Measuring For A Suit?

[Guest Lynnx]

So i want to buy my first suit. I was in JCPennys and tried on a 34 and a 36. The 34 seemed too tight, and the 36 seemed better. But the thing is, my chest size is nowhere near a 36. I'm sure my female form does not have a larger that normal shoulders for a man. Do they "upsize" the clothing sizes for the men, just like they "downsize" the clothing sizes for woman? Is this normal, or are we all supposed to wear tight jackets. I don't believe that because, while the woman will put up with any tight pinching clothes to look pretty, men don't put up with that.

[Guest]

Hi Lynnx,

Congratulations on shopping for a suit! It's been forever since I've had to buy one, but they were always pretty much true to my size. I have a small frame, and was buying 38's. Now that I'm buying women's wear, I'm a size 12-14. Does that help?

Kat

[Guest Lynnx]

Hi Lynnx,

Congratulations on shopping for a suit! It's been forever since I've had to buy one, but they were always pretty much true to my size. I have a small frame, and was buying 38's. Now that I'm buying women's wear, I'm a size 12-14. Does that help?

Kat

Ok, well, did the jackets feel tight? It was like, i could wear a 34, but my arms felt constricted. But my chest size is only 33. Plus with standard 6" drop the pant would be a 28 so i'd have to have them taken them out 2".

I want to buy one i saw online. I don't want to look like i'm wearing my boyfriends jacket. But I think i'm going to with the 36, if i don't any more advise.

[Guest Evan_J]

Best advice: Go to a brick and mortar store , (men's warehouse is excellent) and get measured properly. Find out if you're a "Regular" , "Executive cut", the whole deal. Once you've been measured and know how to fit your clothes you can always take those measurements and use em wherever you want. I'm waaaay too poor to ever be able to purchase anything from them, but I'm indebted to the excellent fitting. I buy from much less expensive sources (just like you and the internet )and have my stuff tailored . (find out who's the ultimate tailor in your area) Much easier to know what to buy though having the correct sizes .

[Guest Virginia_Blossom]

Lynnx wrote:

Do they "upsize" the clothing sizes for the men, just like they "downsize" the clothing sizes for woman? Is this normal, or are we all supposed to wear tight jackets.

Absolutely, they upsize/downsize with the trends in fashion. Back in the 70's/80's when a more fitted look was the norm, I took a Large. If I want my clothes to fit like that today, I have to buy Smalls/Mediums.

Evan's advice is sound. You need someone who can advise you on cut and fit. I have always been a beanpole and look horrible in a regular cut. I need a Euro tall cut so my gangly arms don't make me look like a gorilla. And forget everything you know about the way women's clothes fit. Bulky oversized clothing has been the "look" for men for a good decade. Sleeves should cover half of the wrist with the arms at the sides as opposed at stopping short of the wrist, pants just breaking on the front of the shoe.

Virginia

[Guest My_Genesis]

Well, I know they tend to upsize shoe size for men, so that would make sense.

[Guest Batsu Maru Otoko Yo!]

Men's Warehouse, you say...I'll have to check that out. I haven't yet found a suit that fit both my height and chest measurement, and I'm SO tired of obnoxiously long sleeves/legs. I figured tailoring was the way to go, but didn't know what was up with styles and measurements.

Evan, you give all the best advice.

[Guest BeckyTG]

Hi Lynxx,

I happen to be an expert on this subject, as I've owned many suits in my life. Evan gave you great advice on getting measured and learning about the different "cuts" or styles for different body types.

The fact is that every place that sells men's suits has sales people there. The process starts with getting measured, then the sales person asks about what you want and you start trying things on from there.

Once you kind of have an idea about your size and overall body shape, the way a suit is fitted starts with the jacket. A properly fitted men's suit coat (jacket) shouldn't feel tight anywhere. It should just hang on your shoulders perfectly. The sleeves should come down to the part of the wrist that flexes. It should feel like one of the most comfortable things you've ever worn, right off the hanger.

No suit coat will ever fit you properly right off the hanger (I said it should feel right, not look perfect). A quality mens suit is always tailored to fit. In fact, I remember many times when the pants to the suit were not cuffed or finished, they just cut them off and hung them up (they were looong....). The pants and suit coat both need to be tailored to fit you and there is generally a fair amount of tailoring to get it right. Don't even think about not getting the tailoring done.

Don't hesitate to spend a lot of time just trying on suit coats to find one that feels really nice and comfortable and looks good. If you can't find one that fits nicely, don't buy a suit. Nothing looks worse than a cheap suit and cheap suits really stand out. One thing you always look for is the lines in the fabrics line up, as in pockets and pocket flaps. The pin stripe on the suit should flow cleanly right across the pocket flap. Cheap clothes don't line up the designs.

A few basic tips: It's a serious no-no to ever button the bottom button on any suit jacket or sports coat. If it's a 3-button jacket, you generally only button the middle button and may also occasionally button the top one. If it's a 2-button, then only the top one. The bottom button never gets used. If you have trouble getting the pants that go with the jacket to fit you, think about getting a nice sport coat instead. This way the pants are a totally separate item.

