What’s The Best Suit For Your Body Type
For most men, wearing a suit isn’t an everyday event. When we do, it feels different; special, even. You get that sudden bolt of confidence: your back immediately straightens, your walk becomes more purposeful.
On the other hand, because we don’t wear them all the time, the thought of having to buy a new suit can fill some with fear. How long should the arms be? How much of my ankle should show? Which is the right fit for me? All common questions that can worry men when they’ve got a wedding this weekend and have just realised their old suit doesn’t fit quite as well as they remembered.
However, buying a suit doesn’t have to be daunting. Get the fit right for your body shape, and everything else will fall into place. In this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect suit to fit your body type.
What To Consider
For tall men, the key is to find a suit that shows off your height. Avoid cropped trousers, tight-fitting jackets or jackets that are too baggy around the shoulders.
The Perfect Suit For Taller Men
A two-button, tailored suit is the perfect choice for the taller man. The slim, higher lapels will add width to your shoulders, and the tailored cut of the trousers will taper slightly down the leg, just clipping the top of your shoe. The mid length of the jacket also effectively breaks the body in two, creating a clean-lined, seamless look.
What To Consider
Avoid double-breasted and heavily-patterned suits, as well as ill-fitting suits that are too baggy or too tight.
The Perfect Suit For Bigger Men
A regular fit suit is perfect for bigger men. Take your time, try on a few different sizes, and choose the size that you feel most comfortable in - you should be able to fit one or two fingers between the fabric and your skin. Ensure your trousers don’t sit too high or too low - somewhere in the middle is best - and go for a wide-collared shirt to add to the comfortable yet professional look.
What To Consider
For shorter men, avoid suits that are double-breasted, too long in the arms or legs, or that are overly baggy. Aim for a sleeve length no longer than the base of your thumb knuckle to be safe.
The Perfect Suit For Shorter Men
Opt for a slim or tailored fit, with sleeves that sit just before the end of your wrist, and choose trousers that graze or are just short of the top of your shoes. Combining this fit with plain or pinstripe suits will give you a sophisticated look.
What To Consider
Don’t prioritise the length of the arms, as you may find you need some minor alterations from a tailor if you’re especially muscular and it’s much easier to shorten a sleeve than widen it.
The Perfect Suit For Muscular Men
A comfortable, regular fit suit is the right choice for a muscular man, as long as you pay particular attention to fit around the shoulders, biceps and forearms - it shouldn’t be too close in any of these areas. Go for a shirt that fits well across the chest and shoulders as a priority, and pair with chunky-soled shoes.
What To Consider
Even though it’s easy to pick up a slim-fitting suit today, there are still a few things for a slimmer man to bear in mind such as avoiding choosing a suit that is too skinny or too baggy.
The Perfect Suit For Slimmer Men
The slim fit suit is the ideal choice for a slimmer man. Make sure it fits well in the shoulders and you can move freely, with the cuffs sitting at the base of your thumb and top of your shoes respectively. Team your slim suit with a tie roughly the same width as your lapels to complete the look. Plain suits are stylish, but also consider bolder prints too.
