So you’ve spent your hard-earned money on that elusive perfect suit – only to discover it doesn’t feel right. You may be wondering if the fit can truly make such a difference, and unfortunately, the answer is yes. An ill-fitting suit isn’t just uncomfortable; it does a disservice to your entire outfit as it’s glaringly obvious something isn’t quite right. In this blog post, we’ll explore 8 key signs of an ill-fitting suit that will help you recognize when something isn’t working with yours. Read on for more information about how an expertly tailored ensemble looks and feels different compared to a less well-fitted one!
These Are The Top 8 Signs You’re In A Ill-fitting Suit
Shoulder Divots
Shoulder divots are one of the most noticeable signs of a poorly fitting suit. These small indentations occur at the top of the sleeve seam near the shoulder and can result from inaccurate jacket length -too tight or loose. Shoulder divots can cause your suit to wrinkle and pull in the wrong places, detracting from your overall appearance.
A suit should fit smoothly across your shoulders and drape nicely over your body without creases or bulges. An easy way to check for shoulder divots is to stand straight with your arms hanging straight down and the jacket buttoned. If you see visible indentations at the top of the sleeve seams or wrinkles at the back of the jacket, the suit fit is likely too tight across the shoulders. Better go for custom alterations and create a well-fitted suit.
The Jacket Collar Rolls And Create Gap With Shirt Collar
Another tell-tale sign of poor suit fit is a jacket collar that rolls behind the neck. This happens when the collar of the jacket does not properly hug the back of your neck, causing it to roll upward. A rolled collar can create an unsightly gap between your shirt collar and the jacket, which is unappealing and uncomfortable.
A perfectly fitting collar should lie flat against the collar of your shirt and not roll up or down. To check if the collar is a good fit, move your neck around and reach for different things to gauge if it stays in place. If the collar pulls away from your neck or feels too tight, it’s a sign that the jacket is not the right size. Overall, these two signs are easy to spot but should not be ignored, as they can significantly impact the overall appearance and comfort of your suit.
Button Forms An X Shape
One of the key signs that you’re wearing an ill-fitting suit is when the front buttons form an X shape. This happens when the suit fabric is too stretched across the jacket chest, causing a pull at the buttons. When the buttons are strained this way, it creates an unsightly X-shape, causing discomfort and making you look unprofessional. This issue is usually caused when the suit jacket is too tight, making it difficult for the wearer to move freely. A good fit should provide enough room for ease of movement while maintaining a flattering, streamlined silhouette.
Wrinkles On The Sleeves
Wrinkles on the sleeves are another clear sign that your suit doesn’t fit as it should. Wrinkles and creases on your sleeves occur when the armscye (the circle where the sleeve meets the armhole) is too tight. The design of the shirt cuff can also cause wrinkles. The result is a bunching up of the fabric around the shoulder and the arms, giving an untidy appearance. Besides being uncomfortable, sleeves that are too tight from the shirt cuff can also hinder your movement and restrict your ability to perform basic tasks, such as shaking hands or pulling things. To avoid this issue, ensure you get the right shirt sleeve and armscye measurements, providing you with both comfort and a professional appearance.
Pant Pockets Pop Like Elephant Ears
If your pant pockets pop like elephant ears, it’s a sign that the trousers are too tight around the hips and thighs. When the pants are too tight, the pockets bulge out, unbalancing the appearance and creating an unsightly silhouette. This issue also happens when the suit pants are too large, causing the pockets to sag or droop, giving the opposite impression of a professional, clean-lined appearance. To ensure a good fit, ensure your trouser breaks comfortably around your hips and thighs without the excess fabric. A well-tailored suit should provide a flattering shape, neither too tight nor too loose, and allow for a clean, polished look.
The Jacket Sleeve Length Is Covering Knuckles
One of the most noticeable signs of an ill-fitting suit is the length of the jacket sleeves. While the sleeves should sit comfortably at the wrist bone, giving enough room for your shirt cuffs to peep through, a suit with sleeves covering your knuckles indicates poor tailoring. Not only does it look sloppy, but it also gives the impression of a borrowed outfit. Professional suit alterations can style the suit as per your needs and help you create a sharp look. It is important to note that the sleeve length can also impact the overall balance of your suit.
The Suit Jacket Is Too Long Or Too Short
Inaccurate suit jacket length can ruin an otherwise sharp appearance. A too-long jacket can swamp your frame and make you appear shorter, while a too-short jacket will leave an unsightly gap between your trousers and your jacket. A well-fitted jacket should sit just above the bottom of your backside, with the front panels meeting comfortably over your waistband. When trying on a suit, ensure that you stand tall with your shoulders relaxed to give an accurate read on the jacket’s fit.
The Dress Pants Has A Tight Or Saggy Seat
The seat (the part of the trousers that covers your buttocks) is a crucial area to pay attention to when selecting a suit. An overly tight seat can cause uncomfortable bunching, while a saggy seat can make it look like you have excess fabric bunching in the region, creating an unflattering silhouette. A well-fitted seat should have enough room to sit comfortably while not being too loose. Also, the pant leg should be long enough to sit nicely over your shoes without creating visible breaks at the ankles. A good suit should make you feel comfortable, confident, and ready for any occasion.
How Your Suit Should Actually Fit
Finding the right fit can be daunting, especially for those not accustomed to suit-wearing etiquette. Check out how your suit should actually fit.
Pay attention to the shoulder alignment. Ensure that your suit jacket’s shoulders align perfectly with your natural shoulder line. A well-fitting jacket should hug your shoulders comfortably without any gaps or wrinkles.
The length of the jacket is also crucial. The bottom of your suit jacket should ideally cover your backside but not extend too far down your thighs. Similarly, the sleeves should be long enough to cover your wrists but not so long that they bunch up and look untidy.
Pay attention to the fit of your trousers. The waistband should fit snugly around your natural waistline, and the trouser legs should fall straight without any bulges or wrinkles. With these tips in mind, you can now confidently pick out a suit that looks great and fits perfectly.