This is you, nervous, buying a suit for the first time. Exceptionally nervous at buying it online. You are not alone. Many people are skittish about buying a suit sight unseen, but it can be done. Read on to find out how to buy the perfect suit online.
A closer look at the suit
When purchasing a suit (complementary jacket and pants), the pants are usually measured six numbers less than the jacket (though sometimes variations occur as with portly or extra slim suits).
For example: a 40R jacket is generally paired with a size 34W pant. However, if you don’t fit into a standard suit pairing perfectly, here's your cheat: you can always consider either:
- Purchasing jacket and pants separately (they are meant to be worn together as a suit, but if you purchase pieces separately, you can accommodate any special size requirement); or
- Altering your suit to fit your body (pants are much simpler and easier to alter than a jacket).
If you don’t have a six inch differential (or have a tendency to gain or lose weight), here's another cheat: pants have two inches of leeway to either let out or take in the waist/seat! Basically, you are guaranteed to be a sharply-dressed individual.
Lastly, most suit pants and slacks come extra long, with unfinished inseams. This is not a mistake. Rather, this is intentional, allowing you, the purchaser, to have them hemmed to your exact inseam length. The usual inseam on unfinished pants is between 36-38 inches (36" for short length suits, and 38" for regular and long length suits). The inseam can be cuffed or hemmed by your tailor depending on your style.
Stop sitting around. Grab a tape measure, find out your true suit size, be confident, and start shopping.
If you have any questions, The Suit Depot is here for you. Please feel free to reach out to us below, on Facebook, or visit our Michigan store!