How Should a Men’s Suit Fit?

When it comes to buying a men’s suit, it doesn’t matter if you spend £500 or £5,000; if it doesn’t fit right, it’s going to look bad. So – before you start your suit shopping – here’s what you need to know:

Shoulders

The shoulder pads of your suit jacket should end where your shoulders do. To check you’ve picked the right size, lean against a wall, and if your pads and shoulders hit the wall at the same time, your jacket fits.

Chest/Torso

When fastening your jacket (top button only), the button should close without any strain. The lapels should lie flat on your chest (not bow out) and you should be able to slide your thumb between the button of the jacket and your stomach without it feeling too tight or loose. In terms of length, the bottom of the jacket should end where your thumb knuckle is.

Arms

The sleeves of a men’s suit jacket should be snug on the arms but not tight. When your arms are by your side, they should show off a half-inch of shirt cuff – no more or no less.

Trousers

The trousers of your suit should fit comfortably around the waist without falling away from your hip. When standing straight, the hem should graze the top of your shoes or have a subtle break.

Discover our selection of men’s business suits, including navy suits, black suits, wool suits and more.

View our 'How a Men's Suit Should Fit' infographic here.