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Easier to narrow a suit jacket or widen (for OTR)

sygyzy

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I am an in-between size, 37, so is it better to get a 38 like I've been doing (and have it be a bit loose) or a 36 so it's snug. If I went to the tailor, which would he have an easier time adjusting? Thank you.
 

philosophe

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Adjusting the shoulders is almost always too difficult to be worthwhile. Adjusting the waist is quite doable.
 

mack11211

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In general, it's easier to take in than let out. Relatively easy alterations include chest/waist size and arm length. So if you are an intermediate size, buy larger.
 

a tailor

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there is no way the shoulders or chest can be made larger. chose a garment that fits well in the shoulders and chest. then have the rest of the garment altered.
 

rnoldh

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I would be surprised if there is more than a 1/2" difference in the shoulders of a size 36 vs a size 38.

I would definitely get the 38 and have the pants taken in
 

whoopee

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Originally Posted by a tailor
there is no way the shoulders or chest can be made larger. chose a garment that fits well in the shoulders and chest. then have the rest of the garment altered.

I've had bespoke suits let out in the shoulders. Don't know if OTR clothes have the inlays, though.
 

sygyzy

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Originally Posted by rnoldh
I would be surprised if there is more than a 1/2" difference in the shoulders of a size 36 vs a size 38. I would definitely get the 38 and have the pants taken in
I am mostly concentrating on jackets because I've found pants fit (as part of a suit) to be trivially easy compared to the jacket. What I mean is that as long as I buy 36 or 38, the pants usually are roughly 31-32, with 32 inseam. That's probably really close to my actual measurement. I can always wear a belt if it's a bit loose on the waist and any tailor can hem a pair of pants. In fact, I am not sure why suits are sold as sets. It's not like anyone notices pants. A pair of slacks from Barney's looks pretty close to one from Express. The only reason I'd want to buy them together at the same time is say it's a special design, like pinstripes so they could match. Jackets on the other hand, along with button up shirts, are very tricky... P.S. Thanks for everyone's responses. StyleForum is helpful as always!
 

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