Straight to the point
Suits have been essential formal wear garments for centuries. A well-fitting suit can elevate anyone’s look from the workplace to weddings. But getting suit sizing right can be tricky, especially when buying a suit online.
In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know to buy the right size suit, from understanding suit sizing to how a suit should fit, how to read suit size charts, and how to measure yourself.
What Makes Suit Sizing Unique
Suits are a unique category of garments.
They need to work with your body’s proportions and complement your frame. That means suit sizing also needs to be unique. Regular “small,” “medium,” or “large” sizing works great for t-shirts and garments, but don’t capture all the nuances of how a size needs to fit.
In other words, when it comes to suits, a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t cut it.
Every body is built differently. Two people with the same chest measurement might have completely different shoulder widths or arm lengths. One might have a long torso and shorter legs. The other could have a broader back and a slim waist. Off-the-rack sizing tries to generalize all those differences, which is why so many suits end up fitting almost right, but not quite.
This is especially tricky when you’re shopping online. When you can’t try a suit on before purchasing it, a vague label like “slim fit 40R” won’t give you the full picture. But a detailed suit size chart can help you make a more confident decision when purchasing a suit.
Getting sizing right isn’t just about comfort, either.
A poorly fitted suit can throw off your whole look. Sleeves that are too long, a jacket that pulls when you button it, pants that bunch at the ankle… even small details can make an otherwise sharp outfit feel off. But when the fit is right, you don’t think about the suit. You look sharp and you feel great.
Suit sizing should feel precise and personal, because it is. That’s why taking the time to understand your measurements, your fit, and how to read a suit size chart pays off every single time you suit up.
How a Suit Should Fit
Buying a suit that fits is relatively easy. Buying a suit that fits well is another ball game. Chances are any suit you buy off the rack will need a little tailoring to fit you just right. But what does fitting you just right look like?
Here’s what to look for when it comes to how a suit should fit:
Shoulders are the first place to check. The seam should sit right at the edge of your shoulder bone, not drooping down your arm or tugging across your upper back. If the shoulders are off, the rest of the jacket won’t sit right, and it’s also the most complex area to tailor later.
Chest and waist should feel comfortable and structured. When you button the jacket, it should lightly hug your midsection without pulling or gaping. If there are visible wrinkles forming in an X shape near the button, it’s probably too tight. If the jacket hangs straight down without any shape, it’s too loose.
Sleeves should stop just at the wrist bone, with about a half-inch of your shirt cuff showing. Too long, and they’ll swallow your hands. Too short, and it throws off the balance of the entire look.
Jacket length matters too. A good rule of thumb is that it should cover your seat or fall to about the middle of your hand when your arms are at your sides.
Pants should sit comfortably at your waist, not your hips, and have a clean line down the leg. The break (where the fabric rests on your shoe) can be personal style, but for a modern look, aim for a slight or no break. Too much fabric piling at the ankle can make even a tailored suit look sloppy.
These are the basic checkpoints. The most important thing to remember is that a suit should feel natural. You should feel comfortable wearing it. And again, it’s more than likely that any suit will need a little tailoring to fit right.
How Suit Sizing Works
Suit sizing looks simple: a number and a letter, maybe a few more details depending on where you’re shopping. But behind that short label is a system designed to match complex human proportions to a structured garment.
Once you understand how the sizing works, you’ll never look at a suit tag the same way again.
Men’s Suits
Most men’s suits are sized using two key components: chest measurement and jacket length. So when you see a size like 40R, the “40” refers to your chest measurement in inches, and the “R” stands for “Regular” jacket length.
Other standard jacket lengths include “S” for short and “L” for long. These aren’t arbitrary. They’re meant to match your height and torso proportions so the jacket doesn’t hang too long or ride up too high.
Suit pants are usually paired with a jacket, especially in a two-piece set. But they’re not always tailored to your exact measurements. That’s why many brands include extra fabric in the waistband or unfinished hems so that you can fine-tune the fit with minor adjustments.
Some suits offer a drop, the difference between the chest and waist size, which is often around six inches. So a 40R suit might come with pants that fit a 34-inch waist. But this can vary by brand, style, or region.
