Achieving the ideal fit for your tailored jacket can be challenging. Our experts share advanced tips to fine-tune the fit, ensuring your jacket not only looks impeccable but also feels comfortable.
1. Perfecting Shoulder Width
The shoulder fit is crucial for a jacket’s appearance. Ideally, the seam should align just beyond your shoulder ends. Watch out for a bump below the seam indicating a narrow fit, or a dent signifying excess width.
2. Balancing Sleeve Width
Whether it’s a classic or slim fit, sleeve width affects mobility. Strive for a fit that contours your arms while allowing comfortable movement.
3. Getting Sleeve Length Right
The jacket sleeve length must harmonize with your dress shirt. Ideally, dress shirt cuffs should extend slightly beyond the wrist bone, with jacket sleeves ending right at the wrist, revealing about a quarter to half an inch of the shirt cuff. A subtle show of the shirt cuff lends a modern touch, while less exposure leans towards traditional styling.
4. Chest Width Considerations
Your jacket should gracefully cover your chest to the midsection without fabric bunching. If the lapels flare out, creating a gap between the jacket and shirt, the chest is too tight. A snug chest may also cause tension in the upper back and underarms.
5. Midsection Width Matters
The jacket should smoothly taper across your stomach and hips. A tight midsection is evident if lines appear around the buttons or horizontal wrinkles form at the lower back when buttoned.
6. Center Back Length – Finding the Right Balance
The jacket’s length at the back should ideally reach the base of your seat, while the front should align with the trouser fly. This is a flexible guideline, as shorter lengths offer a modern edge, and longer lengths a more classic look.
In summary, the secret to a well-fitted jacket lies in these nuanced adjustments. A tailored jacket that addresses these aspects is not just a garment; it’s a statement of elegance and personal style. Remember, the ultimate goal is a harmonious blend of comfort, mobility, and aesthetics.