Are you one of those guys who just grab a suit and go, without considering if it’s the perfect fit? Sure, you probably look great in your tuxedo, but the difference between great and spectacular is all in the fit.
So, how should a tuxedo fit? What’s the difference between a “good fit” and a “bad fit”? Luckily, you can find all the answers to your questions in this quick guide.
What Are the Different Types of Suit Fits?
There are three main types of suit fits, which include the classic fit, modern fit, and slim fit. Let’s discuss them more in detail.
Classic Fit
The classic fit features a liberal cut through the chest and waist. It gives you enough space to feel comfortable. Although this type of fit is less constrictive than a modern and slim-fit suit, it still provides an excellent shape that isn’t too baggy.
Modern Fit
The modern fit suit is a cross between the classic fit and slim fit. Even though it’s not as snug as the slim fit, it doesn’t provide the extra room that a classic fit does.
Slim Fit
Of all the suit fits, the slim-fit suit provides the snuggest fit to the body. To get an idea of the type of fit this variety provides, think of the Italian or European cut suit. These suits often have a blazer with a fitted shoulder. They’re also slim through the chest and are cut a little closer to the waist.
How Should a Tuxedo Fit? 5 Things to Check to Find the “Good Fit”
Knowing the different suit fits can give you a better idea of what to look for in the perfect fit. However, there are some other things to consider as well. After all, everyone doesn’t have the same body type, so different fits won’t always look the same.
1. Suit Jacket Chest and Shoulder Fit
To achieve the perfect fit, your tuxedo should fit your shoulders and chest a certain way. For example, the lapels of your jacket should lie flat. They shouldn’t billow out awkwardly when you fasten the top button. If this happens, it means your jacket is too tight. Conversely, if the shoulders of your jacket don’t lie flat or they hide the shape of your chest or waist, the jacket is too big.
2. Suit Jacket Collar
How the front of your jacket fits around the neck is another key indicator of a good tuxedo fit. For example, does your jacket collar rest against your shoulder collar? If this isn’t the case, then it’s likely your jacket is too loose.
On the other hand, with a tight collar, you’ll see bunching and folds just beneath it. A tight jacket collar might cause the shirt collar underneath it to wrinkle as well.
3. Suit Jacket Length
Choose a jacket with the wrong length, and the entire suit will look off. So, a well-fitted suit jacket should end around mid-crotch and just barely cover your buttocks. If your jacket hangs past those areas, it’s too long.
4. Suit Sleeve Length
Finding the ideal sleeve length is also part of the art of achieving the perfect suit fit. When you relax your arms to your sides, you should be able to see about ¼ to ¾ inches of your shirt cuff.
So, your sleeve has to end just before your wrist bone. If your suit sleeves start to creep over your hands, they’re too long. On the other hand, if your sleeve shows more than one inch of your shirt cuff, it’s too short.
5. Suit Pants Fit
- Waist: Your suit pants should fit perfectly around your waist. They should also sit high on your hip bone, or even higher, if you want to appear taller.
- Pant seat: The seat of your pants should lay smoothly across your butt with minimal ripples.
- Pant length and inseam: The inseam runs from the crotch and inner thigh to the hem and determines how the fabric rests and folds on the top of your shoe. This really comes down to personal preference. So, if you’re going for a modern look, opt for no break, which leaves a good amount of space above your shoes.
Take Time to Find the Right Suit
While your first mind might tell you to just pick a suit and go, it can benefit you to put a bit more thought into your choice. If finding the perfect tuxedo has always been a pain, hopefully, the tips we provided can make your life just a little easier.
Our hope is the next time you ask yourself, “How are tuxedos supposed to fit?” you can answer with confidence. After all, you deserve to look your best in a suit that fits your body just right.