Women’s Suits
Women’s suits use a different system entirely. Instead of chest-based numbers, you’ll usually see numeric sizes like 4, 6, or 8. These correlate to a general range of bust, waist, and hip measurements.
Depending on the brand, some women’s suits also include additional sizing like petite, tall, or curvy to help better match body shapes. Unfortunately, standardization across brands isn’t perfect, so checking the suit size chart is even more important.
International Sizing
International sizing can add another layer of complexity. A European size 50 isn’t the same as a US 50, and UK sizes often refer to chest circumference in inches but may still differ slightly in cut or proportion.
If you’re shopping globally, look for conversion charts or use a size recommendation tool that accounts for regional sizing.
Understanding Suit Fit Styles
Not all suits are cut the same, and the right fit depends on both your body and your style.
- Classic fit offers a more relaxed, traditional look. There’s more room in the chest and legs, which makes it comfortable for all-day wear or for those who prefer a timeless silhouette.
- Slim fit has narrower shoulders, a tapered waist, and slimmer pants. It’s a more modern look that follows the shape of your body without being tight.
- Modern fit sits somewhere in between. It’s tailored, but not too snug; a good balance if you want structure without the squeeze.
- Some brands also offer athletic fits, which are broader in the shoulders and narrower at the waist, ideal for V-shaped builds.
Choosing the right fit depends on what makes you feel confident and comfortable. The cut of the suit can completely transform how it looks on your body, even when the size is the same.
Example Suit Size Charts
Suit size charts help you connect your measurements with the right product. But not all charts look the same. Some are more detailed, while others give a simple size-to-measurement comparison.
Example Men’s Suit Size Chart
| Size | Chest (in) | Waist (in) | Jacket Length |
| 36S | 36 | 30–31 | Short |
| 38R | 38 | 32–33 | Regular |
| 40L | 40 | 34–35 | Long |
Always cross-reference with the specific brand’s sizing, especially when shopping online. Even a “40R” can vary slightly depending on the cut and construction.
Example Women’s Suit Size Chart
| Size | Bust (in) | Waist (in) | Hip (in) |
| 4 | 33 | 25 | 35 |
| 6 | 34 | 26 | 36 |
| 8 | 35 | 27 | 37 |
Again, each brand may define these differently. Some also list European or UK sizes, so look for conversion tables if needed.
Now that you understand how suit sizing is structured, it’s time to get specific with your own numbers. The size on the tag only tells part of the story. Your fit depends on real measurements taken from your actual body, not just a best guess.
In the next section, we’ll show you exactly how to measure yourself for a suit
How to Measure Yourself for a Suit
Getting the right size starts with accurate measurements. All you need is a soft measuring tape, a mirror, and a bit of patience.
Here are the key areas to measure:
- Chest: Wrap the tape around the widest part of your chest, under your armpits. Keep it level and snug, but not tight.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, usually just above the belly button.
- Hips: Stand naturally and measure the widest part of your hips.
- Shoulders: Measure across the back from one shoulder bone to the other.
- Arm length: Measure from the top of your shoulder down to your wrist bone, with your arm slightly bent.
- Inseam: This is the length from your crotch to the bottom of your ankle. You can also measure a pair of pants that fits you well.
- Jacket length: From the base of your neck down to where you want the jacket to end. Usually around mid-seat for a classic look.
It’s a good idea to take these measurements in fitted clothing or underwear and double-check if you’re unsure. Even small differences can affect the overall look of a suit.
Suit Size Chart Mistakes to Watch Out For
When it comes to suit sizing, a few common mistakes can lead to a poor fit.
First, don’t rely on the same size you wore years ago. Bodies change. Take fresh measurements before buying, especially if you’re ordering online.
Second, avoid assuming your shirt or jeans size will match your suit size. A suit is structured differently and needs more precise fitting.
Finally, don’t skip tailoring. Even a well-matched size might need small adjustments. A good tailor can take a suit from “just okay” to “made for you.”
Final Tips for a Better Fit
With the correct measurements, understanding fit types, and a clear size chart, you can take the stress out of suit shopping. Whether buying your first suit or upgrading your wardrobe, getting the size right is the first step toward confidence and comfort.
If you need more tips for buying clothing online, make sure to check out our guide to taking body measurements.
