Suit Sizing Rule of Thumb?

[AboveBeyond]

After doing searches for shoulder/chest sizing, is it correct to say that a suit should fit well on the shoulders and the rest can be tailored?

Thanks!

 

[saiyar1]

Fit must be right in the shoulders and overall length. You should try to get the chest to fit well, but it could be changed. Sleeves and tapering can be done easily.

 

[Poindexter]

That's the way I work it, shoulders and upper body.

But then I do my own alterations and besides, I don't know nuthin'.

 

[Klobber]

Originally Posted by saiyar1

Fit must be right in the shoulders and overall length. You should try to get the chest to fit well, but it could be changed. Sleeves and tapering can be done easily.

Indeed, but if sleeves are with working button cuffs, length alterations are problematic in that sleeve alterations would have to take place on where the shoulders meet the sleeve.

 

[tgt465]

You can shorten a typical jacket body by about an inch, but shortening more than that will usually look off.

 

[pvrhye]

Originally Posted by tgt465

You can shorten a typical jacket body by about an inch, but shortening more than that will usually look off.

You might be able to get by with more if it has patch pockets and the waist suppression is otherwise ok.

 

[softy]

Originally Posted by Klobber

Indeed, but if sleeves are with working button cuffs, length alterations are problematic in that sleeve alterations would have to take place on where the shoulders meet the sleeve.

They really have to stop producing RTW jackets with working buttonholes, or even decorative ones for that matter. This is not cute. Is this intended for people who just buy a suit off the rack and wear it, hitting the ground running? Suits/jackets should come with unattached buttons as a rule - it would cost them nothing, perhaps less.

 

[kellgy]

I agree. Although, I am yet to have one without the nonfunctioning adornments.

 

[billsayers]

Originally Posted by softy

They really have to stop producing RTW jackets with working buttonholes, or even decorative ones for that matter. This is not cute. Is this intended for people who just buy a suit off the rack and wear it, hitting the ground running? Suits/jackets should come with unattached buttons as a rule - it would cost them nothing, perhaps less.

All depends on how you look at it, most of the 36S I buy off the rack is the perfect sleeve length for me; 36R is a different story though.

I find it a waste of time and money to get the buttons attached on BB suit sleeves when there are no alterations required for me.

 

[softy]

You are likely in a minority.

 

[AboveBeyond]

Thanks for the responses. I have an additional question:

Is tailoring chest or waist down an easy and inexpensive alteration?

 

[Achilles_]

Originally Posted by AboveBeyond

Thanks for the responses. I have an additional question:

Is tailoring chest or waist down an easy and inexpensive alteration?

Depends on your tailor and what you consider cheap. If I remember right my tailor would probably charge around $30 for this.

 

[Flartchy]

Most people who buy OTR only get the pants hemmed.

 

[saiyar1]

Originally Posted by AboveBeyond

Thanks for the responses. I have an additional question:

Is tailoring chest or waist down an easy and inexpensive alteration?


Get the chest to fit right. That can be pricey, but more importantly, it can throw off the balance of the jacket if you try to force it too much. Waist is always easy.

 

[GBR]

It is surely wrong to suggest buying an RTW suit on the basis of what can be done. Surely you should strive for the best fit off the rack and make just MINOR adjustments afterwards?