Finding the perfect suit to complement your body type can be a game-changer, however, many men still struggle to identify their body type, as well as which clothes they should invest in. Peter Shearer Menswear are dedicated to helping you choose a suit that fits you right. In this guide, we will walk you through the essentials and help you select the best suit for your body shape.

Men's Suit Basics

Dressing stylish is important to everyone, but understanding how clothes work and what complements your body can completely transform your style more than just shopping to a trend. A suit should consist of five elements: a suit jacket and matching trousers, a waist coat (optional), a tie or bow tie and a dress shirt.

The most important component of the suit is the jacket. Your chest will play an important part in the fit and size of the jacket. Take a tape measure and run it around the thickest part of your chest, remembering suits are measured in inches. If your chest is measuring at around 40 inches, start looking at suit jackets that are a size 40 or 42. If you are not confident to take your own measurements, pop into your nearest Peter Shearer Menswear store – we always have a tape measure handy along with our skilled team who will fit you perfectly.

Identifying Your Body Type

To find the right suit, you need to know your body type. Measure your chest, waist, and hips to determine your shape. Common male body types include athletic, slim, average, large, tall, and short. Knowing your body along with your measurements will help you pick a suit that fits you best.

Suit Styles for Different Body Types

Athletic Body

Men with athletic body types typically have broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and well-defined muscles. When choosing a suit, it is important to choose a style that accentuates the shoulders and waist. A jacket with two buttons, and a tapered waist is ideal for this body type as it accentuates the right features. Sleeve length is also important to consider as men’s arms don’t always match their torso. Ideally, the jacket’s arm length should finish right on your wrist, and you should see about 1cm of your shirt cuff. If you’re still unsure if the arm’s length is suitable, hang your arms by your side: the bottom of the jacket should line up with your thumb. Pants will often need to be tailored regardless of your body shape to ensure they fit just right. Typically for those with an athletic build a tapered/skinny leg is best. Alterations can be arranged in any of our four stores.

Slim

Men with slim body types usually have a lean frame with narrow shoulders and a small waist. When selecting a suit for this body type, it's crucial to choose one that adds some bulk and definition to the shoulders and waist. A double-breasted suit with wide lapels is an excellent choice, as it can create the illusion of a broader chest and shoulders. The trousers should be a slim fit but not too tight for a balanced look. We suggest trying our Gibson, Caper Suit Trousers.

Large

Men with large body types often have a broad frame, a larger waist, and a fuller chest. When selecting a suit for this body type, it's crucial to choose one that flatters the body without adding extra bulk. A single-breasted suit with a wider lapel and a longer jacket can elongate the body and create a more streamlined look. The trousers also shouldn’t be too tight to help maintain a balanced appearance.

Tall Build

Men with tall body types often have a long torso and limbs, with narrow shoulders and a small waist. When choosing a suit for this body type, it's essential to add some bulk to the shoulders and waist. A double-breasted suit with wider lapels and a longer jacket can create the illusion of a broader chest and shoulders. It is important to check that the trousers are the right length meaning the trousers should be long enough to touch the top of your shoe and hit the middle of your shoe’s heel in the back.

Essential Suit Features: What to Look For

There are lots of elements to consider when choosing your suit. Once you’ve got the fit right, you then have the fabrics and details to consider. Fabrics pay an important role in your comfort. You won’t want a wool suit in the peak of summer or a linen suit in the peak of winter. Cotton is most commonly used when it comes to suits as it’s breathable, durable and quite soft to the touch. This is the ideal choice for the warmer months. For those looking for a more premium option, wool is a good choice having more advantages compared to cotton. It is softer, more textured, and offers better insulation for winter. Linen suits are also making their comeback, making them a great option for summer due to being lightweight and breathable.

Finishing touches help take your suit to the next level. This includes elements such as lapels, buttons, pockets, jacket vents and pant breaks. Lapels are the folded parts that sit below your neck and come in various types and sizes. Slim lapels are considered more contemporary, while thicker lapels are more retro. When it comes to the buttons on the sleeve of your jacket it is considered the paler the colour, the more casual the suit.

Believe it or not, your suit's pockets can speak volumes about its formality. Formal dress suits typically feature 'jetted' pockets, discreetly sewn into the jacket lining for a seamless appearance. For more relaxed occasions, 'flap' pockets are common; they resemble jetted pockets but with a small flap sewn over them. The most casual option is the 'patch' pocket, stitched directly onto the suit's front. Patch pockets are often found on casual summer blazers rather than formal or business suits.

Suit Up with Confidence: Concluding Thoughts

Finding the perfect suit isn't just about fit – it's about feeling confident. At Peter Shearer Menswear, we're passionate about helping you find a suit that not only fits perfectly but ensures you walk out feeling confident. Whether you're dressing for a big event or a career milestone, our expertise and attention to detail will make sure you'll walk in feeling your best and stand out for all the right reasons.

At Peter Shearer Menswear, you can be sure you will be fitted with confidence. Explore our collection online, or visit a store in Rundle Mall, Gawler, Glenelg or Mt Barker and discover how the right suit can truly make a difference.