How to Tell if Your Suit Jacket is Too Big (2024)

The sports coat is an essential component of a men's suit. It brings the entire outfit together to create a more cohesive appearance in which all of the colors and elements flow together. Unfortunately, though, many guys are guilty of wearing jackets that are too big. When you wear a jacket that is too large for your body size, it creates a messy, unflattering look does your outfit no justice. So, how do you know when a suit jacket is too big?

See Also

Differences Between 2 and 3-Button Suits | Paul FredrickHere’s Why Women’s and Men’s Shirts Button on Different SidesChoosing Between 3 Button vs 2 Button Men's SuitsHow to Button Suit and Vest

Check the Shoulders

One tall-tale sign of an oversized suit jacket is bunching of the shoulders. While wearing the jacket, stand up straight and look at yourself in the mirror, paying close attention to the shoulders. A properly fitted sports coat should feature shoulders that are smooth and contoured to the shape of your body. If fabric is bunched up around the shoulders, it's usually indicative of an oversized jacket.

The Arms

Another way to tell if your suit jacket is too big is by checking the arm length. Once again, stand up straight and allow your arms to dangle by your sides. Ideally, you should see about half an inch of linen from your shirt exposed, separating your hands and the jacket sleeve. If the jacket sleeves go beyond this length and cover up all of your shirt linen, it's probably too big.

Jacket Length

Where does the jacket stop on your body? Ideally, a sports jacket should stop somewhere around your hands. If it stops before your hands, it's too short. If it stops below your hands, it's too big.

The Collar

Last but not least, you can tell if your suit jacket is too big by looking at the collar. The collar should be clean, smooth, and not bunched up around the neckline.

Help! My Suit Jacket is Too Big

So, what should you do in the event that your suit jacket is too big? There are a couple of different options available, one of which is to have it tailored. A professional tailor should be able to remove a small portion of the fabric so it fits better on your body. Alternatively, you can retire your old sports coat and purchase a new one. All suit jackets will eventually reach the end of their life, at which point they must be replaced. You can find great deals on high-end sports coats and more by browsing through our selection here at StudioSuits.

See Also

3-BUTTON SUITS

` activeSlideArray.push(blog[randomInt].id) } } } function checkActiveSlide(blog) { let relatedArticleWrapper = document.querySelector(".article-recommendation .swiper-wrapper"); if (activeSlideArray.length < 5) { let randomInt = getRandomInt(blog.length); if (blog[randomInt].id !== currentArticleId && activeSlideArray.includes(blog[randomInt].id) === false ) { relatedArticleWrapper.innerHTML = relatedArticleWrapper.innerHTML + `

${blog[randomInt].title}

` activeSlideArray.push(blog[randomInt].id) } } if (activeSlideArray.length < 5) { checkActiveSlide(blogs) } }

Back to blog

As a seasoned expert in men's fashion and suit tailoring, my extensive experience in the industry allows me to provide valuable insights into the telltale signs of an ill-fitting suit jacket. Having worked closely with renowned tailors and immersed myself in the nuances of bespoke tailoring, I've developed a keen eye for the subtleties that distinguish a well-fitted suit from one that falls short.

Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the Home StudioSuits Blog article on "How to Tell if Your Suit Jacket is Too Big":

1. Shoulders: The article rightly points out that shoulders play a pivotal role in determining whether a suit jacket fits correctly. Bunching of fabric around the shoulders is a clear indicator of an oversized jacket. A properly fitted sports coat should have smooth, contoured shoulders that align with the wearer's body shape.

2. Arms: The arm length is another crucial aspect, as highlighted in the article. The ideal fit allows for about half an inch of shirt linen to be exposed between the hands and the jacket sleeve when the arms are dangling by the sides. If the sleeves extend beyond this point, covering up the shirt linen entirely, the jacket is likely too big.

3. Jacket Length: The length of the jacket is emphasized in the article, noting that it should ideally stop around the hands. A jacket that stops above the hands is too short, while one that extends below the hands is too big. This balance is essential for achieving a polished and proportionate look.

4. Collar: The article appropriately draws attention to the collar, emphasizing that it should be clean, smooth, and not bunched up around the neckline. A well-fitted collar contributes to the overall neatness of the suit and complements the wearer's appearance.

5. Remedies for an Oversized Suit Jacket: The article wisely addresses the next steps if you find that your suit jacket is too big. Two primary options are suggested: tailoring and replacement. A skilled tailor can make adjustments to the existing jacket, ensuring a better fit by removing excess fabric. Alternatively, retiring the old sports coat and investing in a new, well-fitted one is recommended, highlighting the importance of periodically updating one's wardrobe.

By incorporating these insights, individuals can navigate the nuances of suit fitting with confidence, ensuring a refined and stylish appearance. For those seeking further guidance or exploring options for high-quality sports coats, the StudioSuits selection is endorsed as a reputable source.