How do I know if I need a short or a regular for a suit jacket

Hi,
What is the best way to know if a short or a regular suit jacket / blazer fits me better? I am 5' 9" around 150lbs and usually wear a size 38. For coats most I have are 38S but for some suits 38R. I am ordering a suit online and have the measurement differences between the two, just not sure which to order. I will most likely have the suit modified by a tailor to fit me better.

Thanks!

At 5'9 you probably don't need an S, but don't buy it on my say so.
- measure the length of a jacket you are happy with, then go for whichever one is closer to that
- Get measured by a pro and have them tell you which length you need

5-9 38S? that's odd

I'm 6'2" and I find I can fit into a 40R with some arm lengthening. I used to always only try on 40L but found I could be more flexible. Maybe the jacket length is sufficent for his height and he just needs the arms lengthened a bit.

Originally Posted by rioni

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5-9 38S? that's odd

According to my doctor, I'm 5 ft 8.5 inches or I think 173 cm.

Height/weight can be misleading for suit jacket sizing. People carry weight in different areas and can have longer torsos or longer legs for their height.

I waer a regualr and am the same height as you mentioned, also you might want to try on a regualr jacket if you cup your hands to the side you should be able to touch the bottom of the coat. If not then the jack is either too long or too short.

Originally Posted by pred02

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What is the best way to know if a short or a regular suit jacket / blazer fits me better?

Try one on at a local store - look in a mirror

Originally Posted by jst

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Try one on at a local store - look in a mirror

How much down should the jacket go? Does anyone have a picture as to the proper length?

Thanks!

Cover your ass.

Shorter than that = trendy =/= work (unless you work in fashion I suppose)

The old self-measurement standard was the tail of the jacket should meet your butt hole. No reason that shouldn't apply today for traditionally cut goods. YMMV

Originally Posted by Captain.Kia

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Cover your ass.
Yes, but just barely. The longer your jacket, the shorter your legs will appear. So don't overdo it.

Another popular way to determine proper jacket length is to measure from the bottom of the jacket's collar (the seam where the collar meets the jacket body) down to the bottom of the jacket. Then measure from the bottom of the jacket's collar all the way to the floor (while you're wearing the jacket, of course). The first measurement should be half of the second measurement.

I am about 5'9 or 5'10 and thought I was a 40R or slimmer 42R. I have very short legs (30 inch in seam at most).

I have gotten a bit bigger in the last few years, making the 40s usually a tad snug, and the 42s still noticeably sloppy without any work done. I was in Nordstroms, and looking for a new suit. The 40R was too small by a smidgen. The 42R was just too big. The lady suggested I try the 42S and it was spot on. The proportions just looked better (counter to my long torso). I do not know why or what caused this, but it just looked better. This was the only short I have ever tried on, so I am not going to say I am now a short, but I would try them on again.

So, the moral of the story is, get what fits, not what you think you should wear.

PS, what else about the short is different? Are they usually a touch slimmer too? It was not just the length that was different with this jacket.