Sets of matching clothes, typically consisting of a jacket and trousers or skirt. Can also refer to any of the four categories in a deck of playing cards.
From Old French 'suite' meaning a following or sequence, from 'suivre' (to follow). Originally referred to a set of things that go together, evolving to describe matching clothing by the 14th century and playing card categories by the 15th century.
The business suit became a symbol of professionalism and conformity in the 20th century, creating a visual language of power and respectability. Interestingly, the four suits in playing cards (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades) may represent the four classes of medieval society.
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