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monkey66

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Still trying to force Spring to make an appearance with the power of optimistic wardrobe choices. Not having much success as 7 degC and dark grey here in Somerset.

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savvysartorial

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It's something like this. I haven't measured my actual chest, but I know I like the chest on my sport coats to be 20.5". This translates to a 38 sport coat for most brands. Some people want it skin tight, some like it baggy. I wouldn't recommend using your actual chest measurement and adding some specific number to it. Just find a sport coat that works for you and measure it.

Ah, Ok thank you. So the actual measurement of the chest is more important than size... 38 in real life usually works out to be 20.5'' so you buy those.

What if for some reason a coat is tagged 40R but the chest is 20.5''. You're good with that? What happens with the shoulder sizing on a 38R versus a 40R in my above scenario?

The size number on the garment should represent the measurement of your chest. It does not represent the actual measurements of the garment. A good explanation from Spier & Mackay's website:

"For example, if you measure your chest to be 40 inches, the jacket chest [measurement, not marked size] should be between 42" - 43" for a slim but comfortable fit."

Makes sense, thank you!

What he's saying is that a jacket made for a man with a 38" chest—and therefore tagged 38—should actually have a larger chest measurement—say, 40"—so that there will be some wiggle room. Skin tight is too tight.

Never mind. Answered as I was typing, I see, but no way to delete.

Right, so you get a little to move. The ultimate sizing is not quite the tagged size, but potentially the ACTUAL chest measurement. Usually those align, I guess.

Yes, you’ve got that right. Think of when you’re buying trousers. If your thigh is 20 inches in circumference and your pants are also 20 inches in circumference, the fabric is going to be painted onto your legs, with no room for drape. It’s the same phenomenon with the chest measurements.

Hahah, good example! Thank you very much.
 

Camerashy

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Monkey66 - like the outfit and any information on the shoes please......thanks
 

upr_crust

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The weather remains clear, if not persistently sunny, and seasonably cold. The highlight of my day will be a dental cleaning, for which today's attire is more than sufficient to the task at hand.

Suit & face mask - New & Lingwood
Shirt - Brooks Brothers
Tie - Paul Stuart
Cufflinks - Turnbull & Asser
Braces - Lewin
Pocket square - no name brand
Boots - Cheaney
Overcoat - Brooks Brothers
Scarf - New & Lingwood
Hat - Selentino, via JJ Hat Center, NYC

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