Proper relation between jacket size and shirt chest?

[M. Bardamu]

Is there a rule regarding shirt chest size v. jacket size? I know your jacket size is generally meant to be your true chest + 2" (i.e. 40" chest = 42/52 Euro jacket, no?), but does the same follow for your shirt? If you've got too much "shirt chest" under your jacket, what havoc might that excess fabric wreak on your jacket lining?

Thanks!

 

[instep]

Jacket size is your chest size. Do NOT add any extra. RTW jackets already factor this in, so a jacket tagged '40R' would have anything from 0-8" of clearance. Most are in the 3-5" range. Excess shirt will likely not harm your jacket in any way, except if it is especially voluminous and paired with an overly tight jacket - it might cause odd bulges here and there then, but no structural damage. If your shirt is too big the 'exposed' portion will also crumple when your jacket is buttoned up.

 

[M. Bardamu]

Excellent -- thanks Instep. Many of my suits/jackets are too big for me -- I'm a 41" chest, and have usually taken a 42" suit/jacket. I'd originally put it down to them being somewhat dated (3-button, no vent) but perhaps I've been steered wrong. I also think those late-90s/early-00s Italian suits had 5-6" clearance in the chest, which now looks ungainly.