panache.

In regards to your specific questions of 'type' and 'formality...

Personal coloration can be important in choosing your clothing and accessories. Generally, if you have a fair to normal complexion, with chocolate, blond, red or sandy colored hair, you shouldn't be shunned off of brown - you should be encouraged to it. But there isn't anyone who can't pull one off well.

And the notion that brown lacks in formality in comparison to charcoal, gray or navy is incorrect -- brown is every bit as dressy. 1939 Esquire agreed, stating, "[brown is] almost perfect for maintaining a due degree of formality for definite town occasions."



-- CB

 

[Spellflower]

I'm no expert on vintage or formal history, but if there's any event that I can't wear brown to, it better require a tux.

Brown is my favorite color, and almost all of my clothes are brown or earth tones. I get teased for it sometimes, but I have no problem with knowing what I like and sticking to it. I get teased for the hat sometimes too, but that doesn't stop me!

 

[MK]

.

Some say "never brown in town".

I say brown is beautiful!

 

[Rooster]

I'd say the greater percentage of my clothes are brown or tan. I like it, always have.

 

[Mid-fogey]

Go Hog Wild...

...get something green. That'll show her.

 

[scotrace]

...get something green. That'll show her.

But never on Thursdays...

 

[catsmeow]

Depends also what type of brown will suit you. I prefer chocolate browns.

 

[Spellflower]

What exactly does the term "chocolate brown" mean? I've seen it used on ebay to describe very different shades. Which of these most closely matches what you're thinking of when you use it?

As for me, I like em all, but some just strike me more than others. I like that, unlike black, any brown goes with any other brown, unless they're too close, and make you look like a UPS driver.

The only shade I don't like is the one that looks brown when you buy it, but turns into a dusky purple when you get it home. I've had this happen on more than one occasion, and it boggles me every time.

 

[CharlestonBows]

PMS 1545, I should say. Or 4625. I suppose.

 

[Marty M.]

Which of these most closely matches what you're thinking of when you use it?

.
Marty Mathis

 

[Alan Eardley]

Brown flannel pinstripe was very common in the 1940s, in the UK anyway

Alan

 

[TCameron]

...get something green. That'll show her.

That would just make her envious, and no one wants to do that to their wife.

I would say 70% of my wardrobe favors brown, I know my day to day trousers are largely brown, and it proves to go well with most anything. You can't be accused of looking too formal, while maintaining an air of sophistication. I hope this along with the other comments make you emboldened!


T

 

[Matt Deckard]

I also think brown is great for interviews. It's a step away from the contenders which are likely wearing navy blue ill fitted.

 

[David Conwill]

I also think brown is great for interviews. It's a step away from the contenders which are likely wearing navy blue ill fitted.

My "interview suit" actually is brown, albeit a rather dark brown that most people probably think is a charcoal. Nevertheless, I revel in my quiet rebellion against the charcoal-and-navy hordes.

Thank you all for the responses. I feel much better about my palatte now.

Oh, for the record, I actually do own a lot of green. It's my favorite color and she loves me in it.

-Dave

 

[carter]

Browns are somewhat ubiquitous in that they can be paired with many other colors successfully.

I prefer shades of brown and green in my wardrobe. The colors are warmer. I prefer seasonal earthtones as well. These can be brightened with your accessories much as some birds and other creatures brighten even the gloomiest of days.

If you believe that you look good in a particular color, you are likely to wear it with confidence. This goes a long way toward convincing others that the wardrobe fits the man. Wear what you like and like what you wear is a good motto for any man or woman.

 

[Jovan]

I own brown nailhead trousers... wish I had a brown nailhead SUIT.

I'm not quite sure why this colour isn't considered "normal" nowadays. And then we've got the people that are convinced brown shoes or suits are for the country only. I've never heard of such a preposterous rule in my entire life as that.