Suit coat length versus sport coat length question

[Mustapha]

Hi SF'ers.

My tailor made a blue suit for me - fits nice like some of the WAYNT examples here.

The coat ends at my thumbnail tip when my arms hang naturally.

So, I'm happy and go back to choose corduroy for a fall sport coat; and he says: "we'll make this coat a bit shorter since it's a sport coat".

Is this the norm?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[a tailor]

as long as the length covers your butt its ok. unless you prefer it longer. thats for both suit and sport coat.

 

[tpap]

Your tailor is expressing a personal opinion. Go with what you prefer. You can make up you mind in the first fitting.

 

[porcelain monkey]

+1 on cover your butt. The general rule of thumb for both sport coats and suit coats for me is they should end at the thumb knuckle, or you should be able to curl your fingers under when your arms hang at your sides. I have never distinguished between suit and sport coats.

 

[Douglas]

I believe that the strictly "correct" answer is that there is no difference whatsoever between the cut of a suit coat and the cut of a sports coat.

However, in practice, I believe that some people have chosen to style the two slightly differently. Suit coats can get away with being a tad bit longer, creating a more elongated look, because there is no difference between the fabrics of the trouser and the jacket. Sports coats may be shortened slightly for a jauntier look. I don't know if it's terribly common, but I don't know that it's necessarily something to worry too much about. We're talking about an inch of difference, IMO. And I agree you should cover your rear, though Thom Browne would obviously disagree.

 

[yo!]

I do like my sport coats to be a bit shorter than my suit coats.

 

[Holdfast]

I like them the same length in an ideal world.

However, depending on how you wear your odd jackets, you can "visually get away with" a slightly wrong length in them (in either direction) much easier that you can get away with the wrong length in a suit.

 

[maw4bc]

My brother just gave me a Hugo boss suit that he doesn't wear anymore. I had it tailored but the length is too long. It goes almost to my finger tips. At about the second knuckle in my middle finger. My question is, can I have someone tailor the length? I have never had to do it before and I don't know if it can even be done. I don't want to let a 1000 dollar suit go. Any suggestions?

First post so thanks for your input!
Mike

 

[kaxixi]

Although salesmen will tell you it's not a problem when they're trying to get rid of stock on the floor, the truth is you risk throwing off the balance of the suit because you're changing the location of the pockets and the buttoning stance relative to the bottom of the jacket.

I wouldn't do it.

 

[J Simulcik]

I don't know how common the 'sportcoats are shorter' idea is, but this isn't the first I've heard it.

 

[Grayland]

Originally Posted by maw4bc

My brother just gave me a Hugo boss suit that he doesn't wear anymore. I had it tailored but the length is too long. It goes almost to my finger tips. At about the second knuckle in my middle finger. My question is, can I have someone tailor the length? I have never had to do it before and I don't know if it can even be done. I don't want to let a 1000 dollar suit go. Any suggestions?

First post so thanks for your input!
Mike

I also have a Hugo Boss suit (I bought it off the B&S here). I like everything about it except it is too long. Must be a Hugo Boss thing. I've done a lot of searching here and many say you can usually take up to 1-inch off the length without upsetting the balance (of course, this all depends on pocket/button placement). I plan on taking my suit in later this week to see about having it done. Doesn't seem like it would a tough thing for a tailor to do, but I would imagine it's a pretty rare request.

 

[maw4bc]

Originally Posted by Grayland

I also have a Hugo Boss suit (I bought it off the B&S here). I like everything about it except it is too long. Must be a Hugo Boss thing. I've done a lot of searching here and many say you can usually take up to 1-inch off the length without upsetting the balance (of course, this all depends on pocket/button placement). I plan on taking my suit in later this week to see about having it done. Doesn't seem like it would a tough thing for a tailor to do, but I would imagine it's a pretty rare request.

How long does yours go on your hands? So it is possible for a tailor to do this? Should I go to a high end tailor?