As a noun, a suit is a set of matching clothes, usually a jacket and pants or skirt, or a set of cards in a deck. As a verb, to suit means to be right or acceptable for someone or something.
From Old French 'suite' meaning 'attendance, act of following', from Latin 'sequor' (to follow). The clothing sense came from things that 'go together' or follow one another as a set.
A suit of clothes is literally pieces that 'follow' or match each other, like a squad. When something 'suits you', it’s like it’s following your shape, taste, or needs surprisingly well.
Clothing terms like "suit" have been associated with male professional dress and authority, while women in suits historically faced scrutiny for defying gender norms. In law and business, "the suits" has often implicitly referred to male executives.
Avoid assuming that suits or formal business attire belong to one gender; use neutral language like "person in a suit" or "executive" instead of gendered shorthand.
["outfit","garment","lawsuit (if legal context)","be appropriate for"]
When discussing professional dress, note how women’s adoption of suits and similar attire challenged gendered expectations in workplaces and politics.
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