Buying an off-the-rack suit may seem straightforward, but how should a suit fit? That's where most of us get stuck. A well-fitted suit makes all the difference in your appearance. Let us walk you through the essential elements of proper suit fitting, helping you understand exactly what to look for - from shoulder alignment to sleeve length.

How to Identify a Perfectly Fitted Suit

Finding the perfect suit fit requires attention to detail and understanding of your body type. Though measuring yourself accurately sets the foundation, knowing how different styles complement your build makes choosing the right suit easier.

The Shoulders

Your shoulders should lie flat and follow your natural line. The shoulder seam needs to align exactly where your shoulder bone ends and create clean lines without creases or divots.

The Seat

The seat area must avoid extra fabric yet feel comfortable while sitting.

Trouser Break:

The trouser break, where the pants meet your shoes, comes in three styles: No Break, where the hem just touches the shoe top for a modern look that suits shorter men; Quarter Break, with a subtle fold at the ankle for a contemporary, professional look; and Half Break, a light fold ideal for traditional settings. The back of your pants should never fully cover your shoe's heel, no matter which break style you choose.

The Jacket Closure:

You should be able to slide your fist between the closing button and your body. The jacket is too small if you see X-shaped wrinkles around the button. Your waist should feel snug while letting you move naturally.

Jacket Length

Your jacket length plays a vital role. Stand straight with your arms by your sides. The front should reach your middle thumb knuckle. The back must cover your buttocks without going any lower. This standard works great in both formal and casual settings.

Keep in mind, even if your suit is well-sized initially, slight tweaks may be necessary to ensure the best fit. At Peter Shearer Menswear we have in-house tailors who can tweak sleeves, jacket length, and trouser waists to suit your body perfectly. No matter the label’s fit, what truly matters is how it looks and feels on you.

Watch Our Video