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What size suit jacket do I wear?

hamburglar

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I wear a size 16 x 34 shirt and have to get them tailored because they are always too baggy and I am rather skinny. I am exactly 6 feet tall. I measured my chest and it is 38.5 inches. I also prefer my garments to fit snugger rather than loose. On a shirt that fits me well in the shoulders, the distance between the two seams is 18 inches.

What size jacket would I wear, and what chest size should I look for in a jacket when measuring it?
 

GBR

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Another silly question - several today. Fit depends upon cut and style amongst other considerations. Go to a shop or shops and try various makes etc. You will find significant differences but you will find some guidance from the labels.


Buy one that fits and not one whose label you consider flattering.

Alternately and quite likely

:spam:
 

gsugsu

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Most jackets are sized for your chest measurement. US and UK are sized in imperial measurements so an 38 is created to fit -generally - a 38 inch chest. European sizing is different. A 48 euro is a 38 US. Now, different makers have different chest tolerances meaning that the actual chest measurement of the garment may vary for the same size. So a size 38 may have an actual chest measurement of 40 to 44 inches, sometimes more. Some slim fit suits may even have an actual chest measurement equivalent to the size. The other consideration you should consider is the shoulders. Again, there is variation.

Your best bet is to visit a number of bricks and mortar shops and try on different brands to see what actually fits you. Do not set out to buy something online without doing your homework. That is a recipe for failure.

Start out by trying on a 38 regular and go from there. Have someone at the shop measure your chest, self-measurements can sometimes be off. There are threads on here that discuss slim fit suits as well.

Good luck.
 

gsugsu

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Another silly question - several today. Fit depends upon cut and style amongst other considerations. Go to a shop or shops and try various makes etc. You will find significant differences but you will find some guidance from the labels.


Buy one that fits and not one whose label you consider flattering.

Alternately and quite likely

:spam:


I had considered snarking but I had already done so in the other dumb posts you referred to and i guess i was feeling weak. But you have restored my resolve and now I am off to answer posts with vigour.

Regards
 

aravenel

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In the spirit of being nice that we've got going here, I will add that you should beware that your tagged size will change between manufacturers--so once you know your size, understand that a different brand's coat in that same size may not fit you. Be open to trying on different sizes until you find the one that fits. I have coats from sizes 38 to 41, all of which fit me.
 

hamburglar

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I guess this is my big question. My mom likes to visit thrift stores (as do I, but I don't have a car and am away for school). What measurements should I tell her to look for in the chest, shoulders, sleeves, and length? I'm talking about measuring the actual jacket and I'm aware that a 38 in one brand might fit me the same as a 42 in another brand, I was just looking for a starting point.
 

GBR

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I guess this is my big question. My mom likes to visit thrift stores (as do I, but I don't have a car and am away for school). What measurements should I tell her to look for in the chest, shoulders, sleeves, and length? I'm talking about measuring the actual jacket and I'm aware that a 38 in one brand might fit me the same as a 42 in another brand, I was just looking for a starting point.


Even if you insist on buying second hand clothes all the same rules will apply so there is no simple answer that you crave. Why on earth should that be different?
 

House

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I guess this is my big question. My mom likes to visit thrift stores (as do I, but I don't have a car and am away for school). What measurements should I tell her to look for in the chest, shoulders, sleeves, and length? I'm talking about measuring the actual jacket and I'm aware that a 38 in one brand might fit me the same as a 42 in another brand, I was just looking for a starting point.
Jackets should be 3" larger than chest

Coats 6"

Shirts 6"

Knit shirts 4"
 

junglstory

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Suitor, have you tried getting the suit from SuitSupply? You have a slim build, and the closest fit would likely be a 38L.
However, a 38L would still be about 1.5inches too short in jacket length, and ~2 inches too large in the chest area. Ideally you would want a 36 extra-long, which does not exist off the rack. Have you considered made-to-measure options like Indochino?
 

rionba7

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Hey i have a quick question. My chest measures 38 inches so i always go with a 38S slim fit suit jacket. The thing is that it feel it bit big on the sides even though the jacket is technically my size according to my chest measurement. I tried on a 36S and it fits me better but when i button up it makes an x when the first button is button. Should i go size down to a 36S or stay a 38S? I am 5'5 155 just if your wondering my height and weight.
 

armedferret

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Suitor, have you tried getting the suit from SuitSupply? You have a slim build, and the closest fit would likely be a 38L.
However, a 38L would still be about 1.5inches too short in jacket length, and ~2 inches too large in the chest area. Ideally you would want a 36 extra-long, which does not exist off the rack. Have you considered made-to-measure options like Indochino?


i'm not sure what you're smoking, but talk to your dealer because he's selling you bunk product.

I'm 6'1" 155 and I wear a 38R with minimal to no tailoring depending on jacket cut.

36 Extra Long? thanks for the smile, I needed it after last week....
 

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