Hey guys, Ed here again.

In this post I want to talk about something that can make all the difference in how you look and feel in a suit: FIT.

Fit is everything.

I would say, without a doubt, that fit is what either makes or break a suit outfit.

Now I know what you’re thinking, “I’m not a tailor, how am I supposed to know what fit is right for me?”

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

First things first, let’s talk about why fit is so important in suits.

A properly fitted suit can make you look taller, slimmer, and more confident.

On the other hand, an ill-fitting suit can make you look sloppy, awkward, and uncomfortable.

No, thanks.

Trust me, I’ve been there. You know how many men claim they just can’t feel comfortable wearing a suit?

I’ll tell you from my experience: 90% of the time the reason they uncomfortable is because the suit does not fit correctly. It is either too big or too small.

When it comes to tailoring, there are a few key areas you should pay attention to.

Read: How to Keep Your Suits Looking Fresh and Stylish

Key Points to a Well-Fitting Suit

Shoulder fit

The shoulders of your suit jacket should fit snugly against your own shoulders, without any bunching or pulling.

If the shoulders are too tight, it can restrict your arm movement and make you look like you’re wearing your little brother’s jacket.

If they’re too loose, it can make you look like you’re swimming in fabric.

I would say shoulders are the most important part of a jacket, as they can be hard (or even impossible) to alter.

Jacket length

The length of your jacket should be proportional to your height and the length of your torso.

Generally, the bottom of your jacket should fall just below your butt, creating a smooth line from your neck to your ankles.

If your jacket is too long, it can make you look shorter than you are.

If it’s too short, it can make your legs look longer and completely throw off your proportions.

Sleeve length

The sleeves of your suit jacket should fall just above your wrist bone, leaving about half an inch of shirt cuff visible.

If your jacket sleeves are too short, they can make you look like you’re wearing your dad’s jacket.

If they’re too long, it can -again- make you look like you’re wearing your little brother’s jacket.

And you definitely want people to know you can afford your own clothes, right? 😉

Trousers length

The hem of your trousers should fall just above your shoe, creating a slight break in the fabric.

Now there’s some freedom you can use to determine how long or short your trousers can be, depending on trends, but the rule above is always a safe and classic choice.

However, if your trousers are too long, it can create a very sloppy look.

This is a very heavily summarized list of items to pay attention to when tailoring a suit to make you look your best, but the list can be almost endless – let me know if you would like me to create a full and lengthy suit tailoring guide in a comment and I’ll get to work!

So now that you know what to look for, it’s time to get to the actual tailoring.

I’ll say don’t be afraid to invest in a good tailor, gentlemen.

IT IS WORTH IT.

Trust me, I’ve had suits tailored that I’ve owned for years and it completely transformed the way they looked and felt. A good tailor can make all the difference.

Speaking of tailors…

How to Find the Right Tailor

Now that you understand the importance of fit and the benefits of tailoring your suits, the next step is finding the right tailor.

It can surely be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the tailoring process or have had bad experiences in the past.

For the longest time, I just couldn’t bring myself to go to a tailor to alter some of my clothing… It just didn’t feel right. Don’t ask me why. I would just prefer to keep wearing the ill-fitting clothes I had.

We all go through those stages.

But fear not, my dapper friends, I’m here to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect tailor.

Read: The Resurgence of Double-Breasted Suits: Why They’re Back in Style

Finding a Good Tailor to Help with the Fit of Your Suits

Research, Research, Research

The first step is to do some research.

Look for tailors in your area and check their websites, social media pages, and reviews. You can even ask some of your style-oriented friends for reference.

Look for pictures of their previous work and read reviews from their clients. This will give you an idea of their style and expertise.

As with most things in life, the more you research, the better prepared you will be. Once you have found a tailor that meets all your research criteria, it’s time to move to the next step.

Check The Tailor’s Experience with Suits

It’s important to choose a tailor who has experience in tailoring suits.

Now, in theory every tailor should have at least some experience working with suits, but suits may not be the area of expertise of every tailor you can find.

Ask about their experience and the types of suits they’ve tailored in the past.

A tailor who specializes in suits will have more knowledge and expertise in the tailoring process and can offer more advice and guidance.

And of course, the end result will have a higher standard for this type of clothing.

Schedule a Consultation and Meet Your Tailor

Before committing to a tailor, schedule a face-to-face consultation ideally.

This will give you the opportunity to meet with the tailor, discuss your needs and preferences, and see if he or she is a good fit for you.

During the consultation, ask all the questions you can think of about the tailoring process, their approach to tailoring, and the timeline for completing the work.

You can even use the first section of this blog post to ask important question about how this tailor approaches working on each of those elements of a suit.

The more you ask (without getting obsessive, of course), the more comfortable you will feel with your final decision.

Communication is Key

Once you’ve found the right tailor, it’s important to communicate effectively.

Be clear about your needs and preferences and also be open to their suggestions. After all, they are experts of their craft, so it’s always wise to hear what they have to say.

It’s important to establish a good rapport with your tailor, as this will make the tailoring process smoother and more enjoyable.

The goal is to have a go-to tailor for all your tailoring needs in the future. Building a close relationship (even a friendship) with your tailor will make the process more pleasant – now and in the future.

Be Patient. Patience Always Pays Off

Finally, be patient.

Tailoring takes time, and it’s important to give your tailor the time they need to do their best work.

Avoid rushing the process, as this can result in a poorly tailored suit.

If you are short on time or have a deadline for when you need your suit, make sure you always communicate this right off the bat, so expectations are properly set with your tailor. Again, see above: Communication is Key

Read: 10 Proven Tips for Dressing to Impress in Your Next Job Interview

Conclusion

In conclusion, tailoring your suits is essential to looking and feeling your best.

The right fit can transform an ordinary suit into a masterpiece that accentuates your best features and makes you stand out from the crowd.

With the right tailor, you can achieve the perfect fit that will make you look and feel like a million bucks.

Remember to do your research, choose a tailor with experience, schedule a consultation, communicate effectively, and be patient.

And most importantly, don’t forget to rock that suit with confidence!

Now share your thoughts and experience with ill-fitting suits and how you’ve worked with tailors to improve the fit of your clothes in the comments below

Before you go, remember you can follow me on social media for more men’s style tips, advice and inspiration.

Stay classy.

Ed.