New research out today from menswear retailer Jacamo, reveals the items British men rely on for good luck, with accessories trumping clothes as the tie overtakes the typical lucky underwear, chosen by 18% of the nation*.
Showing that sometimes we all need a bit of luck to help us get the results we want, northerners find their best attire, the classic suit, to be their lucky item as nearly two in five (39%) choose to wear it for their biggest events whether it’s for a big meeting, a first date, or a win at the races.
For the 35% of British men who have a lucky piece of clothing, 16% of 16-29-year olds would go as far as cancel a plan if their suit is dirty, on loan or unable to be worn. This superstition varies across the nation though as only 1% of Welsh men would cancel but one fifth (22%) of Scottish men feel comfortable letting their friends and family down.
Everyone has a different reason for trusting their lucky item, but over a third (31%) of men believe the perfect fit and style makes something lucky, giving them confidence that they can achieve the desired result. 18% rely on others for luck, depending on hand-downs from loved-ones, while over one in ten (13%) trust and re-wear an item if it has previously brought them luck and money at the horse races.
Additionally, the findings reveal the difference in men’s wardrobes across the nation, as 12% have just one suit hanging on their rail, but nearly seven in 10 (69%) have up to three suits to decide between when getting ready. Londoners seem to prefer a wider selection when getting ready though, with 31% owning 4-6 suits.
One thing most men agree on when it comes to styling is to wear a suit to a wedding, as three quarters (75%) put on their best to celebrate the occasion. Nearly one in 10 (8%) also choose to wear a suit to a sporting event, helping to cheer on their favourite team or player**.
Researchers also found that the tradition of dressing to impress for a dinner still exists, as nearly one third (29%) of men choose to put on a suit when eating out, particularly from the over 60’s, as 36% iron their shirt and brush off their blazer for the meal out.
While three quarters (78%) of men agree that they enjoy wearing a suit, and 16-29-year olds prove to be the smartest as 86% will always choose to wear a suit at first, the style of suit worn differs across the nation. The classic single-breasted style wins the vote with both 64% of men in general but also 61% of Londoners, while double-breasted is chosen by 20% of Brits***. Style also differs with age, as over 60’s prefer the single-breasted look, but for 16-29-year olds, the slim-cut suit is their go-to to look and feel their best.
How much to spend on a suit, lucky or not, depends on so many variables, but the research reveals 37% choose to typically spend up to £150 on the smart outfit, and nearly one third (28%) will spend between £151 - £200. It seems the Scottish are the biggest spenders on suits as 8% happily spend over £500 to look their best.
Jenni Bamford from Jacamo adds: “Whether you’re a man or a woman, everyone can appreciate a well fitted, stylish suit. We wanted to celebrate the confidence, and apparent luck, which this particular wardrobe essential allows men to feel for their everyday, but also for those special occasions which will be remembered for ever”.
With the wedding and horse-race season coming up, Jacamo is proud to show off their best, and most stylish occasionwear collection as they sponsor the Grand National at Aintree racecourse and present their first race-course catwalk on 14th April.
