Colour: The First Impression

“Color influences first impressions more than any other aspect of attire,” notes Alan Flusser—and rightly so. A man walking down the street in a bright yellow suit will command the eye instantly, standing out like the sun in the sky. While one in black may almost disappear into shadow, his silhouette barely discernible and the details of his tailoring eluding the eyes.

Sein Shwe Bespoke Tailors — Shop Interior

When you step into a tailor’s house, one of the first questions asked is: “What is the occasion?” The answer narrows the palette. A black-tie event calls for black, naturally. A business meeting requires restraint. For the stage or red carpet, the boldest hues take their place, allowing the wearer to express their individuality.

How, then, to choose?
In a world of endless shades—where blues alone stretch from cerulean to periwinkle—the purpose of colour is to complement the face. Just as the drape of the cloth shapes the body, colour shapes the perception of complexion. Skin tone and hair shade together determine whether contrast or subtlety best flatters the wearer. 

A dark-haired man with fair skin benefits from strong contrasts—deep navy paired with a bright tie. A fair-haired man with lighter skin will be better served by softer gradations, either a lighter navy blue or gentler colour entirely.

Accents can echo natural traits: the colour of the eyebrows, the flush of the cheek, or the undertones of the skin. A red patterned tie might reflect the natural blush of the complexion, dark spectacles can counterbalance very fair features, and even the hue of a discreet pocket square can subtly reinforce these qualities by repeating tones already present in the facial features.

At Sein Shwe Bespoke, our tailors guide each client through a curated selection of cloths, with enough colours for every occasion and to drape every complexion. We believe the right colour does more than clothe a man—it reinforces his presence.