Do Women Prefer Dudes in Suits or Streetwear?

Image via Complex Original

For some women, a suit just does the trick. No caveats, no exceptions: there are women out there for whom a suit just simply gets the job done. Just as some women were turned off by the stereotypes associated with a tailored suit, other women love suits exactly because of the associations they have with them.

"A guy in a well-fitted suit is hot hot hot. (I'm attracted to men who look like they're corporate lawyers and speak with flawless grammar.) If a guy is dressed casually but more stylishly than me, It'll give me PTSD about my closeted high school boyfriend, so that's a definite left swipe." — Jessie, 25

"Men in suits always look sexy, that's just a given. That's why I love weddings, get to see everyone at their best." — Amy, 26

Though most women said they love the look of a suit, some of them felt that a man in a suit is a sign that they're too much business and not enough casual. In too chill a setting, a suit could be a sign that a guy takes himself too seriously.

"Normally I love men in suits but don't care to talk with them. Depends on the situation and location. Because I work in a field where suits are uncommon I feel I don't think I would have much in common with said men. " — Liz, 33

"If I am watching the Steelers game and some jackass comes up to me in a suit and there is no reason for said suit he needs to get to steppin'." — Casey, 27

"In real life, I look like a slob almost all of the time, so if a perfect man in a suit approached me I'd have to assume something was wrong with him internally." — Lydia, 26

Several women were quick to point out that the allure of the suit isn't just in the finery, but in the fit. While a well-tailored suit gives off an aura of elegance and class, an ill-fitting number gives off the aura of an insurance salesman who splits his off time between the bar and the house track.

"Ugly, ill-fitting suits are actually my number 1 cue to swipe left." —​ Kerry, 31

"If it's a suit that looks like he got it at Goodwill but took it to the dry cleaners to get it looking fresh, move along buddy. You could have at LEAST gone to TJ MAXX for a suit that was last season. Come on now! " — Carly, 24

"All grown-ass dudes should own a suit that fucking fits them (ask a professional) and wear that suit to appropriate occasions because NO ONE has ever impressed anyone in khakis and a button down since the ninth grade dance." — Brandi, 31

Don't worry, you suitless masses, streetwear can be just as effective as a suit. One advantage of streetwear is that it can give a women a better sense of your taste and personality. There are women who prefer the "jeans and a T-shirt" guy over the one in a three-piece. But keep in mind there are plenty of jeans and T-shirts out there. Pair a good casual 'fit with some equally good sneakers and you're usually money. Once you master your own casual style, it can definitely work in your favor over the suited up douchebags. It automatically makes you seem more down-to-earth.

"The problem with a guy in a suit is I can't tell anything about him by looking at him ... except that he can afford a suit." — Amber, 25

"A man in a suit might be 'too business' for many, especially in a casual setting, and as long as the casual wear looks like an outfit that took more than 5 seconds to pick out, then the real test is if personalities click." —​ Esme, 25 

"I'm not too picky about how a guy wears jeans and a tee shirt but I am a snob about shoes. If he's wearing mandals, Crocs, or any other kind of abomination on his feet our love will be as sure as Donald Trump's presidential victory." —​ Jessica, 27

"Your casual clothes should fucking fit you. End of opinion." — Brandi, 31

Wearing a suit might make you feel classier, but it also makes you look older. That's a double-edged sword. Classic men may be virtually trend-proof, but they also can seem relatively unplugged from everything else happening in culture. Your 'fit can say a lot about the music you like, the places you hang out at, and other things that can't be inferred from when you're dressed to the nines. Any guy with a tailor can look good in a suit, but casual style is absolutely where personality can shine stronger.

"I am 22 if you're in a suit I feel like you're old. Like, where are you wearing that suit to?" — Cody, 22

"I'm way over 22 and when I see a guy on Tinder wearing a suit he usually looks like a sub-par accountant." — Beth, 35

Our respondents made it clear that it isn't enough just to simply put on a suit. Though Men's Wearhouse has pulled in ungodly amount of cheddar by spreading the rumor that even the shittiest suit will get you laid, the reality is that, as with any outfit, a suit is part of an overall look. You can throw a T-shirt underneath an unstructured suit or throw on a pair of cool shades or tortoise shell glasses for a more casual-yet-put-together look, and for some reason, our respondents also made it clear they were fans of the man bun. That said, once you start mixing trends and timeless looks, you should tread carefully—it may not look good on you.

