Whatever the occasion, every man should have a suit that fits like a glove. Unfortunately, the dreaded poor suit fit is all too common.
In this article, we’ll be going over telltale signs a suit is too loose or too tight. Then we’ll be putting it all together to see how a suit should fit, so you can decide if your suit looks right or not.
Signs Your Suit is Too Baggy
First, a common issue with suit fit is that they’re far too baggy. There are a couple of signs to look for that it might be time to resize.
Is there a lot of space between your shirt and your jacket? When you button the suit up does it feel like the lapels are hanging forward? Could you even fit another small person in there with you?
Do your sleeves fall over your wrists, and cover the bottom part of your hands? Do your pants sag in the back, or pile up at the bottom and nearly touch the floor?
These are all signs that your suit is too baggy.
Signs Your Suit is Too Tight
If your suit isn’t too baggy, it may be the opposite. Let’s go over how to tell if your suit is too tight.
When you button the suit up, do you find it’s straining? Is it difficult to move naturally, and you feel your jacket tight against your back?
Do the sleeves end about halfway down your forearm? Is the seat of your suit bunching up? And do the pant legs not quite reach your ankles?
If you answered yes to any of these questions – your suit is too tight.
Signs a Suit Fits Just Right (and What to Do if it Doesn’t)
Now that we’ve covered what too loose and too tight looks like, finding a perfect fit is somewhere in the middle.
You should be able to button your jacket comfortably without too much slack or strain. Your sleeves should end right above your wrists, showing the cuffs of your shirt. And your pant leg should barely cover the top of your shoes.
Now while all this is well and good, what do you do if your suit doesn’t fit right? Accept that it may be time to buy a new suit. Whether you’ve gained or lost weight, it may be time to say goodbye to your old suit and move on. This will give you a clean slate to find a new suit that fits perfectly.
If you have the money to spend, your best option is to go to a tailor. Once you find a suit that fits pretty well, they can help match it perfectly to your body. If you’re serious about getting a perfect fit, you can always get a suit custom-made for your body as well.
Conclusion
A good-fitting suit can make the difference between looking James-Bond-suave, and middle-school-graduation-sloppy. If you want to be the best-dressed man at work or your next formal event, take the time to check if your suit fits properly. If it’s worth it to you, consider investing some money in a good suit that will last you for years to come.
