Different types of suits for men & suit size guide
There is a wide range of suits to choose from and a suit for every style. Our guide will help you find the perfect suit. We will also tell you how to find your suit size.
Our men’s suit guide will make sure you look smart for every occasion.
Different types of suits
Having a suit with a good fit will make you look smart and feel confident. Below we will show you the most common types of suits:
Regular fit – a timeless classic
Regular fit suits are very comfortable and have a relaxed fit. This style of suit flatters most body types. The jacket has a normal length and ends just above your buttocks. The trousers have a classic straight fit.
A relaxed fit suit has an even more casual fit than regular fit suits. The trousers have a slightly wider cut and the jackets are not fitted.
Slim Fit – smart and close-fitting
In comparison to a regular fit suit, a slim fit suit has a closer fit. This type of suit has slim sleeves and slim fit trousers. The jacket is slightly shorter and has narrow lapels. The shoulders and waist are accentuated, which will emphasise your figure in a stylish way.
Skinny fit – a modern alternative
Skinny fit suits are very close-fitting. They will highlight your figure even more than a slim fit suit. This style of suit is a modern alternative to a classic regular fit suit and is often worn by men with a slim or athletic build.
Tailored fit – for a smart look
A tailored fit suit combines the smartness of a slim-fit suit with the comfort of a regular fit suit. They only have a slightly accentuated waist, sleeves that aren’t too long and a closer fit around the shoulders. The trouser legs taper gently downwards, and the waistband has a classic design. This gives the suit a fitted look without being too tight-fitting.
Different styles of suit jackets
Jackets are usually available with either one or two rows of buttons. However, what is the difference and when should you wear different types of suit jackets?
1. Single-breasted jackets – an absolute classic
A single-breasted suit jacket is a classic type of jacket with only one button placket, which can have only one, two or even three buttons. In general, the rule is, the more buttons your jacket has the more stylish your suit is. Single-breasted jackets will make your waist look smaller and are suitable for any occasion.
2. Double-breasted jackets – a very smart alternative
A suit with a double-breasted jacket is a great choice for formal occasions. The jacket has two parallel rows of buttons with a total of four to eight buttons. A traditional double-breasted jacket has six buttons. This type of suit also makes you look slimmer and at the same time it will highlight your shoulders.
How should a suit fit?
A suit with a good fit will make you look stylish and show off your best features. That's why it's important to think about which type of suit you would like to go for. Below we have listed some tips on how to find the right fit:
Suits for smaller men
Slim fit suits are a great choice for smaller men, as they will make you appear taller. Make sure your sleeves and trousers have the correct length so that you don’t have to fold them up. A shorter jacket and dark colours or vertical patterns will also make you look taller.
Suits for taller men
Tall men should make sure that their sleeves and trousers are long enough, and the jacket should also go down to your hips. Tailored suits are recommended for tall men. If you would like to look a bit smaller, you can wear a 3-button lapel. Vertical patterns such as pinstripes are not a good idea as they will make you look even taller.
Suits for broad shoulders
Regular fit suits look great on men who have broad shoulders as it will balance their body proportions. You can also wear a single-breasted jacket to highlight your waist. Make sure that your suit jacket has a good fit on your shoulders and that there are no shoulder pads.
Suits for plus size men
Suits in dark colours are the ideal choice for men who would like to look smart and a bit slimmer. To draw the attention away from your upper body make sure that your suit does not have any jazzy patterns or bright colours. It’s best to go for a regular fit suit. This type of suit can slightly accentuate your waist without being too close-fitting. The trousers have a straight fit, which will make your legs appear slimmer.
Suit size guide
A suit with a good fit will highlight your assets and make you look smart. Below we will show you how to find a suit with a good fit:
Size guide part 1: jackets
Shoulders
A jacket with a good fit should not feel too tight around your shoulders. Make sure that there are no creases on the torso or around your shoulders. The shoulder seam should be on the same level as your upper arm. To find out if the jacket fits properly, you can try leaning against a wall. Lean sideways against a wall and if your jacket touches the wall and it feels baggy, then it is too big.
