How to Choose a Proper Cloth Jacket Size

How to choose a suit jacket size

How to Choose Your Jacket Size

If you’re used to buying a men’s suit or sport coat from a US retailer, you’ll know that your suit jacket size should roughly translate to your chest circumference as measured in inches. For a slimmer fit, choose a jacket size ~1″ smaller than your (body measurement) chest circumference. For a more relaxed, classic fit, choose the jacket size closest to your actual measured chest circumference.

If you’re not familiar with tailored jacket sizes, use the guide below as a reference:

– If your t-shirt size = S, choose jacket size = 36

– If your t-shirt size = M, choose jacket size = 38

– If your t-shirt size = L, choose jacket size = 42

– If your t-shirt size = XL, choose jacket size = 44

Types of Jacket Fit – Classic, Slim and Extra Slim

Classic is a “Drop 6″ fit and a more generous, boxy cut. This has more room around the midsection and is great for guys with larger midsections.

Slim is a “Drop 8” size and is a good, standard slim fit. This is suggested for guys in good shape that want a trim fit around the waist. For reference, our ready-to-wear (in-stock) Hudson jackets are cut in the exact same size as the corresponding MTO slim fit.

Extra Slim is a “Drop 10” fit and extremely trim. “Drop” refers to the decrease in circumference from one’s chest to waist. Drop 10 means the waist is 10” smaller in overall circumference than the chest of the jacket. This is suggested for muscular men with larger chest/shoulders and particularly slim waists that want a very tailored fit.

Note: While some may interpret Extra Slim fit to mean a size ideal for those of a very slender build, this is not correct. A Slim and an Extra Slim fit jacket of the same size (e.g. 40, see below) will have the same chest, shoulder, and sleeve dimensions. The main difference will be an increased drop (taper) from the chest width down to the midsection width in our Extra Slim fit models.

40 regular slim fit                 extra slim fit
Shoulder Width 18.3″ 18.3″
Chest Width 22″ 22″
Midsection Width 19.5″ 18.7″
Hip Width 21″ 20.8″
Center Back Length 29.6″ 29.6″
Left Sleeve Length 25.1″ 25.1″
Right Sleeve Length 25.1″ 25.1″
Sleeve Bicep Width 7.9″ 7.9″
Sleeve Opening Width 5.5″ 5.5″

Jacket and Sleeve Length – Regular, Short and Long Sizes

Tailored jackets can be ordered in ‘Short’, ‘Long’, and ‘Regular’ sizes to accommodate men of all different heights.

Long jackets measure 1 3/16″ longer in the sleeve length and body length than Regular jackets, while Short jackets measure 1 3/16″ shorter in the sleeve length and body length than Regular.

Here’s a simple guide to decide whether you should choose a Short, Regular, or Long size based on your height:

– If you’re under 5’9″, choose a Short jacket size

– If you’re over 6’2″, choose a Long jacket size

Home Try-On for Jackets and Pants

The Home Try-On Program is a tool that Proper Cloth offers, specifically to help customers create a custom jacket or pants size. This program allows you to try on two standard-size garments and discuss how they fit with one of our fit specialists. Home Try-On is currently available for customers in the United States and Canada only, not including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Guam.