Dress code: Volkswagen India boss ditches the tie unless it's an important meeting

Steffen Knapp, Volkswagen India head, says he loves a dark blue suit:

Go to style
“I like to wear the suit without a tie, unless it’s an important meeting. I even like wearing sneakers with it, as it looks sporty. You can never go wrong with a blue suit and white shirt combination.”

First suit

“I got my first suit when I was 21. I had an internship with a company in France. My mother said at that time, ‘Steffen, you need to get more formal. You are done with your studies.’ So, I got my first Boss suit. It was an anthracite suit that I will never forget.”

Best suit memory
“It was when I was driving a Ford Mustang on Lombard Street, this curvy street down in San Francisco. I had a beige-coloured suit on. I felt like a superstar.”

Where I get my suits from
“I buy my suits. I have been in India for three years, so I am practically an Indian now. I actually got my first tailored suit here. It was a dark blue suit that I liked a lot.”

Suit care
“Ensure that your suit does not have any wrinkles at the back. Also ensure there is a little space; that your suit is not too tight. You need to adapt the suit to your body style. If your body character allows it, take a slim fit suit. If you are a more compact version, get a loose fit one.”

Suit hack
“I ensure my cupboard is rearranged every other day, so I don’t wear the same suit multiple days. I take out all my suits and put them back in again.”

Favourite suit
“A dark blue Boss suit.”

Most expensive suit
“It was a dream suit, a black Armani suit that fit me perfectly. But unfortunately after I lost weight, I couldn’t wear it again.”

Celebrity suit game
“Akshay Kumar has an incredible body shape. It’s amazing how he keeps himself this fit at this age. He always fits perfectly in any suit that he wears.”.