There are few guys who don’t aspire to one day own a walk-in wardrobe filled with all the different types of suits, but we’re often in the dark as to how to get there. For the remainder, suits are a necessary evil: an insurance policy for professional and social occasions that you want to spend the bare minimum on.

Whichever camp you fall into, allow us to illuminate you. When it comes to choosing the suits every man should own, you need to consider several factors: suit fit, lapels, buttons, vents, men’s suspenders, pants, and pockets. If it sounds like we just read off a grocery list full of things you’ve never heard of, fear not. This is your ultimate guide to all the types of suits for men.

1. Slim Fit Suit

The tailoring equivalent of the little black dress, if you buy just one type of suit, make it a slim fit suit in plain navy with two buttons with a notch lapel. You won’t get more use out of anything else. Weddings, job interviews, err, court appearances, it’s got you covered. Especially if you choose a mid-weight fabric – around 11-12oz – so that you can wear it all year round.

Any body type can confidently wear the slim fit suit. There’s just enough definition to make you look great, without being a skinny fit that highlights all your bumps and lumps (and not just your pecs). If you walk away from this article with just one takeaway, it’s that you need to add a slim fit suit to your wardrobe ASAP. Shop confidently online using this guide.

2. Classic Fit Suit

It’s all in the name. A classic fit suit is just that – a type of suit for men that is classic, timeless, which never out of style but is not terribly trendy, either. As a general rule, black skews formal, while light grey is more casual and summery. Navy blue will give you the most scope for day-in, day-out, year-round wear.