Anyone who believes that style and comfort cease to coexist the minute it's time to turn out in a suit obviously hasn't worn the stretch options that brands old and new are rolling out this year. And while, yes, suits are more formal that their now more ubiquitous counterparts, fashionable sweats, designers are creating new rigs that are just as relaxed, flexible, and breathable in fabrics from cotton to linen and wool. Perfect for running through airport concourses to make a flight, and no worse for wear once you finally land. Add on that most stretch fabrics need little care (meaning fewer dry-cleaning appointments and zero wrinkles), and these looks are some of the best sets to sport this season. Here are our favorites.
Paul Smith
Travel Tailored-Fit
Iconic menswear label Paul Smith debuted its newest stretch wear, the versatile Travel Tailored-Fit Slate Blue Wool Soho Suit. The campaign comes complete with a video featuring Olympic gymnastic medalist Max Whitlock displaying the flexibility of the suit with pommel horse stunts and back handsprings. Crafted from wool yarn in Italy, the pliable design ups the practicality with water-repellent and crease-resistant characteristics. It features a notched lapel with split wool collar lining and convertible flap pockets. [$1,530; paulsmith.co.uk]
Hugo Boss
Huge/Genius
Hugo Boss didn't add a little elastic into their Huge/Genius suit just for performance, but also for the sake of "luxurious comfort." The suit, which is cut and styled a little on the dressier side, with darting on the front and back, comes complete with side vents and a diagonal chest pocket. [$795;hugoboss.com]
Bonobos
The Jetsetter
This suit has taken two of the online retailers existing fits – the Slim and Standard – and added all-season wool with a two-percent elastic stretch. The retailer even enlisted Parkour runner Jesse Danger to show just how hard you can push this two-piecer for their campaign video. The Jetsetter's trim fit isn't suffocating, and the wool blend is designed to bounce back even after daylong flights or an hours-long meetings (even if you don't).[$525; bonobos.com]
Express
Photographer
More affordable lines are taking on limber designs as well. Express rolled out their wrinkle-resistant stretch Photographer jacket and pants, featuring season-less fabric for year-round wear, back vents, full lining, and a slim fit.[$198 for jacket, $98 for pant; express.com]
Theory
Wellar HC Suit
YouTube star Jim Chapman to tested Theory's new stretch suit running down Wall Street and working a few calisthenics in the park. He seemed to be pleased with the two-button jacket and streamlined fit, thanks for it's refusal to rip in even the most compromising of situations. The suit features a vented back to keep the sweat stains away and a 3-percent Lycra spandex stretch. [$545 for jacket, $225 for pant; theory.com]
Perry Ellis
Comfort Stretch Portfolio
The once-eponymous sportswear label, Perry Ellis is now taking athletic performance features to richer markets with their Comfort Stretch Portfolio suit. Unlike most options hitting the market (and the streets) the Portfolio comes in more fits than just slim. The modern silhouette is a looser and less confining for guys who want a more wiggle room. For those going for a slimmer look, there's the go-to stretch fit that's cut sharply and finely. The suits also features the signature Perry Ellis polka dot lining [$350,perryellis.com]