Beard vs Clean Shaven | What Looks Better with Different Suits
Beard vs Clean Shaven | What Looks Better with Different Suits?
Most lads focus on the suit, the tie, the shoes — but forget one of the biggest details that affects the whole look: your grooming.
Whether you’re heading to a wedding, prom or race day, the question is the same: should you go beard or clean shaven?
At SUITBAE, we see thousands of lads try on suits every year — and the right grooming choice can completely change how sharp the outfit looks. This guide breaks down which styles work best with different types of suits, using real examples from our collection.
Beard or Clean Shaven? The General Rule
It comes down to this: structured suits look best with structured grooming.
• Sharp lines → sharp beard lines or clean shave • Softer colours → softer beard • Bold suits → clean, controlled grooming
Let’s look at how this applies to real suits you can try on at SUITBAE.
1. Black Tuxedos & Evening Suits (e.g. Diablo Black)
The Diablo Black Three-Piece Tuxedo is clean, sharp and built for impact. Because of the satin peak lapel and deep black tone, it needs grooming that’s equally refined.
Best Match: Clean Shaven or a Very Sharp Beard Fade
- Clean shaven gives the tuxedo a classic, red-carpet finish.
- A tight beard fade or short boxed beard looks modern and controlled.
- Long or messy beards make tuxedos look unbalanced and heavy.
For prom, black-tie events or evening weddings — go sharp, not scruffy.
2. Navy Suits (e.g. Lawrence Navy)
The Lawrence Navy Three-Piece Suit is the most versatile suit a man can own. It works for weddings, interviews, work meetings, or the races — which means grooming needs to look polished but natural.
Best Match: Light Beard, Stubble or Clean Tidy Beard
- Short stubble looks confident and effortless.
- A tidy beard with clean cheek lines matches the suit’s structure.
- Clean shaven works great for interviews and work settings.
Navy is forgiving — but your beard still needs to look intentional, not accidental.
3. Dark Blue / Midnight Suits (e.g. Jake Midnight)
The Jake Midnight Three-Piece Suit is a little bolder, richer and more premium-looking than classic navy. Midnight suits photograph beautifully — but only if the grooming is symmetrical and controlled.
Best Match: Well-Groomed Beard or Clean Shaven
- A shaped beard gives the suit structure and balance.
- Clean shaven works beautifully for weddings and race days.
- Patchy or uneven beards clash with the richness of the fabric.
Midnight suits work best with grooming that shows effort — even if it’s subtle.
4. Light Suits (Stone, Grey, Sky)
Light-coloured suits soften the whole look, so your grooming should match that softness.
Best Match: Mid-Length Beard or Softer Stubble
- Light suits + harsh beard lines = contrast too strong.
- Natural stubble or short beards create balance.
- Clean shaven works too — especially for summer weddings.
Avoid big, heavy beards with light suits (it makes the head look too dark compared to the outfit).
5. Check Suits & Textured Fabrics
Check suits already have visual detail. Adding a messy beard to that usually looks too “busy”.
Best Match: Clean Shaven or Short, Sharp Beard
- Clean shaven lets the pattern do the talking.
- A short beard adds structure without overwhelming the look.
Quick Rules for Grooming with Suits
- Evening suits: sharp lines, controlled beard or clean shave.
- Navy suits: stubble or tidy beard works best.
- Midnight suits: well-maintained beard or clean shave.
- Light suits: softer stubble or mid-length beards.
- Check suits: keep the beard neat — no bulk.
FAQ: Beard vs Clean Shaven with Suits
Does a beard make you look smarter in a suit?
Only if it’s tidy. A messy beard ruins even the sharpest three-piece.
Do women prefer beards or clean shaven with suits?
Studies show women prefer tidy grooming — either a clean shave or a well-shaped beard. Rough beards score worst.
Is clean shaven better for weddings?
For many lads, yes — especially with black, navy or tuxedo-style suits. It's cleaner in photos.
Visit SUITBAE to Find the Suit That Matches Your Style
Whether you’re clean shaven or rocking a beard, choosing the right suit makes all the difference. Try on the Diablo Black, Lawrence Navy or Jake Midnight in store at Blackpool or Barnsley — or browse online at SUITBAE.COM.
We’ll help you find the perfect combination of grooming + suit so you look sharp, confident and camera-ready.
SUITBAE — Made for the moments that matter.