When you put on your suit, you want to feel like the best version of yourself. Whether you’re heading to a special occasion, an important job interview, or your day-to-day job, you’ll want your suit to elevate your best features.
This is why your suit pants need to fit comfortably and match your personal style. Some men prefer their ankles to be covered, while others prefer a tapered and shorter look. It’s important not to follow trends, as your suit will be an investment that you can wear for years to come.
At LookSmart, not only can we take an off-the-rack suit and alter it to feel custom-made, but we can also provide style tips and advice to help you cultivate a look that’s completely your own, complementing your body and style.
Why does fit matter?
Fit is confidence. There’s no better feeling than showing up in a suit that accentuates your best features and fits comfortably. You don’t want to be tugging at an ill-fitting waistband or worried about a fit that’s too tight.
Why does fit matter?
● First impressions count. Feeling comfortable and self-assured will help you put your best foot forward.
● It flatters your unique shape. It doesn’t matter what shape you are. If your suit fits you like a glove, you’ll look your best.
● It improves your focus. Whether you’re at work or a wedding, if you’re uncomfortable, you’re distracted. If your suit fits well, you can focus on what’s in front of you, and not your clothes.
Let’s break down the key areas of fit that make the biggest difference to your look.
The essential fit areas: waist, seat, thighs, and length
When it comes to tailoring your suit pants and perfecting their fit, four key areas that can be adjusted: the waist, seat, thighs, and length.
Waist
One of the most important elements of waist tailoring is comfort. You don’t want suit pants that dig in or slip down. Your pants should sit comfortably around your waist without the feeling of being too tight or loose. This means your pants should stay in place without the need for a belt to hold them up.
Seat
For the seat of your suit pants, you’ll want them to have a smooth drape without tugging or extra fabric. If the material of your pants is too loose, it will create a saggy or unpolished look. If it’s too tight, it will feel restrictive and uncomfortable.
Thighs
Like the seat, thigh fit is all about comfort. You want to have a comfortable movement while still having that polished, tailored look (no extra baggy fabric). In short, you want a natural fit for the shape of your legs without the fabric clinging or billowing.
Length
How long should suit pants be? The length of your suit pants usually comes down to personal preference. We’ve found that older gentlemen usually like their ankles to be covered, while it’s more popular for younger men to have their pants a little more cropped. There isn’t a right or wrong style – it just comes down to your individual taste.
If your pants are too long or too short, digging in or just not making you feel your best, stop by your local LookSmart store to get high-quality alteration services.
Understanding trouser styles: tapered vs. straight
When fitting suit pants, the cut can make a big difference in the style and feel.
The two common styles are tapered and straight. It’s important to know which one you prefer so you can guide your tailor towards the look that works best with your personal style.
Tapered
Tapered-leg pants become narrow as they go down towards the ankle. This creates a modern silhouette and is ideal if you like a sleek, fitted look. If you want to accentuate an athletic body or height, the tapered look does just this.
Straight
Straight-leg pants are a timeless, classic fit that flatters all body types. The style also allows for a bit more movement, while still looking stylish and polished.
You may also want something in between these two styles. Speak with our expert tailors about what style of suit pants will look best on you.
The importance of the pant break
Where your pants fall can greatly impact the look of your suit. There are three common breaks (where your pants fall). To get your desired look, use these terms to describe what you’re looking for to your tailor.
● Full break: A classic, slightly longer style where the fabric folds over your shoe.
● Half break: This is the middle option. It’s modern, versatile and has a slight crease at the shoe.
● No break: A sharp and contemporary style where the hem of your pants just grazes the top of the shoe. For a no break, the pants should barely touch the shoe.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong break to choose for your suit pants. It’s all about your personal preference and style.
Summing up
No matter what is trendy, a well-tailored suit will always be in style. By investing in high-quality tailoring, you can take any suit and make it look custom-made.
At LookSmart, we know how to alter your suit to fit your unique body shape with expert precision. We’ll also be happy to help you with style advice and tips to get your look just right.
FAQs
What is the two-finger rule for pants?
The two-finger rule is simply a way to determine if your waistband fits well. While you’re wearing your pants, you should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the waistband and your stomach.
Is it better for pants to be tight or loose?
The best-fitting pair of suit pants will not be too tight or too loose. Ideally, you want your pants to fit snugly but not so tight that they are uncomfortable.
Are suit pants supposed to be a little baggy?
Most people would say no – suit pants should not be overly baggy. For that polished suit look, suit pants should have a tailored fit that complements your body shape while still allowing for comfortable movement.
How long does it take to alter suit pants?
It depends on how extensive and intricate the alterations are, as well as the current level of demand. If you need a fast turnaround time, enquire about our Express Service. We’ll complete your alterations in 24 hours or less. (Additional charges apply.)
