Proper Clothes Fitting - Sizing Up A Mens Suit

Although they're one of the most essential items in men's fashion, suits are also some of the most demanding. You can get away with wearing shirts and tees that are a size too big or too small, but doing the same for suits is nothing short of criminal. When buying men's suits, the experts recommend that you get pieces that are exactly your size and nothing else. Regardless of quality or brand, a poor-fitting suit is just that poor.

Shoulders
One of the most critical measurements in a suit is the shoulder area, primarily because it's so visible. The slightest misjudgment with the shoulders can be spotted immediately, and can ruin even the most well-crafted of suits.

The shoulders on your suit should fall exactly on your own and nowhere else. A deviation of even a half inch either way could spell disaster or, even worse, a fashion faux pas. If anything, the shoulder pads of the suit should never extend past your shoulders. You can check this by getting a flat object like a book or ruler and then putting it against your own shoulders. If the ruler hits the suit padding first, go ask for a smaller size.

If you're buying your suit from a men's boutique, don't settle for any suit that doesn't fit your shoulders perfectly, regardless of what the salesman says. Even the most skilled of tailors can't remedy a suit with shoulders that are too small or too big.

Length
Here's where you can play around with your suit jacket a bit. There's no single 'correct' length for jackets, especially now that there are so many styles on the market. The old de facto standard for length, that the back of the jacket should completely cover your rear, doesn't necessarily have to be satisfied anymore.

Are you tired of the old seat-covering jacket length? Ask for one of the European or more modern cuts, which almost always have lengths shorter than their traditional American siblings. Take note that shorter lengths usually work better for thinner guys, and that men with heavier builds are better off sticking to the classic cuts.

Chest
A balance must be struck for the chest area of your suit. Unlike the precise measurement needed for the shoulder area, you have some space to decide for the chest. Remember, though, that a suit with a too tight or too loose chest area will still look very sloppy.

How much is too much space? Try putting your fist in between your chest and the done up suit. If there's still some room even with your fist in there, go back to the rack and ask for a smaller size. While the suit is still buttoned, also check out your back with a mirror. When buttoned, the suit should be smooth at the back. Any lines or creases will mean that there's too much fabric, or that there's not enough.