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What size suit jacket do I wear?

post #1 of 9
11/10/12 at 2:48pm
Thread Starter 

I wear a size 16 x 34 shirt and have to get them tailored because they are always too baggy and I am rather skinny. I am exactly 6 feet tall. I measured my chest and it is 38.5 inches. I also prefer my garments to fit snugger rather than loose. On a shirt that fits me well in the shoulders, the distance between the two seams is 18 inches.

What size jacket would I wear, and what chest size should I look for in a jacket when measuring it?

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post #2 of 9
11/10/12 at 3:06pm
Another silly question - several today. Fit depends upon cut and style amongst other considerations. Go to a shop or shops and try various makes etc. You will find significant differences but you will find some guidance from the labels.


Buy one that fits and not one whose label you consider flattering.

Alternately and quite likely

spam[1].gif
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post #3 of 9
11/10/12 at 3:24pm
Most jackets are sized for your chest measurement. US and UK are sized in imperial measurements so an 38 is created to fit -generally - a 38 inch chest. European sizing is different. A 48 euro is a 38 US. Now, different makers have different chest tolerances meaning that the actual chest measurement of the garment may vary for the same size. So a size 38 may have an actual chest measurement of 40 to 44 inches, sometimes more. Some slim fit suits may even have an actual chest measurement equivalent to the size. The other consideration you should consider is the shoulders. Again, there is variation.

Your best bet is to visit a number of bricks and mortar shops and try on different brands to see what actually fits you. Do not set out to buy something online without doing your homework. That is a recipe for failure.

Start out by trying on a 38 regular and go from there. Have someone at the shop measure your chest, self-measurements can sometimes be off. There are threads on here that discuss slim fit suits as well.

Good luck.
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post #4 of 9
11/10/12 at 3:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GBR View Post

Another silly question - several today. Fit depends upon cut and style amongst other considerations. Go to a shop or shops and try various makes etc. You will find significant differences but you will find some guidance from the labels.


Buy one that fits and not one whose label you consider flattering.

Alternately and quite likely

spam[1].gif

I had considered snarking but I had already done so in the other dumb posts you referred to and i guess i was feeling weak. But you have restored my resolve and now I am off to answer posts with vigour.

Regards
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post #5 of 9
11/10/12 at 4:03pm
In the spirit of being nice that we've got going here, I will add that you should beware that your tagged size will change between manufacturers--so once you know your size, understand that a different brand's coat in that same size may not fit you. Be open to trying on different sizes until you find the one that fits. I have coats from sizes 38 to 41, all of which fit me.
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post #6 of 9
11/10/12 at 7:42pm
Thread Starter 

I guess this is my big question. My mom likes to visit thrift stores (as do I, but I don't have a car and am away for school). What measurements should I tell her to look for in the chest, shoulders, sleeves, and length? I'm talking about measuring the actual jacket and I'm aware that a 38 in one brand might fit me the same as a 42 in another brand, I was just looking for a starting point.

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post #7 of 9
11/11/12 at 4:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hamburglar View Post

I guess this is my big question. My mom likes to visit thrift stores (as do I, but I don't have a car and am away for school). What measurements should I tell her to look for in the chest, shoulders, sleeves, and length? I'm talking about measuring the actual jacket and I'm aware that a 38 in one brand might fit me the same as a 42 in another brand, I was just looking for a starting point.

Even if you insist on buying second hand clothes all the same rules will apply so there is no simple answer that you crave. Why on earth should that be different?
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post #8 of 9
11/11/12 at 7:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hamburglar View Post

I guess this is my big question. My mom likes to visit thrift stores (as do I, but I don't have a car and am away for school). What measurements should I tell her to look for in the chest, shoulders, sleeves, and length? I'm talking about measuring the actual jacket and I'm aware that a 38 in one brand might fit me the same as a 42 in another brand, I was just looking for a starting point.

Jackets should be 3" larger than chest

 

Coats  6"

 

Shirts 6"

 

Knit shirts  4"

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post #9 of 9
1/2/13 at 1:55pm

I'm 6' 1" 155 lbs 36" chest 31" waist. Which size would you recommend for me from this website http://us.suitsupply.com/suit-navy-plain-napoli-p2778i/P2778I,en_US,pd.html?start=4&cgid=Suits  ? Thanks

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