What Is a Female Suit Called?

What is a female suit called in modern tailoring?

A female suit is commonly referred to as a pantsuit or skirt suit, depending on the design and construction. In bespoke tailoring, the term “women’s suit” covers a wide range of coordinated outfits made specifically for the female shape, including suit jackets, trousers and skirts. These suits are built with structure and comfort in mind, offering both practicality and a polished appearance. Whether chosen for business meetings, weddings or formal occasions, a well-fitted women’s suit reflects confidence, attention to detail and personal style.

Why are suits for women more popular now?

The women’s suit has moved far beyond its original purpose. Once worn out of practicality, it is now a dependable and stylish choice for many professional and social situations. Whether that means a sharply cut trouser suit in flannel for office meetings or a neat skirt suit made of lightweight wool for events, the style is versatile. At Fielding & Nicholson, every suit we produce is designed to match how someone lives and works. It should feel comfortable, supportive and true to the person wearing it.

What is the difference between a pantsuit and a skirt suit?

The term “female suit” is quite broad. It usually refers to either a pantsuit or a skirt suit. A pantsuit has a matching jacket and trousers. A skirt suit swaps the trousers for a skirt. The jacket in both can be single breasted or double breasted depending on the preferred cut and formal structure. Each style has its own setting where it works best, such as a structured skirt suit for the courtroom or a relaxed trouser suit for everyday business.

What are the right suits for formal events?

For black tie events, many women now choose a tuxedo style suit. These are made from high quality wool or velvet, often with satin lapels, covered buttons and tailored trousers. This type of suit blends classic tailoring with elegance, offering an alternative to the traditional evening gown. A growing number of women prefer these for weddings, awards and formal dinners.

Are British and American terms for suits different?

In the United Kingdom, the word “trouser suit” is more common, while “pantsuit” is more widely used in the United States. Although the terms are different, the clothing itself is the same. What often sets British suits apart is the emphasis on classic wool cloths like worsted, tweed and mohair, and traditional details such as horn buttons and full canvas construction.

How did women’s tailoring begin?

The first women’s suits appeared in the late nineteenth century. These were made for riding, travel and formal outings. The jacket and skirt combination allowed more movement than most women’s clothes at the time. Fabrics like tweed and cavalry twill offered durability. Though modest in design, these suits started a shift in how women’s clothing was made and worn.

Who influenced the rise of women’s suits?

In the 1930s and 40s, public figures like Marlene Dietrich made suits for women more acceptable. Their appearances in sharply cut jackets and trousers challenged expectations and encouraged new ideas about fashion. At the same time, some tailoring houses began offering suits for women who worked in design, arts and administration.

Why did the 1980s change suiting for women?

The 1980s brought a wave of bold suiting styles that were often called power suits. These included padded shoulders, strong silhouettes and pinstripe cloths. Women entering corporate and legal fields used these suits to reflect professionalism. British tailoring houses saw more female clients during this period, especially those working in the City of London. As the look became more popular, many adopted it for interviews, boardroom roles and public appearances.

You can learn more about our approach to modern business suits for women through our bespoke suiting consultations, where we guide each client through a personal fitting and design process.

Which styles of suits do women wear today?

What are the main types of women’s suits?

Women’s suits are available in several styles, each suited to different purposes and environments. Trouser suits remain one of the most popular choices for daily wear, especially for those working in business or professional services. These suits usually feature wool or mohair cloth and come with high waisted trousers, tapered legs or wide leg designs depending on preference.

What is the practical use of skirt suits?

A skirt suit combines the same structured jacket with a fitted or pleated skirt. This style is often selected for formal business settings such as legal, parliamentary and clerical roles. Skirts vary in length and shape, with pencil skirts being the most common for a sharp and professional silhouette. Many clients opt for skirt suits for ceremonial roles or events where traditional styling is preferred.

Why are tuxedos and occasion suits growing in demand?

Women’s tuxedos have grown in popularity for events that require formalwear. These suits are typically designed in darker cloths, such as black or midnight navy wool barathea, and include silk facings on lapels and side seams. Tuxedo shirts may feature bib fronts and studs for a formal look. They offer an alternative to dresses without losing formality or impact. For further detail on cloth selection and formal tailoring options, our wedding and formalwear consultations offer helpful guidance.

Should you choose a single or double breasted jacket?

Single breasted jackets fasten with one or two buttons and offer a more relaxed fit. They are easy to style and suit most body types. Double breasted jackets have overlapping fronts and two parallel columns of buttons, giving a more pronounced and confident outline. These are often chosen by clients seeking a classic look with more presence in formal settings.

Are women’s suits still mainly for work?

Women’s suits are increasingly worn across a range of occasions. Many still choose suits for work, but styles now reflect personal taste just as much as corporate standards. Weekend events, gallery openings and informal meetings are all suitable occasions for a smart trouser or skirt suit. Styling details like topstitching, side vents and contrast lining can make a suit feel more individual.

What should you know about wedding suits for women?

A wedding suit for women is designed with the same care and detail as a dress. Tailors often use luxurious cloths such as silk blend wool or lightweight worsted. Jackets may be cut with softer shoulders and curved lapels to add elegance. Some clients choose ivory or champagne coloured suits for civil ceremonies. More information on custom wedding attire is available upon request.

What does gender inclusive tailoring mean?

Today’s tailoring allows much more freedom in how clothing fits and looks. Some clients prefer an androgynous style while others want a more traditionally feminine shape. Tailors now offer flexible choices in canvas structure, shoulder roll and lapel width. These details ensure the final suit fits both physical needs and personal identity.

What makes a bespoke women’s suit different?

A bespoke women’s suit is made from the ground up using measurements taken from the client’s body. Unlike ready to wear or made to measure, bespoke suits involve an in depth process including fittings, hand finishing and the ability to adjust the pattern as needed. The result is a suit that fits with precision and looks balanced from every angle.

At Fielding & Nicholson, we cut individual patterns for every client, taking into account posture, proportions and personal preferences. Features like lapel style, trouser rise, skirt length and button position are all discussed and chosen by the client during the design appointment.

Why does fit matter so much in a women’s suit?

A well fitting suit does more than sit neatly. It supports posture, enhances movement and highlights a person’s natural shape. This is especially true in women’s tailoring, where bust, waist and hip measurements must all be accurately aligned in the pattern. Poor fit can affect comfort and make a suit appear stiff or unbalanced. By using canvassed construction and allowing for proper shaping through darts and seams, a bespoke suit achieves both comfort and symmetry.

To learn about our process for fitting and measurements, speak with out ladies tailoring consultants.