How to Ensure if a Suit Fits You Properly

Many of you will agree that, improper fitting suits can lead to embarrassing moments. You are probably reading this article because you have experienced such moments, or you just want to avoid such embarrassments. Whatever be the case, I am here to help you out.

A perfect fitting suit is one of the best things that a man can buy for himself. It can be termed as the corporate uniform, and some say it is the ultimate wedding outfit for men. Generally, the suits that are tailored or altered, fit properly, the problem arises when you buy suits off the rack. More than 90 percent of the men around the world would agree with me, when I say that, you rarely find perfectly fitting suits, when you shop off the rack.

How to Know if a Suit Fits You Well

Before I start, you should know one thing, the cut (generally American, British or Italian) of your suit, highly influences the fitting of your suit. So, before you step out to buy a suit, have a clear picture of what you want. When you say "suit", you usually refer to the jacket and the trouser. Here are a few tips that will help you to make sure that your suit has the best fit:

The Jacket
Your shirt can help you judge the fit of your jacket. I recommend you to wear your "best" fitting shirt when you go out to shop for a suit. When I say "best" I mean, your shirt should have the right shoulder fitting, and they should extend up to the start of your thumb. Now, when you try out the jacket, button it, observe the following things:

• The shoulder seams should perfectly match your shoulders.
• A centimeter of the cuffs of your shirt should be visible.
• Your bottom should be covered.
• Your sleeves should not fall back beyond your wrist, when you extend your hand.
• The lapels of the jacket should cover the edges of your collar (button your collar to check this).
• The jacket should be snug, not too loose, nor too tight.

If your jacket does not conform to any of the above points, then you can opt for an alteration, or simply go for another one. If your shoulders or lapels have a problem, never alter, just choose a different jacket, as alterations might not give you the desired results.

The Trousers
It is comparatively easy to judge the fitting of trousers, as you do not have many parameters to check. When you go out to shop, wear the shoes that you intend to wear with your new trousers. There are only 2 things that you should pay attention to, they are:

• The fitting at the waist should be proper, you should be completely comfortable.
• Your trousers should extend till the top of the heel of your shoes.

If either (or both) of the conditions are not satisfied, you can go for an alteration. The fitting of your trousers is dependent on their shape, this shape is decided by the cut that you choose.

People often confuse comfortable with "good fit". Well, your over-sized tee shirt is also comfortable for you, but it definitely does not fit you well! In addition to comfort, a "good fit" also flatters your physique and highlights your features. I would also like to say that "fitting" is always subjective. You are the best judge, if the person in the mirror does not like the fitting of the suit, never buy it!

The salesperson can be of great assistance when you are out to shop for a suit, do not hesitate to ask him questions, he will eventually lead you to a suit that fits you right! Even if it takes time, find the right suit, do not compromise on the fitting!