Suitwhich

Suitwhich is a term used in speculative design and fashion technology to describe an adaptive, context-aware suit concept. It denotes a modular garment system capable of configuring its form, function, and sometimes appearance to suit a given social or environmental context. The idea emphasizes choosing the right suit for the occasion rather than merely wearing a single garment.

Origin of the term is a portmanteau of 'suit' and 'which', highlighting the system's decision-making role in selecting the appropriate configuration.

Core features include modular fabric panels, smart textiles, and lightweight actuation that can adjust fit, ventilation, and microclimate. Some proposals involve electrochromic or thermochromic elements to alter color or finish; control interfaces may be standalone or integrated with mobile apps or voice assistants that solicit user preferences and contextual data such as event type, weather, and dress code.

Suitwhich concepts range from office-appropriate variants that shift between formal and business casual, to performance-ready versions that adapt for stage or athletic activity. In speculative designs, the suit can also present different aesthetic 'looks' by reconfiguring seam lines, lapels, or surface texture.

While discussed in fashion-technology discourse since the 2010s, suitwhich remains mainly conceptual with limited commercial uptake. Proponents cite potential benefits in customization and sustainability, while critics warn of complexity, cost, and the risk of encouraging over-consumption or privacy concerns related to data used to determine configurations.

See also: smart textiles, adaptive clothing, context-aware wearables.