Suit Size - buying online

[BrownShoe]

I'm thinking about buy a suit on one of the designer daily sale websites. I dont know my suite size, really. Looking at the charts, however, makes me think I'm an odd piece.

My pants size is 34, but my chest size is about 46. So I'd think that I would be a 46R, but with my smaller waist and shorter torso(5'10) I'm not sure that would work or be within the abilities of a tailor.

What do you guys think?

 

[theperfectstorm]

I'm thinking about buy a suit on one of the designer daily sale websites. I dont know my suite size, really. Looking at the charts, however, makes me think I'm an odd piece.

My pants size is 34, but my chest size is about 46. So I'd think that I would be a 46R, but with my smaller waist and shorter torso(5'10) I'm not sure that would work or be within the abilities of a tailor.

What do you guys think?

1.) I think you should roll on down to the closest K&G or Men's Warehouse or tailor shop and ask for a real measurement so you will know for sure.

2.) It's not all about size, it is also about cut and construction. Pants are pants for the most part but suit coats can be the same size and vary wildly in terms of the width of the sleeves, and how tight it is between the sleeve and the jacket under your arms. Plus, there are lapel, button number, and total jacket length to consider.

You can't go strictly by size. I wouldn't go the online route unless you are prepared to spend a packet on professional alterations to make whatever you get right.

 

[Doc4]

First, try on some suits in stores to figure out what fits you. Most important is the shoulders ... a tailor can't really change or fix that fit without doing more work that the cost of the suit. Most men wear their suits a size too big, and most clothing store clerks 'think' that a too-big suit actually looks like a good fit. So be careful.

Once you have your shoulder size, figure out if you are a 'short' 'medium' or 'tall'. That's mostly to do with the length of the jacket body (and sleeves.) Standing normally, the bottom of your jacket should be at the same point as your wedding ring.

Now that you have fit your suit, jacket-wise, do the pants of that suit fit? A tailor can let out maybe half an inch before running out of room. He can take in about two inches before he'd have to do major work to prevent a strange result. If you are not within those limits, you should consider:

a) a blazer and pants combo instead. (actually, an odd-jacket and pants combo, for those of you who remember my post about odd jackets )

or, better,

b) "suit separates" from a place that sells them ... lets you pick your own pants size.

or better ...

c) a made to measure or (even better) bespoke suit. More $$$, more style, may be overkill.