How Should A Suit Jacket Fit

How Should A Suit Jacket Fit

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Shoulders
  3. Chest and Torso
  4. Sleeve Length
  5. Jacket Length
  6. Collar Fit
  7. Button Placement
  8. Final Tips for the Perfect Fit
  9. Conclusion

Introduction

Wearing a well-fitted Suit Jacket often increases confidence by improving one’s looks. Whether attending a formal event, business meeting, or any special occasion, a suit jacket has to fit correctly for the event. Even the most expensive suits still look bad if the jacket is fitted poorly. This is an informative article on how a suit jacket should fit to look suitable and professional.

Shoulders

The foundation of the fitting of a suit jacket rests on its shoulders. The point where the sleeve joins the shoulder is called the seam, and it must mesh with the natural shoulder bone. A poorly fitted shoulder can either be too tight, making it impossible to move, or too loose, making the shoulder have an unnatural bump. Steer clear from jackets that have too much padding or shoulder divots.

Chest and Torso

A well-fitted suit jacket should not fit too tightly or loosely around the chest. This helps in buttoning without extra pulling or wrinkling across the chest. A simple way to check the fit is called the ‘hug test’ and it checks if the person can hug themselves without too much strain. If yes- the jacket is the right fit. A properly fitting jacket, when fastened, will allow a flat hand to fit inside the jacket.

Sleeves

Getting the sleeves of a jacket tailored is an essential aspect of achieving a polished look. A quarter to half an inch of dress shirt cuff should be able to show underneath jacket sleeves, which ideally should end right above the wrist bone. If sleeves are excessively long or short there is a danger of the jacket looking out of proportion.

Jacket Length

A suit jacket should always look proportionate to the rest of the body in question. As a rough estimate, it is safe to assume the jacket should sit above the posterior and not venture excessively high above the lower back. Another alternative is standing with your arms at your side and examining where the hem of the jacket comes to, it should sit at your knuckles or slightly higher.

Collar

The region of space between your neck and where your collar sits should neither be too ample nor too tight. A loose fit will leave excess space, whilst fitting too tightly will cause wrinkling at the base of the shirt collar.

Button Placement

Both comfort and aesthetics are affected by the placement of buttons. The upper button of both a two-button jacket should be positioned at, or above, the navel. The jacket should not require excessive pulling in order to close and, when buttoned, should form a flattering, subtle “V” shape around the torso.

Final Tips for the Perfect Fit

  • As a rule, a suit jacket should always be tried with the closest matching dress shirt.
  • Consider having the suit tailored for less than half the price of a new suit in order to make those minor changes.
  • Be mindful of your shape and physique— slim-fit, regular-fit, and classic-fit jackets are made for different body types.

When trying the jacket, make sure that you move it around to check if it is comfortable while in other positions.

Conclusion

An investment into a properly fitted suit jacket will give you sanity with respect to \your modesty style, boost your confidence while having it and also comfort in it. If you look closely at the details like the shoulders, the fit at the chest, the sleeves, and the collar, focusing on them will give you a chance to stand out, sharp and refined in the way you like. Timeless elegance is an investment whether you choose not to have it tailored or purchase a fitted suit jacket.

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