Proper Fit of Your Professional Clothing: Men’s Professional Style Tips

Man in an off the rack suit from a department store and the after of him in a bespoke tailored suit

Tip #1: Don’t wear clothes that are too tight or too loose. Make sure your clothes fit well and are comfortable to move in.

When it comes to fashion, especially men's professional clothing, fit is king. No matter how much money you spend on clothes, if they don’t fit properly, you’re not going to look or feel good. However, a well-fitting suit will always look better even if it is second-hand or off-the-rack than a brand new, ill-fitting one.

So how do you ensure that your clothes fit well?

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Hem your pants and sleeves.

This is a simple but effective way to ensure that your clothes fit well. If your pants are too long, they will bunch up and look baggy. If your sleeves are too long, they will start to slip past your wrist and make you look unkempt. Most times a simple hem on the sleeve or pants can cost upwards of $20 each and completely change your look. 

Take advantage of tapering and darts.

These are a few more small alterations that can make a big difference to the fit of your clothes. Tapering involves narrowing the cut of a garment, while darts are small seams that are sewn into the fabric to create shape and contour. Both of these techniques can be used to take out excess fabric and create a better fit. Again, it is a very cost-effective way of saving a garment that is too large for your frame. Whether you lost weight or have to buy clothes that fit your shoulders but are baggy everywhere else, this can solve a lot of those problems.

A man in an ill-fitting, baggy suit before and after in a custom tailored suit that fits his body.

Don’t compromise on shoulder and length.

When trying on clothes, it’s important to pay close attention to the fit of the shoulders and the length of the garment. If the shoulders are too wide your clothes will look too big from your shoulders to your hips, too small and it will bunch up causing a poor drape. If the length is too short, it will make you look like you are wearing a kids suit. These are two areas that are almost impossible to fix, so it’s best to get it right the first time.

Consider going custom for athletic fits.

If you have an athletic or muscular build, finding clothes that fit well can be a challenge. Here is what we hear from our bodybuilder and athletic clients:

  • I have to buy jackets or shirts that fit my shoulders which causes the rest of the jacket to be way too baggy or the sleeves are too long.
  • I buy pants that are too big because I need to fit my thighs.
  • My dress shirt buttons are busting at the seams near my chest but become too baggy at my waist.

In this case, it’s often best to go custom. Custom clothing is made to your measurements, so you can be sure that it will fit your body perfectly. The cost of custom clothing may seem high, but it’s worth it in the long run, since most tailoring is included. We have a perfect fit guarantee and have been working with bodybuilders and athletic fit clients since 2015.

A stunning, perfectly fitted bespoke navy suit with white dress shirt. Paired with a maroon tie and white pocket square.

Conclusion

Fit is king when it comes to fashion. Don’t let ill-fitting clothes ruin your look. Make sure your clothes fit well and are comfortable to move in. If you’re not sure how to achieve the perfect fit, consider taking your clothes to a tailor or investing in custom clothing. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to looking your best every day.

 

Derek Burbidge - Owner/Founder of Cardero Clothing
In 2014, Derek rented a suit for his wedding only to later discover the advice he received was terrible and the fit of the rentals was way off. After travelling to Thailand and Europe soon after his wedding he was introduced to bespoke clothing and various timeless styles. As a lover of all things men's fashion, he started Cardero Clothing to keep men from making the same mistakes he did.

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