Men's Suits: What is a Good Fit?

1. Length of the Jacket: This is one of the first things you should look for. The standard rule is that the jacket should be long enough to cover the seat of trousers, but no longer than the thumb knuckle when standing with arms at sides.

2. Fit of the Collar: The jacket collar should fit evenly around the sides of the neck without creating a bulge or gap.

3. Fit Across the Back: Be sure that the jacket fits smoothly across the back. There should be no break or wrinkle where the collar meets the body of the jacket.

4. Show of Shirt Collar: If the jacket fits well, the collar will be low enough to display from ¾ of an inch to an inch of the shirt collar at the back of the neck.

5. Sleeve Length: Sleeves should be short enough t show ½ to ¾ of an inch of shirt cuff.

6. Tailoring of Lapels: On a jacket that is well made and properly fitted, lapels lie flat at the point where they join the collar, then roll softy to the point where the jacket buttons.

7. Waistline Fit: The amount of 'shape' at the waist depends on the style of the suit and can also be the wearer's choice. However, shaped or straight, the jacket should fit easily at the waist without pulling or wrinkling.

8. Fullness of Jacket: Jacket should be full enough at the back to prevent distortion or opening of vent or vents.

9. Trouser Fit: Well-fitted trousers worn with a belt or self -supporting trousers can have a higher rise. They should fit smoothly across the seat be loose enough not to bind but not so full that they bag or droop. When they fit properly the trouser will not have breaks or folds in the crotch.

10. Trouser Length: The trouser should have a slight 'break ' at the top of the shoe.