For years now, a flock of doomsayers has been predicting the demise of the suit. Citing relaxed dress codes and the ever-growing demand for comfort, many have written off the two-piece as dead and buried.
At Hast, we believe nothing of the sort.
Not only is it alive and well, as we showed earlier, but it is also enjoying unprecedented vitality. Two-piece, three-piece, offbeat, broken up: it looks sharper than ever, and our two workwear suits certainly won't argue otherwise.
A suit, with a workwear spirit
No, the phrase “workwear suit” is by no means an oxymoron. Since a suit is simply a matching set crafted from the same fabric, there is no reason it has to be formal.
Indeed, that is precisely what we have created with this pair of workwear-inspired two-piece suits. A striking duo we invite you to discover now.
A free-spirited take
Behind these workwear suits lies vintage inspiration drawn from our designer's personal collection. Truth be told, it all started with a work boiler suit caught somewhere between overalls and tailoring, which Sébastien used as a blueprint to craft what you see here.
As you can see, the codes of utilitarian wear meet those of formal tailoring, creating an unexpected and refreshing result.
A hybrid that feels completely natural, thanks to a masterly balance in the layout of its components.
A cut to the millimetre
Suit obliges: we have honed clean lines and an exceptionally well-thought-out design. Up top, an unstructured double-breasted jacket with notch lapels sits above mid-rise pleated trousers, styled with a crease along the leg.
With its straight cut, unlined construction and three bevelled patch pockets, the jacket's utilitarian heritage is plain to see, making it a highly versatile piece.
Worn together or separately, both parts of these original suits can form a smart ensemble, create an easy-going look, or anchor more relaxed outfits.
A defining fabric
Beyond the cut, it is naturally our fabrics that allow these suits to step off the beaten track.
Far from the woollens traditionally reserved for formal tailoring, here we have a 58% cotton and 42% linen blend for the beige version, and 100% cotton for its navy counterpart. Combining the qualities of these two renowned natural fibres, the former offers a dry, textured hand that feels dense yet surprisingly lightweight.
The second version, meanwhile, relies entirely on the softness and silky hand of cotton to deliver a smooth, velvety fabric.
Woven in Italy, the fabrics of these two distinctive pieces differ slightly: while the cotton-linen métis borrows its instantly recognisable herringbone pattern from the workwear universe, the 100% cotton opts for a more conventional, yet equally radiant, plain weave.
While the herringbone brings texture and verticality to the silhouette, revealing delicate stripes to the attentive eye, the navy canvas will appeal to lovers of understated, minimalist style.
One single jacket, three ways to button it
Beyond the crossover influences that make it so versatile, the jacket of our workwear suits is a little masterpiece of ingenuity that can be worn in three different ways. Thanks to its buttonhole layout, a trio of options awaits you, from the smartest to the most relaxed.
First of all, you can naturally wear it like a double-breasted blazer, fastening the left front over the right using the central pair of buttons. This is the smartest option, as it cinches the waist while flattering the chest, leaving ample room for the neckline to show through.
Second option: you can fasten both top sets of buttons. Doing so reduces the lapel roll and brings your piece decidedly over to the workwear side. Slightly more casual, this alternative remains exceptionally smart and makes the most of its dual origins. The most carefree of tailored jackets or the smartest of chore jackets: you be the judge.
Finally, nothing stops you from buttoning it right to the top and popping the collar. Whether to brace against the elements or go full-on workwear, this approach is perfectly possible thanks to the hidden button positioned at the top of the chest.
Traditionally, the bottom button is never fastened (neither on a single-breasted jacket nor on a double-breasted jacket), and that is a custom we suggest you follow here too. That said, nothing stops you from buttoning it top to bottom and bottom to top if you fancy. The only rule is that there are no rules.
Wearing the new Hast workwear suit
In “workwear suit” there is “suit” and “workwear”, which gives you a good sense of the versatility offered by this key ensemble from our Spring-Summer 2024 collection.
Embracing its two-piece character, you can pair it with a plain shirt and tie for a truly distinctive formal outfit. For summer weddings and other warm-weather occasions, it makes a particularly compelling choice.
Still on the suit front, the smart-casual and/or mix-and-match approach remains a trump card, blending elegance with ease. By way of example, we suggest the full two-piece with a striped t-shirt, the trousers with a knitwear polo shirt, or the jacket over a colourful top and a nicely washed pair of jeans.
To lean into its workwear side, pairing the suit (or either piece) with a henley, denim trousers or a chambray shirt is an inspired choice, creating both stylistic harmony and historical coherence.
Caring for the workwear suit
Here, two paths lie before you.
The most straightforward option is dry cleaning, where you simply drop off your suit for a proper, professional clean.
The most cost-effective option is hand-washing, which you can easily do yourself in a little cold water with a drop of mild detergent. In this case, dry on a hanger away from direct sunlight.
Make it your own
Without question, these workwear suits are statement pieces. Intimidating at first glance, they prove surprisingly easy to wear, excelling right across the style spectrum.
Bridging the elegance of tailoring and the character of workwear, they have inherited an extraordinary versatility that you can put to the test every day.
Tempted?