A modern fit suit falls down the middle between a classic and slim fit. While it's not cut quite as close to the body as a slim fit, it's a tighter fit than a classic. The pants in a modern fit suit are straight legged, but with a more extra fabric than a slim fit pant.
Mid-range from 6 to 9 hundred and high end over 1000 dollars. The most expensive suits in the world are over $50k USD. Some 'cheap' suits are surprisingly well made and will last several years provided they are not worn daily and are well cared for. Look to spend at least $500 for a decent suit.
Three-button suits go in and out of style every few years, so right now they're out and he's going to have a very hard time finding one on most off-the-rack manufacturers.
Generally, the suits I purchase can, in some cases, be ten years old or more. I may wear them over a period of five years or more without any evidence of wear or tear marring their appearance.
Suit and sport coat sizes have one number and one descriptive word (for example, 38 short, 40 regular, 42 long). The number refers to your chest measurement, and the descriptive word refers to the length of the jacket.
It should not be tight at all. A suit should hang from your shoulders (and the trousers from your waist if you are not using suspenders). If you feel any significant contact around your torso or legs, it's too tight. Such tightness is usually accompanied by unsightly wrinkles.
With the top button fastened (never the bottom button), the jacket should lightly hug your midsection, but not feel tight or constricting. If it's roomy around your stomach/waist area, you can (and should!) have a tailor take in the sides of the jacket so it fits properly.
The reason jackets are made short is because its deemed "trendy". A traditional blazer is as long as the end of your thumb nail (when standing). A short jacket is measured at the start of your thumb (when standing). Jacket length is based on preference and how it looks on you.
A good suit or sports jacket should fall past the waist and drape over the top of the curve formed by the buttocks. If the hem of the jacket is sitting on top of the butt, with a small little flare in the back, it's too short. If it falls past the bottom entirely, longer than the arms, it's too long.
Trousers without a break barely rest on the top of the shoes. They are often cut with a slightly angled opening that's lower in the back than the front. The tops of most shoes are closer to your ankle than the support in the rear, and the trouser should be brushing the shoe all the way around.
You want your arms to be allowed to move more or less independently of the suit body. To achieve this, opt for suits with higher arm holes. The area in the underarm should be snug, but not tight and should have enough room for you to wear a dress shirt without digging into your underarms.
Jacket Sleeve Length
“A half-inch of linen” is a good, old-fashioned guideline for the relationship between a suit jacket and the shirt worn under it — about half an inch of the shirt cuff should be visible beyond the jacket cuff. That said, it's a general guideline, and you don't need to get too obsessive.Size Chart
| Small (S) | Medium (M) |
|---|
| Inches | 34-35 | 36-37 |
| Centimetres | 86-89 | 91-96 |
Chest - Measure chest just under arms and across shoulder blades, holding tape level (don't hold your breath). Be sure to cross over the shoulder blades and the fullest part of your chest. Blazer sizes are equal to your chest size. For example, if you have a 38" chest, you would wear a size 38 blazer. .
Suit and sport coat sizes have one number and one letter (for example, 38S, 40R, 42L). The number is your chest measurement and the letter refers to the jacket's length ' short, regular or long. Check your own measurements and follow our men's suit size chart to help determine the right size for you.
Suit pants should fit perfectly around your waist with no need for a belt to hold them up. They should hit around the high hipbone area, or even slightly higher. If it feels like you're going to split your pants, they're way too tight.
Suit Jacket Size Chart
| Size | Chest (Inch) | Waist (Inch) |
|---|
| S | 35 - 37 | 29 - 31 |
| M | 38 - 40 | 32 - 34 |
| L | 41 - 43 | 35 - 37 |
| XL | 44 - 46 | 38 - 40 |
The price of a custom suit can range from $800 to about $1,800, while bespoke suits start at $2,800 and go up to $4,800.
Wrap the tape measure around your waist, near your navel. Do not measure over the waistband or belt of your pants. Make sure the tape is level across the front, back and sides. The tape measure should be snug, but not tight.
Suit and tuxedo jackets are sized in numbers, typically between 34 and 52, plus a letter or two. These numbers relate to the chest size of the jacket (but not your chest measurment), and typically offered in even sizes.
40R Suit/Jacket/Coat would be 40” chest with regular body length and regular sleeve length – Refer to Brand Size Guide for actual measurements.
