Fitting a Man's Suit

Since most men buy their suits off the rack these days, it is important to make sure the jacket and pants fit properly. Here are a few simple tips that will ensure the fit is very close and will require few alterations.

Check the cut of the shoulders on the jacket. This is accomplished by putting on the jacket. The body should join the sleeves of the jacket so that the seam is resting on your shoulder; if it is hanging off your shoulder, the jacket is too big. If the seam is high on your shoulder, it is too tight.

Button the top button on the front of the jacket. The garment should fit comfortably over the stomach and not cause the lapels to bunch in any way. Sit down while the jacket is still buttoned. If the fit is not tight around the stomach, the jacket is a decent fit.

Take a look at the length of the sleeves. Allow your arms to dangle naturally at your sides. The sleeves should reach the portion of your palm that is closest to your wrist.

Try on the pants. The waist of the pants should rest along your natural waistline, and not constrict your movements. Generally, if you can fit four fingers of one hand in the waist of the pants while wearing them, the waist is not too small. At the same time, the waistband should hold the pants in place without the need for a belt.

Notice where the pants break at the shoe. Ideally, the hem of the pants should cover the top of the shoe in the back while resting without bunching on the instep of the shoe in the front. This helps to create a clean line from the garment to the shoes. If your socks show at all while standing, the pant legs are too short.

Tips & Warnings

It is often a good idea to buy a suit with unhemmed pants. You can take the pants to a tailor, who can add cuffs or a simple hem, whichever you prefer. This is especially true for men who are taller and sometimes have trouble buying slacks and jeans off the shelf.

Although you may be tempted to buy a suit that is a little big simply because it is on sale, curb your urge. There are only so many alterations that can be done before the work will add up to more than it would cost to buy a suit that fits properly.