Needs guidance on lapel size for new suit

[soulcraft]

hey there, long time lurker, first time poster bla bla bla.

I have been looking into buying a few suits that are going to fit me well, but I'm unsure about lapel size. I searched the website for ideas but so far the jargon is still a bit complicated for me. I'm a big guy (5'11, 235 pounds, broad shoulders) and want flattering lapels. What size/shape would you recommend.

thank you.

 

[saiyar1]

Well it seems like you wouldn't be able to do slim fit suits anyway, so I wouldn't focus too much on finding a lapel size. The regular, more generously cut models will tend to have classically sized width lapels. That will be the safe way to go anyway.

 

[NAMOR]

Originally Posted by saiyar1

Well it seems like you wouldn't be able to do slim fit suits anyway, so I wouldn't focus too much on finding a lapel size. The regular, more generously cut models will tend to have classically sized width lapels. That will be the safe way to go anyway.

you sir, have been on point all day

 

[koolhistorian]

Originally Posted by soulcraft

hey there, long time lurker, first time poster bla bla bla.

I have been looking into buying a few suits that are going to fit me well, but I'm unsure about lapel size. I searched the website for ideas but so far the jargon is still a bit complicated for me. I'm a big guy (5'11, 235 pounds, broad shoulders) and want flattering lapels. What size/shape would you recommend.

thank you.

For larger gents, larger lapels, very simple. As for the shape - well, from my experience, better peak than notch, but it tends to be too dressy for the regular work place. On the other hand, if you can nail a perfect fit on a DB suit, it can be very flattering, but if it is kind of russian roulette if you go off the rack. MTM or bespoke could do better. It is also a problem of proportions with other things like tie or shape of the shoes (avoid skinny ties) - your goal is to achieve a whole impression of proportionality - thing the "golden number" between your body and your outfit. It is a thing that a good tailor will do, but an OTR suit which is made for the "average body proportions" can be a total hit or miss.