Introduction
A suit jacket that fits well is an essential part of a polished look. It doesn’t just help your shape, it helps your confidence. Getting the right fit is all about the details and knowing what makes a jacket fit well. Here is a breakdown of how to make sure your suit jacket fits perfectly.
Shoulder Fit
The shoulders are the building blocks of any suit jacket. Seam connecting to sleeve cut should match the edge of your shoulder exactly. A seam that goes past the shoulder: too big; short of the edge: too small. A good fit in the shoulders is critical to obtaining a draped jacket that permits freedom of movement.
Chest and Torso
It is meant to be snug (not tight) on the chest. You will be able to button the jacket with stretch on the fabric. One simple test is to slide a hand between your chest and the coat; it should feel good with enough room but not too much. The jacket should fit around your body but shouldn’t bulge or gap.
Jacket Length
The jacket length is very important for your look in the suit. Ideally, the hem should land about the middle of your hand while your arms are at your sides. This provides length to cover your backside and looks good on you. But then that’s a matter of personal preference and what’s in vogue at the moment.
Sleeve Length
You need your sleeves to be the right length to look professional. Jackson also recommends the jacket sleeve end no longer than just above the wrist bone, showing about a half inch of the shirt cuff. This little detail is one of the subtler ones that hints to a more high fashion look.
Lapel Fit
Lapels should lie flat on your chest. If they collapse or leave gaps, the jacket is likely too tight or poorly cut. Opt for a lapel width that suits your body and personal style whether it be classic notch, peak, or slim.
Waist Fit
A jacket that tapers slightly at the waist, to flatter your figure. A good, fitted waist is how you avoid skirting the Deadpool look. If the jacket has side vents, they should not open yet not be too strained or pull apart as you move.
Collar Fit
The collar of the jacket should lay smoothly against the back of your neck with no space. It should be parallel with your shirt collar, which will be showing by around half an inch. A popped collar or too much bunching at the neck is an indicator of bad fit.
Button Stance
The button stance, or the point at which the top button (in a two-button jacket) or middle button (in a three-button jacket) fastens, should hit just at or above your navel. This will make a clean and even silhouette.
Armhole Fit
A good fit in the armhole is necessary for comfort and freedom of movement. The armholes ought to be high enough without being restrictive, but for the jacket not to ride up a great deal when you raise your arms. Armholes that are too low limit your movement and result in an odd fit.
Overall Proportion
Last, but not least, there’s the proportion of the jacket. Be sure everything fits together in a way that is flattering to your body shape and size. Both of these should be fitted to complement your shape, whether you prefer modern a slim fit or classic tailoring.
Conclusion
A well-fitted suit jacket is an investment in your sense of style and yourself. By focusing on smaller details like shoulder fit, the snugness of the chest and torso, the length of sleeves and jacket, and the like, you gain the ability to look good and be comfortable. Although it’s possible to make a darn good suit for around 300 bucks, tailoring can make a difference, so don’t be afraid of the fact of the matter that you may need to have someone meddle with what is supposed to be an excellent fitting suit. A good fit can mean the difference between an average suit and a versatile, stylish wardrobe staple.