"If I saw a guy with a sharp, well-fitted suit, man bun, and Warby Parker glasses I think I'd have to buy him his gluten-free beer of choice and ask him his story." —​ Nina, 27

"I like a sharp dressed man. Especially with some Warby Parkers and a nice, healthy man bun." —​ Tara, 25

One of the most surprising results was that some women said they don't trust a man in a suit in the wrong environment. They indicated that there is something suspicious about someone dressed to the nines when everyone else is at a three. So maybe during laundry day or brunch, opt for the bomber jacket and crewneck sweatshirt over the sportcoat and spread collar.

"As far as a women preferring a man in a suit, I feel like that seems a little ridiculous? Of course guys look great in a suit, but I don't think I know of any guy who dresses to the 9s everyday?" —​ Laura, 24

"Multiple dudes out at a bar in suits scream corporate douchebag alert no matter how good they look. Also, do not hit on a woman if you are wearing a suit and she's in gymwear or at Trader Joe's—unless you are Michael B. Jordan. Context is everything, sorry fellas."  — Brandi, 31

One nice thing about a suit is that there is a consistent, no-hassle look you achieve when you put on a tailored suit. When you put together a casual outfit, you have to carefully consider the signals you're sending with every article of clothing. The motorcycle jacket is a streetwear staple, and while you might feel like a badass, it may send the wrong signals, too.

"A leather motorcycle jacket is cool if he actually rides a motorcycle. Otherwise it's a bit try hard." — Veronica, 24

"Um, so I dated a few guys who just owned motorcycles and they never showed up in those fashion jackets you see in GQ or whatever hunk mag people are grabbing these days." —​ Tanya, 31

Women who responded were generally more into a suit if the venue was right. If you're at a classy cocktail bar, the a suit is probably a good fit. On the flip side, showing up in a suit can also give off the vibe that you're buying. So if you're a broke boi, or waiting for that paycheck that isn't when rent's due, consider throwing on something that doesn't imply you're Mr. Moneybags.

"I am all in favor of an venue-appropriate suit when out and about trying to get busy. If I am at The Standard downtown on a Tuesday night and some suit wants to buy me a drink, yeah I'll drink that $20 craft cocktail. He's paying!! I don't care if he is young or a hundred, he obviously got into the bar looking like he does and might even be staying there. Double win if he throws down a black card. Hooray for me."  — Tanya, 30

"If a man comes to the bar in a suit, I assume he's coming from work. So at least I know he has a job." — Jesikah, 21

Recently, the fishtail parka has come back in men's style in a big way. Designers like Raf Simons, streetwear brands like Stampd, and companies like J. Crew have all introduced their respective takes on the military staple. But do women think it's as stylish as guys do? One respondent pointed out a possible downside.

"If a guy is wearing a long parka I assume he's naked underneath and is not allowed within 50 feet of a playground or school." - Jessica, 27

When it comes to the fickle world of dating apps like Tinder, it may be your first instinct to go for your best suited-up look. Except who in their right mind dresses the same for a date as they would a job interview? Dressing for the occasion is nice, but your online profile pics should really show more of your personality, which is why more casual looks are necessary.

"Online profiles: I am attracted to a guy wearing a classy and/or stylish suit who can own it. Don't be looking like it is the first time you put that on and are trying to dance in it at a wedding! Or worse: be holding a baby. Or it's your wedding." - Stephanie, 25

"I only like a Tinder suit man if it's clear he's at a wedding and he's also hot otherwise. " — Lydia, 30

"When I see a guy on Tinder wearing a suit he usually looks like a sub-par accountant." —​ Sarah, 25

"They look like boring businessmen or dudes who cropped their ex out of a picture taken at a wedding." —​ Tori, 24

In the ongoing battle of suits vs. streetwear, suits do have an upper hand in the polls. However, what's clear is that the women we polled like the idea of a guy in a suit versus a guy in a more casual, street-friendly look. The fact is any handsome guy in clothes that complement him has a better chance than a schlub in a terrible outfit. But we also live in a world where dudes who think it's a good idea to wear cargo shorts and Crocs to the bar can get laid, because we as humans contain multitudes and beauty is only skin deep, but clothing is even more shallow than that.

The real takeaway here is that the most important thing to consider is where you're headed, and what kind of statement you want your clothes to make when you're out. Dressing for success in the realm of dating is much different than in the business world. If you're simply looking to broaden your stylish sex appeal to the masses, then by all means, suit up and pretend you're Barney Stinson. But remember: Your casual clothes can be a litmus test for the type of partner you want to attract, so if you're looking for a woman who knows Jordan 1s from Nike Dunks and is familiar with the Supreme box logo or a vintage Helmut Lang bomber, then maybe stick to that attire. Let's call the results of this thorough study altogether inconclusive.