Suit Tailoring Guide
It is important to keep a well tailored and fitted suit for special occasions, such as job interviews, important dinner meetings or special events. Buying a suit off-the-rack without tailoring it to your needs can show a lack of care and confidence to others, which can be detrimental in important situations that could cost you that new job or connection.
A simple rule of thumb for any man is to own at least one suit, since there are still instances in life where a suit must be worn. However, instead of just buying one off-the-rack from a menswear store, a suit should be tailored to best fit your body. After all, James Bond doesn't just wear any old suit.
Fitting a suit
Sleeves: One common mistake most men make is the fit in the sleeves. Suit sleeves should end just at the wrist and allow for a small portion of the cuff to be shown; if the sleeves go beyond the wrist or end at the forearms, then that is an ill-fitting suit.
Shoulders: Contrary to popular belief, padded shoulders should not extend beyond the shoulders, as this means the jacket is too big. Make sure the padding rests upon the shoulders instead.
Chest and waist: Suits should not bunch or feel tight at the chest when buttoned, as this actually means the suit does not fit. Instead, there should be enough time for the suit to fit comfortably without straining entirely. While most waists on suits are now completely straight, it is better to have a suit tailored to have a bit of a taper and have a better defined waist.
Pants: Rise of the paints depend entirely on the man's height and proportions, so a tailor should be discussed personally about this. Also, a tailor should be consulted about pant cuffs and pleats. However, a common rule for pants is for them to gently fall onto the shoes without completely engulfing them.
Suit tailoring
The best method to tailor is a suit is to find a local suit tailoring shop. Taking in the suit and finding a tailor to talk to one-on-one about preference and measuring can help make that suit fit better. If a personalized tailoring shop can't be found, however, a menswear store with a in-house tailor (maybe even the one where you bought the suit) is also a good option.
Extra tailoring, final touches
Once you have the general tailoring out of the way, asking for smaller touch-up or personalized preferences are acceptable. Buttons, cuffs, pleats and tapering are entirely dependent on personal style, though, a tailor can aid in deciding what would be best.
Overall, price for tailoring a suit can range from $100 to more (for an overall tailoring, specifics like cuffs or the jacket are less), so be ready to invest in your suit. Despite the price, a suit is a much needed staple in any man's closet and shouldn't be skimped out on simply because of price.
Always remember to have your suit washed by a dry cleaner, if at all possible. Maintaining your tailored suit is just as important!