Forget about practicality. A high-end, off-the-rack suit is definitely a pleasure. While made-to-measure and bespoke suits are essential for the executive who can afford the privilege, an off-the-rack style that's tailored to fit can be just as flattering. Especially if you don't want to wait weeks for its arrival. This season, several suit makers are offering both quality and quirk, from colorful silk-lined collars to super-skinny pants. "The suit is being interpreted in a million different ways," says Eric Jennings, men's fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue. "Designers are really pushing the envelope." Here are 11 that fit such a description as well as they fit their buyers.

Ermenegildo Zegna
Recently chosen as the "best of the best" in an international poll of persons who can afford to buy the best. The poll was conducted by Luxury Brands Status Index of high net income consumers in separate polls in the United States, Europe, China and Japan. Zegna was chosen number 1 in the U.S. and Japan and number 2 in Europe.

Adam Kimmel
Known best for his fascination with the art world, drawing inspiration from artists such as Gerard Malanga and Matthew Barney, up-and-comer Kimmel takes traditional work wear and adds luxury-level tailoring. This gray wool flannel two-button suit and top coat are paired with a pocket-front denim shirt, sweatshirt tie and wingtip shoes for an understated take on an office favorite.
Coat, $1,985; blazer, $1,685; pant, $650; shirt, $335; belt, $100; shoes, $525; tie, $160, all Adam Kimmel. Available at Barneys New York nationwide.

Tom Ford
Former Gucci creative director Ford has a penchant for taking fine fabrics and sexing them up a bit, as he has with this snazzy--but not over-the-top--ebony and white pinstripe silk peak lapel suit. The brown-and-white picnic check shirt is offset by a silk jacquard tie with a larger check and a lilac pocket square. Ideal for a creative office or a wedding with a loose dress code.

Gucci
A black-tie ensemble doesn't have to be conservative. This black velvet blazer has a subtle gray pin dot pattern but is paired with traditional wool tuxedo pants for a look that's both elegant and innovative.

Brioni
To many, Italian label Brioni makes the best off-the-rack suits (and it shows in the price tag). "They're the top tier," says Matt Landsberg, president of Washington, D.C.-based Eric Finn, a custom clothier that also offers shopping advice to executives. That's because each suit--like this brown check wool version with a classic pleated pant and an old-school bow tie--is handmade. "They don't cut any corners," he adds.

Lanvin
While lots of high-fashion menswear designers send collections down the runway that no one but the style-obsessed would actually wear, Lanvin's Lucas Ossendrijver creates suits that are both directional and wearable. This navy silk two-button suit cuts a slim, but not skinny, silhouette with plain-front pants tapered at the ankle. While it's certainly of-the-moment, it's not so trendy that it won't be a favorite for years to come.

Ralph Lauren
A linen suit is a different kind of sartorial risk. While it's classic in its styling, it tends to wrinkle, meaning it might be a bit too messy for the office. However, 100% linen tends to hang better than a linen/cotton blend, so it's worth the extra cash. This single-breasted version comes in traditional khaki with a fitted blazer and low-rise pant. Add a white pocket square for summer weddings and outdoor parties.

Dior Homme
Former Dior Homme designer Hedi Slimane is credited with bringing the ultra-skinny suit to the forefront of men's fashion, and this black wool version designed by the brand's current creative director Kris Van Assche reemphasizes that trend. It looks best with a skinny tie, and on a skinny guy, and it can double as a tux with a French cuff shirt and black dress shoes.

Armani
This black wool suit is more traditional, with three buttons, Besom pockets and a single-pleated pant. The forgiving fit makes it an ideal power suit for the C-suite exec; it's both comfortable and refined.

Isaia
Neapolitan suit maker Isaia creates classic Italian suiting with a Mediterranean flair. This stoic navy wool suit, for instance, is brightened up with a shocking pink liner on the collar. Saks' Jennings also likes the label for its lightweight, high-quality fabrics.

Dolce & Gabbana
Your favorite suit doesn't have to be fussy. This Italian-made style comes in black pinstripe with two buttons, flap pockets and a wool-spandex blend that offers a bit of forgiving stretch. The straight leg on the pant and notched lapel ensure it'll endure trend cycles.

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Filed under: Adam Kimmel • Brioni • Dior Homme • Dolce & Gabanna • Giorgio Armani • Gucci • Isaia • Tom Ford

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