suit

A suit is a set of garments made from the same fabric or pattern, typically including a jacket and trousers for men or a matching jacket and skirt or trousers for women. Suits are commonly worn in professional or formal settings and are usually tailored, often with a waistcoat. Fabrics range from wool and blends to cotton, linen, or synthetics. Styles include single- or double-breasted jackets, with formality varying from business to smart-casual. Accessories such as a dress shirt, tie, belt, and polished shoes complete the look. Fit and fabric largely determine appearance and cost.

In card games, a suit is a family of cards sharing a symbol and color. The standard deck has four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Each suit contains cards from ace to king, though rankings vary by game. Hearts and diamonds are red; clubs and spades are black. Suits organize play, affect strategy, and may determine trump or point values in many games.

In law, a suit, or civil suit, is a legal action brought in court to resolve a dispute. A plaintiff files a complaint, and the defendant responds. Civil suits cover contracts, torts, property, and family matters, with procedures varying by jurisdiction. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to litigation.

Historically, suit also appears in heraldry and fashion terminology to describe coordinated garments or groups of items. The concept reflects norms of coordination, formality, and social function in various cultures.