How to Find the Right Suit for Your Body Type

How to Find the Right Suit for Your Body Type

There’s never been a better time to shop for a suit. The variety of fits and styles available today means that no matter your build—broad-shouldered, lean, tall, or stocky—there’s a suit out there that will look great on you. But with all the options comes confusion. Modern suits go by different names and fit types, and figuring out what works best for your body can get overwhelming fast.

Here’s the key: know your body. The fastest way to find the right suit is to get real about your build. Trying to squeeze into a cut that doesn’t match your shape will never look good. On the flip side, hiding your body in baggy fabric isn’t doing you any favors either. Honest self-awareness is the foundation of good fit. Once you’ve got that, here’s how to match it with the right suit.

For the Athletic Build

If you’ve got a V-shaped body with broad shoulders and a trim waist, finding a suit can be tricky. Standard suits with a set drop between jacket and pant sizes often won’t cut it. Look for suits sold as separates so you can mix and match jacket and pant sizes to suit your proportions.

Fit Tips:

• Choose slim or tailored fits with slight modifications like more chest room and slightly lower armholes.
• Go for medium to wide lapels to balance your upper body.
• Make sure the waist of the jacket is nipped in, but not overly tight.
• Pants should follow the slim proportions without being skin-tight—avoid looking top-heavy.

Best Fit: Tailored or Athletic Fit

For the Slim Build

If you’re naturally lean, a poor-fitting suit can make you look even slimmer. The goal is to find a suit that follows your frame without drowning it or clinging too tightly.

Fit Tips:

• Opt for a slim fit with narrow proportions and higher armholes.
• Consider going down a suit size to get a better fit—many slim guys wear suits that are too big.
• Narrow lapels will look proportional, but a slightly wider or peak lapel can add visual width to your shoulders.
• Tapered pants are a must; excess fabric will exaggerate your slimness.

Best Fit: Slim Fit

For the Big & Tall Build

Being broader or taller doesn’t mean settling for shapeless suits. The key is avoiding extremes—too tight and it pulls, too loose and it slouches.

Fit Tips:

• Look for classic or Big & Tall cuts that offer more room in the chest and shoulders.
• Make sure the jacket fits comfortably in the stomach without pulling or sagging.
• Stick with standard or wider lapels—thin ones will look out of proportion.
• Get the pants tailored with a clean hem and a gentle taper. Avoid excess fabric that bunches at the ankle.
• Pay attention to jacket and sleeve length—either too short or too long will throw off your proportions.

Best Fit: Big & Tall or Classic Fit

Final Fit Check: What to Watch For

Regardless of body type, here are a few universal signs your suit fits the way it should:

• Shoulders: Seams should end right where your shoulders do—no overhang or tugging.
• Jacket: Should button easily without pulling or gaping, and hug your torso without squeezing.
• Pants: Waist should sit comfortably without needing a belt to stay up. The taper should complement your legs—not cling to them.
• Length: Jacket should cover your seat. Pants should show a slight break over your shoes, not puddle or hover.

Once you match the right fit to your body type and fine-tune with a good tailor, you’ll look sharp and feel comfortable. The right suit doesn’t just fit—it works with you.