How the Men's Glen Plaid Suit Became a Fashion Staple

 

If you want to stand out and make a statement with your suit, go for plaid. The timeless men’s glen plaid suit is a classic choice with a twist that’s sure to turn heads and leave a lasting impression. At Suit Secret, we carry these suits in a wide range of patterns and colors, so you’ll surely find one or two that will become your favorite wardrobe staples. 

But how did glen plaid suits come to be, and why are they fashion staples? More importantly, will they look good on you? This blog has all the answers, and by the end, you’ll have the confidence to wear a glen plaid suit with style!

Where did men’s glen plaid suits come from?

Glen plaid suits have been popular for decades because of their versatility, which makes them suitable for both formal and casual occasions. Their origins can be traced back to Glenurquhart, Inverness-shire, Scotland. The iconic glen plaid pattern combines pin checks and hounds tooth, and the traditional pattern is a woven right-hand twill featuring two light and two dark stripes alternating between four light and four dark stripes.

These days, glen plaid suits feature variations of the pattern. The popular styles have different hues and play with color to add depth to the look. A two-piece men’s glen plaid suit includes trousers and a jacket, while a three-piece suit adds a waistcoat.

At Suit Secret, we carry glen plaid suits with a mix of lighter colors in the fabric, as you can see on this Men’s Gray Glen Plaid Executive Suit with a Classic Fit (2RW-1). This detail brings more depth to the fabric. 

Who wears glen plaid suits?

Many celebrities and public figures have worn the men’s glen plaid suit on the red carpet as well as in business meetings and more laid-back occasions. Here are some iconic names that are known for their love of this style:

Edward, Prince of Wales

The men’s glen plaid suit gained popularity after World War II when Edward, Prince of Wales frequently donned tailored double-breasted suits in this pattern. He often buttoned the last button rather than the middle, resulting in a carefree fit that defined his style.

Cary Grant

Glen plaid became more popular when Cary Grant paired it with tortoise-shell sunglasses in the 1959 movie North by Northwest. This helped solidify his reputation as one of the best-dressed men in the world.

James Franco

Actor James Franco was spotted wearing a navy glen plaid suit with a burgundy tie on the Planet of the Apes movie premiere. The peaked lapels and 2-button cut exuded the timelessness of the suit while the glen pattern provided a modern finish. 

Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig

If you love James Bond movies, you’ve probably noticed that the men’s glen plaid suit became a signature look for the character. It was worn by many of the actors who portrayed the iconic spy. Sean Connery's suits in Dr. No and Goldfinger featured herringbone and hounds tooth patterns, while Pierce Brosnan opted for a sand and black pattern in Goldeneye. Daniel Craig, on the other hand, wore a darker version of this suit in Skyfall. 

More interesting things about plaid suits

Why is it called Glen Plaid?

The glen plaid suit got its name from Glenurquhart, a valley in Inverness-shire, Scotland. That’s where the checked wool was initially used in the 19th century when Countess Seafield outfitted her gamekeepers with clothing in that pattern. 

Glen Plaid vs. Prince of Wales check

Earlier, we mentioned that the Duke of Windsor popularized the Glen check suit when he was still the Prince of Wales. This resulted in the pattern being nicknamed the ‘Prince of Wales check.’ However, Edward’s pattern is specifically a blue overcheck on a black and white Glen Plaid pattern.

The impact of Glen plaid suits

The men’s glen plaid suit can be made to flatter any body type. At Suit Secret, we offer these suits in various sizes to ensure the perfect fit exudes elegance and masculinity. 

The glen plaid suit is a timeless fashion statement that brings sophistication to your style while allowing you to make a bold statement. You can switch it from day to night, making it perfect for work and play with the right footwear, accessories, and shirt. 

Wearing a glen plaid suit

The simplest way to wear a men’s glen plaid suit is with a crisp white narrow collar shirt and half-Windsor. Chambray or striped oxford shirts also go well with it.

If you have a gray glen plaid suit, consider pairing it with a top in a dark or light color. The same goes for a tan or brown suit. For a more adventurous look, try wearing the jacket with earth-toned, olive green pants, or denim-like trousers.

Discover Suit Secret’s plaid suits.

Suit Secret is the best place to shop for a men’s glen plaid suit for any occasion. Here are some of our eye-catching styles we’re sure you’ll love:

Tan Glen plaid executive suit

Our Men’s Tan Glen Plaid Executive Suit in a Classic Fit (2RW-1) is easy to pair with a brown dress shirt for a dashing debonair look. The color is also perfect if you want an alternative to gray or dark blue suits but in a neutral and timeless hue.

Blue glen plaid executive suit

For a pop of color, we recommend our Men’s Blue Classic Fit Glen Plaid Executive Suit (2RW-1). It offers a subtle and timeless style with a regular-fit jacket featuring a double-vented back and notch lapels. Inside is a classy French-faced style lining. Meanwhile, the linen pants have a flat front without pleats. Everything is made from super fine poly/rayon plaid fabric that feels fine, buttery wool. 

Classic fit men’s gray glen plaid executive suit

Dressing for success calls for our Men’s Gray Glen Plaid Executive Suit (2RW-1) in a Classic Fit. The medium gray color makes it easy to pair with any shirt or tie you already have. 

Buy your Glen plaid suit today.

Find the perfect men’s glen plaid suit here at Suit Secret. Get free shipping if you spend more than $99.

Source:https://suitsecret.com/blogs/news/how-the-mens-glen-plaid-suit-became-a-fashion-staple