By now, it’s presumed knowledge that you are acquainted with the name Harvey Specter. 6 years on from the ‘Suits’ finale, we’re still reminiscing about the man’s wit, badass lawyering skills, and damn good choice in tailoring.
Here are 7 things you can do to look a little more like Harvey Specter, because “People respond to how we’re dressed, so like it or not this is what you have to do” (Harvey’s quote, not ours).
Article Contents:
1. The Full Windsor Knot
Never go past the timeless stance that a full windsor gives off. As the name suggests, it provides a wide but contained position on the neck. It’s not too thick, but occupies just enough real estate of your collar to keep you looking sharp and well assembled. For slimmer men, a half windsor is also a great option.
2. The Three Piece Suit
A more traditional style tip, but three pieces are excellent for more formal corporate wear. It typically involves a waistcoat worn under the suit, fashion typically seen in the 1920s, but still a great look today. It’s versatile and acts as a piece of under armour for when you remove your jacket, keeping you dressed up with just a plain shirt and tie. There is definitely still a place for the waistcoat in the modern business world.
3. The Pocket Square
The pocket square is a small tradition that was coined in the 19th century when the two piece suit was becoming popular. But you need to be a bit careful when pulling this off. Notice Harvey never has the pocket square escaping from its pocket in an outlandish fashion.
Its job isn’t to grab attention but rather compliment the shirt, so when opting for one, be sure to fold it in thirds and have less than 1cm showing above the seam line. This goes the effect of the handkerchief appearing as a slim blade across the chest. For more dressy occasions like a ball, flair it up into a triangle to make it more of a statement piece.
4. The Peak
An overlooked feature on many suits, the lapels are a key visual indicator that is used to get an understanding of what you’re wearing. Harvey opts for what is called ‘peak’ lapels in almost all of his suits, which are the larger option that is purely made to accent and broaden the shoulders which in turn makes the chest area seem to be larger, likely why Specter chooses this style. It asserts his dominance in the courtroom by making him look more intimidating.
5. Keep the shirt simple
The undershirt is meant to be simple. Keep to subtle blues, whites and pinks in standard or pinstripes, and let your suit pattern do the talking. A bit like the pocket square, the job here is to complement the fine tailoring of your suit.
Specter sports barrel cuffs with mostly unidentified and under the radar cufflinks too which is worth noting. One feature to copy from him though is the wide cut collars, which work perfectly with the peak lapels and windsor knot tie, showing a hint of Italian creeping into his ensemble
6. The Waist
One thing Harvey nails when it comes to his fashion ensemble, is the waist, or in other words the fit. Many suits off the rack are tailored to the average proportions of a man, which is unsuitable for most people that waver from this. To make it look more natural and fitted, take your suit to a local tailor and have the waist brought in appropriately.
This complements a more athletic look that Harvey goes for with his American style suiting choices. This will also allow you to lose the belt, which is traditionally never meant to be worn with a three-piece.
7. The Watch
An optional choice, but a good quality dress watch can be another way to make a statement when wearing a suit. Being on the wrist, it won’t clash with anything, so you have a wide field of watches you could sport. Harvey often has money to burn, but he remains loyal to one watch through most of the show, the watch in question? None other than a $350,000 Patek Philippe 5004P Chronograph.
What Brands does Harvey Specter Wear?
Harvey had great suits (No pun intended). This is sparked from a few things, the fit, the confidence, but equally as important, the brand.
He frequents Zegna, Brioni, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Prada, and Gucci throughout the show, with each offering varying suiting styles from fine fitting Italian to looser fitting American.