Learn how to tie a tie. Never wear a clip on, it's a sign of weakness. You can buy several shirts and ties to vary your look. Ties with simple designs on them are considered "power ties" and are worn to show dominance. Striped ties are to show that you don't challenge the leader. I rely heavily on the store clerk to help me choose suitable ties.

Shirts: For a more serious occasion, always wear a white shirt. The "french cuffs" are for very formal occasions and generally show off expensive cuff links. If you do want a colored shirt, do not even think about a pink shirt. It takes a real man to pull that one off, don't start there if your intent is to blend in. Very light colors are nice for shirts. I wouldn't be so eager to try a very dark shirt with a suit.

Your belt and shoes should match. Wear shoes that tie with shoestrings, never wear loafers with a suit. Keep your shoes polished. Scuffed shoes are a real no-no.

Final tips: Your shirt should be cleaned, pressed and starched at a cleaners. Your shoes should be polished like you're in the military. A starched shirt and polished shoes will get you respected and that's what a suit is supposed to do. Don't be afraid to visit some top-end men's stores. Spend a lot of time on this project. Those top end stores all have clearance sales. Fine fabrics really stand out and there are deals out there. Every place that sells men's suits tailors them to fit. That's part of the deal, unlike women's clothes.

The men's store brand name that was mentioned is expensive, compared to a lot of other places. Their real place in the market is for the man who needs a suit NOW, for whatever reason. They'll do a great job in that situation. Otherwise, do some shopping. You can find very friendly service out there who'll be very happy to help you. They want to sell stuff and don't care what you look like coming in. A great men's suit can make the man.

Just thinking about all this stuff makes me feel bad, I hope this has helped you. This is all in a world I'm leaving behind me.

I'm here for any other questions, though. I want you to look and feel good.

Becky

[Guest Leigh]

i was just doing this myself (my sister is getting married in a week).. i had to give up on the idea since i don't have that kind of money, but i think Evan had some good advice. a tailor is really the best way to go. best of luck.

peace&love

[Guest doodle]

"Evan is right. I have to get 3 new suits a year. In fact I have to go to Mens warehouse tomorrow. Do not get a suit that is tight other men will make fun of you behind you're back and may think you are gay. A well fitted suit should have some flow to it when you walk. unlike womens clothing a suit is not an off the rack item it must be fitted. They can take it in on the shoulders behind the neck. the sleeves have to be the right length. and always get cuffs because they help weigh the pants down and make the pants break at just the right place. no cuffs you look like a car salesman Always wear new shoes or the best unworn shoes you have so they can get the proper pants length thatis important and. always wear a white shirt and tie when you try on suits that way you will really see what you look like in it . it also lets the person who is helping you think you know what you are doing and care about how you look -stay away from double breasted suits they are not classic and i feel they make you look closed and not approachable unlike a two button which give that nice broad splash of white from the shirt and some color from the tie. A two button makes a man look like he is sure of himself Good luck you can emaill if you have any questions

Kelly

kelly

[Guest Shadow Wolf]

I have absolutely no idea. But, I've also always felt extremely uncomfortable about the idea of wearing a suit, or even a tie. My fiance thinks it's because I'm trans and don't want that much of a masculine appearance, but even before I came to terms with myself, I hated it. I think it's mostly because of my rebellious streak, and firmly standing in a position in where suits and ties are very out of place.

But anyways, depending on your size, you might at least have to get the jacket measured and custom made. I got my trench coat when I was a body builder and after searching all over for one with big enough shoulders, I finally ended up just going to specialty store nearby to be measured for one because my shoulders were too big and I walked around like Herman Munster with any store coat. Or you might luck out with a big and tall section. But when I used to work as an inventory auditor, I counted many suits that looked either cheaply made to the point they would fall apart, or terrible uncomfortable as the material was very thick, and would be transformed into a sauna suit on a hot summers day.

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Worn suits in male mode for years - go tryon a coat. They come in 2" differences - i wear a 42 band size in a bra - 46 tall in a suit. Its the girth under your arm s around your chest - so obviously there is a four inch increase for me.

Coats can be altered - usually are even if off the shelf. With your arms hanging straight down, yor fingers bent at the knuckles, should cup the bottom of the coat. You should also be able to button the top button of your coat and not have it look too small. but that can be fixed. The shoulders must look natural... cannot be tailored.

The pants? Good suits come unhemmed - easily fixed. BUT the waist size is usually set with the coat size. My 46 long always seemed to come with a 40 inch waist. I wore a 42 back then (lost 36 ponds since) so it was a prob - they can let it out about an inch and take it up about 2 inches.

Style now is cuffed bottoms with the break just at the top of the back heel of your man shoes.

Like Evan says - go get fitted somewhere. Sizes are usually consistant unless the suit is really inexpensive.

Oh my - old ways! So I wear an 18W womens ultratall pants (37 inseam - womens pants sit higher up in the crotch) - 20W blouse - man suit 46 tall - 35 inseam, 39 waist. I wear a 36 woman's waist (again a man's waist is at the belly buton, a woman's is 2" higher).

Hope this helps!

lizzy

[Guest Donna Jean]

And don't forget.....

Women's sizes are all over the place ...from mfg. to mfg......

Men's sizes ten to be pretty much on the mark piece to piece...

You can thank the US military for that!

Still...try EVERYTHING on!

Donna Jean...