RL Black Label Photos

do all of you size up for RL black label? i mean if you are a 38, do you go up to 40?

I do not size up, I am pretty skinny but I usually wear a 40r in suits and wear a 40L or 40R in RLBL. I have noticed in some other threads that people say they size up for slim suits but I don't understand why. It seems like the sleeves or length would be off too much if you did. If you aren't a particularly skinny guy why try and get a suit that was never designed for your body type?

Originally Posted by Omar1223

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do all of you size up for RL black label? i mean if you are a 38, do you go up to 40?

I think it depends on your body type. You'll notice that with BL the taper from shoulder to chest is pretty significant and the waist is very narrow. The arm holes are also the highest I've experienced with RTW. If you are thin and have relatively broad shoulders you probably don't need to size up.

I do not size up either. I wear a 38 in Polo Ralph Lauren as well. It seems if you are going for the trim silhouette that defines black label, then sizing up would defeat the purpose. The nipped waist is the deal breaker for some folks I would imagine. In that case, you might need to size up, but I have found no need to do so.

i really would love a solid navy RLBL in 38R with notch lapels if anyone could ever help me out :{

Funny, I was searching the WAYWT thread and noticed the same thing---there are no pictures of people wearing Black Label, even though a lot of people rave about them.

I just received a charcoal nailhead jacket from Holdfast and I have another Navy suit on the way from the B&S. Their jackets fit magnificently on me off the rack, and the shorter length allows me to where regulars no problem when I'd look for shorts in other brands. And the quality is very good, quality fabrics, good detailing, canvassed, nice pick-stitching---if you can find them at a good discount and they fit you, snatch them up. I'll post pics of mine when they're back from the tailor.

In regards to sizing up, I think that Black Label (and RLPL) just happen to run a bit smaller than some other lower-end American brands, in my experience. I have a Hugo Boss suit I bought about 5 years ago that's probably a full 1.5-2" bigger in the shoulders at the same size. But as with any suit---get the size that the shoulders fit, and if you can't make the rest look good with some tailoring, you're buying the wrong brand.

^ Glad you like the jacket.

The trouble I have with Black Label is that the sizes just don't fit me all that well off the rack. The 36 is a little too snug and the 38 doesn't fit quite well enough to justify tailoring it to fit right. I once came across a 37 in Black Label which fit just right and regret not buying it in hindsight.

If it fits, though, I think it's a very cool silhouette. Strong shoulders, tapered waist, nice flare to the skirt and a modern length. Good stuff.

black pencil stripe:


navy pinstripe:


I'm not very good at taking pictures. These really don't show the shape of the suit well.

^ Black Label works better for slimmer body types.

Originally Posted by GTR

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^ Black Label works better for slimmer body types.

Yeah, like most other things. Thanks for the great insight.



Nahmeanz, suit looks good from what I can see. Next time try taking pictures from a farther distance and/or higher angle. Better lighting would help, as well.

Originally Posted by Omar1223

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do all of you size up for RL black label? i mean if you are a 38, do you go up to 40?

Sizing up would be a big mistake, IME. I had to return a RLBL suit because I went up from 42 to 44. And I don't think BL runs short either...

Originally Posted by vitaminc

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Sizing up would be a big mistake, IME. I had to return a RLBL suit because I went up from 42 to 44. And I don't think BL runs short either...

It does run short, or rather, it is intentionally cut shorter as a stylistic choice.

Originally Posted by Brian278

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It does run short, or rather, it is intentionally cut shorter as a stylistic choice.

+1 yes.

All the models on the website are shorter cut, around the highest thumb knuckle, but everyone in these photos's suits, they are longer than thier thumbs. did you all size up, or is it just like this?

Originally Posted by kaxixi

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.

Originally Posted by sartort

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(sleeves need shortening)

Originally Posted by Nahmeanz

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black pencil stripe: navy pinstripe: I'm not very good at taking pictures. These really don't show the shape of the suit well.
[

Originally Posted by TheFusilliJerry

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All the models on the website are shorter cut, around the highest thumb knuckle, but everyone in these photos's suits, they are longer than thier thumbs. did you all size up, or is it just like this?

The sole RLBL suit (44R) I bought runs longer than my thumb too with the top button (2B) sitting on/slightly below my navel . Given the position of the pockets I don't think I could shorten the skirts without throwing off the balance of the jacket so I would have to return it. I am in between 42R/44R so I guess I 'sized up'.