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Suit Jacket Measurements Question

post #1 of 9
10/28/11 at 9:22am
Thread Starter 

I apologize if this question has been previously asked and answered on these forum.  I searched but could not locate a thread that helped me find the answer to this question.

 

I am an attorney, 32 years old, and now a partner in the law firm that I came up with.  At this stage of my life, for the first time I feel compelled to be much more stylish than I ever had to worry about before.  I am making as much as a commitment as possible to building the proper wardrobe and this site is just unbelievably valuable for a person like me, who knows very little about style at this point.  I really appreciate those out there who share their knowledge and informed opinions with others so we can learn.

 

There is a wonderful blog entry on asuitablewardrobe that has acted as my checklist for my basic wardrobe needs.  I am currently focusing on acquiring a navy wool blazer.  Between wanting to get as much bang for my buck right now and just not having too many opportunities to physically go shopping (work and family demands are overwhelming), I am looking for a pre-owned blazer.  I found something I am interested in buying but the measurements have me confused. 

 

All my suits are 42r, and they fit me fairly well.  My understanding was that this means the chest measurement is 42 inches.  For the listing that I am interested in, it says the size is 42r, and then says the chest measurement is 44.5 inches.  Can someone explain ths discrepancy to me? 

 

Sorry for the newb question, but I guess we all had to learn at some point.

 

In case it matters, my build is 5'10, 170, thin build, but average to broad shoulders.


Thanks!

 

 

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post #2 of 9
10/28/11 at 9:27am
Usually a 42 sized jacket is designed for someone who has a chest measurement of 42". The jacket would usually be 2" to 3" bigger than your chest measurment so it is consistent with a size 42. Whether it will work for you will depend you your actual chest measurement.

Jeff
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post #3 of 9
10/28/11 at 9:34am
Thread Starter 

I took my actual measurement yesterday and it was 42 inches when inhaled.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stereojeff View Post

Usually a 42 sized jacket is designed for someone who has a chest measurement of 42". The jacket would usually be 2" to 3" bigger than your chest measurment so it is consistent with a size 42. Whether it will work for you will depend you your actual chest measurement.
Jeff


 

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post #4 of 9
10/28/11 at 9:36am
Thread Starter 

Thanks Jeff!  I took my measurements yesterday and the chest was 42 inches when inhaled.

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post #5 of 9
10/28/11 at 10:55am
your jackets should be about:

Chest: 44-45 inches
Shoulders: 18.5-19 inches
Length: 30.5-31 inches BOC.


Not sure why you need to go preowned. Look at Polo Ralph Lauren. There's a private sale that takes about 50% off and they have navy sport coats.
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post #6 of 9
10/28/11 at 11:25am
First, kudos on finding Will's website and using it as a guide. You couldn't do any better. Second, the above comments are right - I'm 6'1 185 and wear a 42, kind of between regular and long. I look for a BOC measurement of around 31.5". Really the measurements you want to focus on are the shoulders and the length, as they are the most difficult to alter.
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post #7 of 9
10/28/11 at 11:29am
Also, one other thing - not sure what Will's blog says on this, but if you're deciding on how to allocate scarce resources early on, I'd encourage you to make your biggest investments in shoes. For coats and suits, you can do pretty well getting used or cheap stuff on ebay, and as long as it fits you and you get it tailored, you can get a good look. That, and any more expensive fit you later get spending more money on better clothes, will be entirely ruined by cheap shoes. And nice shoes can just not be had for cheap. So if you have, say, $500 to spend early on as you're building, I'd even allocate $300 of that to get yourself a nice pair of well-crafted and classically styled dress shoes, then spend the other $200 on ebay or thrift stores getting some things to tide you over until you can make bigger investments in other areas.
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post #8 of 9
10/28/11 at 5:22pm
Thread Starter 

thanks for the tips.  unbel, i just got a pair of ae park aves, as i figd shoes were important!

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post #9 of 9
10/28/11 at 5:28pm
If you're a partner at a law firm, you shouldn't need to buy pre-owned clothes. Just check out Brooks Brothers as a one stop shop for your pants, shirts, coats, etc.. and Allen Edmonds/Alden for your shoes. They all sell their products online.
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