While lounging may be better associated with fluffy jogging bottoms and hoodies accumulatively stained by takeaways, the lounge suit is anything but.

Head cutter of Richard James, Ben Clarke explains: “Up until recently we considered the lounge suit to be a formal and ‘smart’ suit usually worn for business or an event.

“The single-breasted version, with its shaped front, evolved from the morning coat and the double-breasted version from the frock coat.

It was probably the most ‘dressy’ garment a gentleman had in his wardrobe, other than an evening suit. But, these days, I would say that a lounge suit is simply a suit of two or three pieces that has each been cut from the same cloth.”

In essence, imagine a bog standard men’s suit… yep, that’s a lounge suit.

Gucci

Trust Gucci, under the aegis of messianic creative director Alessandro Michele, to take something as simple as a lounge suit and turn it into as close to an art object as an item of clothing is ever likely to get.

Crafted from cross-seasonal friendly wool mohair, which has a crisp handle, the wide lapel and drain pipe leg will make this a complimentary option for most body types.

The colour, on the other hand will work particularly well against black and fairer skin types. 

Hugo Boss

Cut from super soft virgin wool melange, this skinny suit by Hugo, the more youth-focused subsidiary of the Boss brand, is a perfect first suit option. Smart dressed up with a tie and a pair of chestnut brown Oxfords, yet just as easily dressed down with a T-shirt and tennis shoes, this suit will be your best friend as we move into the winter months. hugoboss.c

 Zara

A great summer lounge suit, this.

Finished with a pleasing texture and cut close, the trousers come complete with on-trend turn-ups (making them as perfect for wearing with boots in the winter as with loafers in the summer), while the notch lapel of the single-breasted jacket means you can just as easily wear it as a separate – with a pair of caramel chinos, say. . zara.com

Ermenegildo Zegna

You can absolutely not go wrong with a suit from the masters of Italian tailoring, Ermenegildo Zegna.

Based in the northern Italian town of Trivero, the historic family-owned brand makes the vast majority of its own fabrics and the cuts are inordinately flattering.

A great option for the big return to the office, this. zegna.com

Paul smith

One of the key pieces in Paul Smith’s groundbreaking “A Suit To Travel In” line, this easy-wearing teal number is crafted from 100 per cent worsted wool yarn, making it surprisingly crease-resistant.

What’s more, the structure of the suit is built over a half-floating canvas, meaning ease of moment is vastly increased. Making it, well, a great option to travel in. paulsmith.com

Giorgio Armani

As famous for dressing stars of stage and screen such as Robert De Niro, Leonardo Di Caprio and Richard Gere as he is for producing among the most syrupy suits known to man, this single-breasted grey windowpane-check suit by Giorgio Armani is a perfect encapsulation of the Italian master’s tailoring prowess. . armani.com

Ralph Lauren Purple Label

This Ralph Lauren Purple Label suit my not come cheap, but there’s a good reason for it.

Each piece of this charcoal beauty has been made by hand – from the jacket lapels to the trouser turn-ups – and it’s crafted from the finest cashmere mélange herringbone twill, which is exclusive to Ralph Lauren, naturally.  ralphlauren.co.uk

Richard james

An unimpeachable navy work suit, this.

Crafted by Savile Row tailor Richard James, the shoulders come imbued with just the right amount of structure, the lining is jazzy (but not too jazzy) and the cut is perfect for slimmer frames.

What’s more, it’s surprisingly affordable, so don’t go back to work without one.  richard-james.com

Brunello cucinelli

A slightly more casual option here from the master of easy Italian tailoring, Brunello Cucinelli.

The peak lapel blazer is finished with a flattering one-and-a-half-breasted construction, while the trousers are finished single pleats.

Crafted from an improbably soft mix of wool, silk and cashmere, this suit will wear as soft as a tracksuit (even if it’ll set you back a little more than one).. brunellocucinelli.com

Prada

When it comes to pin-sharp single-breasted suits, Milanese super-brand Prada can always be relied upon to produce the goods.

Case in point: this immaculately tailored single-breasted number in the brand’s classic wool and mohair mix fabric.

Cut both close and clean, details are kept to a minimum and the line is, naturally, crisp.  prada.com