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Am I going to have a hard time finding a suit that will fit me because I am reletively small?
I am a young guy, just out of college. I am also about 5'9'' and 140lbs. Pants are usually 29-30 waist. Am I going to have a hard time finding a suit that will fit me because I am on the smaller side? Where should I look?
Any advice on buying a suit is welcome (this is my first time buying one). Websites are also great, although I think i will have to try it on before I buy. I am buying a suit this week for going on interviews, if that helps.
3 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
I run about the same size as you do, and thankfully, most suit manufacturers can accommodate shorter, thinner frames. The real difficulty in fitting comes in chest sizes. The lowest common size is 38 inches across the widest part of the chest, so if you're narrower than that, the suit might look a little large (or at least improperly tailored). If you get the suit altered, they might be able to at least taper in the waist, but if the suit is too big for you, they won't be able to fix it.
Assuming that a size 38 fits, shop away! Although a passable daily-wear men's suit will run between $200 and $400, there are some atrocious $800 suits out there, and some good bargains for under $150. For instance, Target carries their Merona Premium line for right around $130, and the suits carry themselves well. To help you shop, here are some helpful tips on how to buy a suit:
1. Buy Wool - Wool is the standard of menswear; it cuts, shapes, and breathes better than any other material. Avoid artificial fibers like rayon and polyester, which look cheap. If you have the money to spend, try to find a wool that's thick and soft, which will hang better and look sharper. For your first suit, don't get suckered in by salespeople trying to push any ultra-premium fabrics (e.g. Super 120's, cashmere, silk), which won't hold up to regular wear and tear.
2. Stick with Classics - Navy blue and charcoal gray are the two most traditional, most conservative looks, and since this is your first suit, I'd avoid any other choices. Black suits, although tempting in their simplicity, are often too high-contrast for most outfits and complexions. Navy is good if the fabric is rich, dark, and wool. Charcoal gray is more versatile, and if you can't afford a higher-priced suit, the lower end looks better than an inexpensive navy. If you're feeling adventurous, a traditional pinstripe suit in charcoal or navy works, too. Avoid earth tones such as brown or green, which are more casual and fashion-limited.
Also, stick with either two or three buttons on the jacket. Four-button jackets are often feel and look uncomfortable. And please, for fashion's sake, never button the bottom button on your jacket. The ends of the coat are supposed to flair away from your body, and fastening the last button prevents this, which destroys the wearer's silhouette. On a three-button jacket, you can also leave the top button undone, which helps the lapel roll closer to the waist, which looks more balanced.
3. Look for the Minor Touches - The best suits in the world, hailing from Savile Row and Milan, all have finer nuances that many off-the-rack suits lack. First, check to make sure that the sleeve cuffs of the jacket have button holes, as opposed to a simple line of buttons. It's okay if the button holes are fake (they almost always are, even on custom-tailored suits), but they should be there, regardless. Second, the jacket needs to fit appropriately when buttoned; that is, you shouldn't be at risk of losing a button if you sit down or raise your arms up, and the collar should never pull away from your neck in the back.
Trousers can either be pleated or flat. Flat fronts are in style right now, but pleats are better if you plan on sitting for long periods of time, as it takes some of the pull and strain off of the seat and crotch, preventing wrinkles and potential blow-outs. Also, flat fronts also look better (read: less like MC Hammer pants) when wearing a belt, but pleats are a necessity if you want to wear suspenders.
Last but not least, also consider what you plan on wearing with the suit. If you only need the suit for interviews, then a plain oxford white dress shirt and stylish tie are the safest, best choices. If you plan on wearing the suit regularly to work, stick to lighter colors for shirts, such as light blue, white, pastel yellow, pink, and stripes of those combinations. Avoid wild, bright, or dark colors, which detract attention away from the face. For ties, avoid novelty patterns for all except the most festive of occasions. Dress shoes, not black sneakers, are the only appropriate footwear, and should, in most cases, either be black or very dark brown. Belts should match the shoes, and either a belt or suspenders (never both) should be worn at all times.
I hope this helps, and good luck finding something that fits!
- StephanieLv 71 decade ago
Sounds bad but just go to the young mans section of a store like JC Pennys or Dillards. The stylists there will be able to help you more. You shouldnt be that hard to help.