Short answers, pulled from the story.
King Charles II of England decreed the new suit style in the 17th century. This mandate replaced elaborate aristocratic clothing with a long coat, waistcoat, and knee breeches. The ensemble was initially viewed as informal country wear rather than formal court attire.
A master tailor can take up to 80 hours to complete an authentic bespoke suit. This process relies on a floating canvas layer that allows the jacket to drape naturally without wrinkles. Inexpensive suits often use a fused canvas that is glued to the fabric and can pucker after dry cleaning.
Super 120 wool describes the average fiber diameter and indicates a finer, more delicate fabric. Heavy winter wools from the pre-central heating era measured 16 ounces, while modern summer wools range from 7 to 8 ounces. The weight and texture of the fabric dictate the suit's suitability for different seasons.
The bottom button is traditionally left unfastened to avoid stressing the fabric and to ensure a comfortable drape. This legend is attributed to King Edward VII who started the trend of leaving the bottom button undone. Double-breasted jackets are almost always kept buttoned to maintain their structured silhouette.
In Japan, the tailored suit became associated with the salaryman culture and high-quality craftsmanship. In India, professional men began wearing the five-button Nehru suit made from khadi to support the local textile industry. These adaptations demonstrate how the suit has been transformed into a canvas for cultural expression.
The dominance of the suit in daily life waned significantly since the 1990s. This decline was driven by the rise of technology companies and a shift toward business casual dress. Suits have become less common at the executive level aside from job candidates and formal events.