Slim-Fitting Tux Jacket: Advice Please!

[CommanderMcBragg]

Hello--

While dutifully following the missus through the local mall today, a slim-fitting sequin blazer caught my eye at one of the upscale department stores. I tried it on half-seriously, but even my wife agreed that it looked surprisingly good. Half price to boot!

I'm 6' tall, 205 lbs, a 44" chest and broad shoulders. (I don't consider myself fat, but I could lose 8-10 lbs in a perfect world.) First I tried on an XL size in the aforementioned jacket: it looked great in the mirror, but when I folded my arms forward, I had a mild Incredible Hulk sensation. Next I reached for an XXL--and I should mention there is not even one XXL garment in my entire closet--but while the shoulders felt perfect with free unrestricted arm motion, it draped horribly across the stomach and looked too baggy.

Getting home, I checked out the item's specs online. What's odd is that my measurements (33 or 34" waist, 44" chest, 17" neck) put me right in between an L and an XL in this jacket, with the stated measurements for the XXL being intended for someone with a much bigger 41-43" waist and a 48-50" chest.

Is a slim-fitting sequin blazer simply supposed to fit snug across the shoulders, or is this particular cut just not for me?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dieworkwear]

Hard to say without seeing photos, but it sounds like the cut just isn't for you.

When in doubt, buy the garment and see if you can take it to a local alterations tailor. They should be able to tell you what can be done. Finding a good alterations tailor can be its own challenge, however. If you don't already have someone reliable, see which reputable high-end stores outsource their alterations work. It can help to get a referral.

 

[CommanderMcBragg]

Hi and thanks--

I did buy the XL online last night just before the 1/2-price sale ended, though if when it still seems tighter in the shoulders than I'd like while wearing a slim-fitting shirt underneath, I will exchange it for a larger size and take your advice.

It's just weird how all of my garments are either L or XL, and the manufacturer's size chart for this exact jacket shows that should be swimming in a 2XL. If I hadn't seen myself in the mirror with the excess fabric billowing in front, I would have bought the 2XL by virtue of the fit in the shoulders. I'm hoping that the flannel shirt I was wearing at the time accounts for the fact that the XL felt snug by comparison.