SF members with broad shoulders please comment

BeaconHillBoston · Sep 9, 2010

What do you do to look less "top heavy" in a suit? Is it sound advice to stay away from suppressing the waist to much since it will nip at the waist and then flare back out to accommodate the hips?

Do dark colors such as navy and charcoal downplay the width of your shoulders and back? No wide or peaked lapels, correct? Are Vertical lines or solid colors best? Do you stay away from tweed or other bulky textures? Add a ticket pocket?

Any tips in regards to fit?

phxlawstudent · Sep 9, 2010

Jeez, do you look like Arnold back in the 70's or something?

I do not have this problem.

Butter · Sep 9, 2010

Drink lots of beer to balance the body shape.

Harold falcon · Sep 9, 2010

I have this problem, not because I'm particularly muscular but my shoulders are much broader than my waist. I have to have jackets taken in at the waist to avoid them from billowing out.

OP's suggestions are good, as is avoiding jackets with pronounced shoulders. Sometimes a tailor can take out an existing pad and replace it with a smaller one, I had this done on a BB jacket that was very nice except for the shoulders. Ran me about $100, but I got the suit dirt cheap and it was a Golden Fleece so it was worth it.

George · Sep 9, 2010

Originally Posted by BeaconHillBoston

What do you do to look less "top heavy" in a suit? Is it sound advice to stay away from suppressing the waist to much since it will nip at the waist and then flare back out to accommodate the hips? Do dark colors such as navy and charcoal downplay the width of your shoulders and back? No wide or peaked lapels, correct? Are Vertical lines or solid colors best? Do you stay away from tweed or other bulky textures? Add a ticket pocket? Any tips in regards to fit?
My advice. Find yourself a good tailor.

BeaconHillBoston · Sep 9, 2010

Originally Posted by phxlawstudent

Jeez, do you look like Arnold back in the 70's or something?

I do not have this problem.

You are lucky.

Sorry to be a pain **********.

I am not a huge man. I have a large difference between the size of my shoulders and my chest vs my waist. Chest 42" Waist 32" Hip 40. It's part genetics and part being a former athlete and avid weight lifter.

I thought other guys might have some tips.

BeaconHillBoston · Sep 9, 2010

Originally Posted by harvey_birdman

I have this problem, not because I'm particularly muscular but my shoulders are much broader than my waist. I have to have jackets taken in at the waist to avoid them from billowing out.

OP's suggestions are good, as is avoiding jackets with pronounced shoulders. Sometimes a tailor can take out an existing pad and replace it with a smaller one, I had this done on a BB jacket that was very nice except for the shoulders. Ran me about $100, but I got the suit dirt cheap and it was a Golden Fleece so it was worth it.

Thank you. This is the same problem I have.

BeaconHillBoston · Sep 9, 2010

Originally Posted by George

My advice.

Find yourself a good tailor.

Very true.

Newcomer · Sep 9, 2010

I have the same problem, so I sympathize. I am a large 42 and my waist is about 32-33. So far I have struggled OTR.

BeaconHillBoston · Sep 9, 2010

Originally Posted by Butter

Drink lots of beer to balance the body shape.

BeaconHillBoston · Sep 9, 2010

Originally Posted by Newcomer

I have the same problem, so I sympathize. I am a large 42 and my waist is about 32-33. So far I have struggled OTR.

Same measurements as me. I'm going MTM, but still look like a freaking upside down pyramid from the rear

Butter · Sep 9, 2010

Originally Posted by BeaconHillBoston

Figured I'd at least throw 1 comment you'd like to hear.

Sonny58 · Sep 9, 2010

You could ask the Fairbrass brothers...

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MBreinin · Sep 9, 2010

Well, I avoid heavily padded shoulders. No need to add to what I already have. My tailor is quite adept at performing "shoulderpadectomy surgery." I have had quite a few chopped down with good success.

Mike

BeaconHillBoston · Sep 9, 2010

Originally Posted by MBreinin

Well, I avoid heavily padded shoulders. No need to add to what I already have. My tailor is quite adept at performing "shoulderpadectomy surgery." I have had quite a few chopped down with good success.

Mike

Thanks Mike (and others who suggested this). Just felt the shoulder of my "test" coat. padded to all hell. Looks like we're going to have to do surgery when its done.

SF members with broad shoulders please comment

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