Chest
When you close your jacket, the lapels should not stretch, crease or stick out. The jacket should have a good fit and you should be able to easily close and open the buttons with one hand. In addition, make sure that you can fit the palm of your hand on your chest when all the buttons on your jacket are fastened.
Getting the right sleeve length
You will have the right sleeve length on your jacket if your hand is completely visible. In addition, about one centimetre of the shirt should be visible from under the jacket sleeve.
Finding the right jacket length
The length of your jacket is down to your own personal preference. However, you should make sure that the jacket covers the zip on your suit trousers and your buttocks on the back. The vents on your suit jacket should go straight down and not stick out.
Suit size guide: finding the correct jacket size
To find your suit size start off by standing up straight and putting your arms down. It's best to have someone help you measure, as it's easier if there are two of you. Measure closely to your body and don't suck in your stomach. The C&A size guide can help you find the right size: https://www.c-and-a.com/eu/en/shop/service/size-guide.
Here is how to measure for a jacket:
Measuring your chest: put the tape measure around your chest and bring it back to the front just below your armpits over your shoulder blades.
Jacket length: put the tape measure next to your neck, let it roll straight down over your chest and take note of the length next to the bottom of your thumb.
Sleeve length: starting at around the middle of your neck, measure over your shoulder and along the outside of your arm all the way down to your wrist.
Suit size guide part 2: suit trousers
Getting the correct fit
Suit trousers that have a good fit should not crease, slip or feel too tight.
Getting the right length
When looking for trousers with the right length, there are two different kinds of style. The trousers will either have a narrow or wide leg:
Wide leg suit trousers: these will go down to the heel on your shoe and your socks will not be visible. Your trousers should also not crease.
Narrow leg suit trousers: these trousers will go down to your shoes and will have a small crease.
How to find the right size trousers
Start off by standing up straight and again it’s always best to ask someone to help you.
Here is how to measure for a pair of suit trousers:
Waist size: put the tape measure on the widest part of your hips and measure the circumference.
Inside leg length: measure from the top down to the hem (below the ankle) on your trousers. The tape measure should measure the length of your inside leg.
Men's suits are available in short, regular and long sizes so it is easy to find one with a good fit. This way you can find the perfect suit with a great fit. You can easily find your suit size in our size chart.
To make sure your suit fits perfectly, you can also put together your own suit with our Mix & Match collection. You can order different sizes and combine different jackets and trousers for a smart and stylish look.
FAQs on finding the perfect suit
Below you will find some helpful information, tips and answers to the most common FAQs about suits:
Absolute suit faux pas
Always make sure that your suit has a good fit and it is not too long or too big. In addition, don't put anything in your outside pockets, so that they don’t stick out. Instead, put your wallet and mobile phone in your inside pocket. It is also important that the collar of your jacket always lies flat and does not stick out.
Which button on your suit can you leave undone?
The number of buttons on your jacket will determine which button you can leave undone:
Single-button jacket: you should leave your button done up even when standing up or sitting down.
Two-button jacket: your top button should always be fastened, but you can leave the bottom button undone. Before sitting down, you should also undo your top button.
Three-button jacket: the middle button needs to be fastened, but you can leave the lower button undone. It is also generally recommended to fasten your top button.
Double-breasted jacket: on this type of jacket you will need to fasten all the buttons, even when sitting down.
Can you wear a T-Shirt under your jacket?
You can always wear a long-sleeved shirt under a jacket. This will make you look smart and it is a great choice for a less formal occasion. If it is too warm, you should take off your jacket and slightly roll up your sleeves. A short-sleeved shirt or a T-shirt under your jacket is too informal for events and business meetings.
What can you wear with a suit?
In addition to a jacket, suit trousers and a matching shirt, you can finish off your smart look with some of the following accessories:
Tie or bow tie: a tie with a smart knot or bow tie can make you look very elegant. Depending on your job a tie may be compulsory, whereas a bow tie is compulsory for "white tie" and "black tie" events and formal occasions.
Waistcoat: having a matching waistcoat will make you look very stylish and they are great for special events and functions.
Pocket square: a pocket square is tucked into your breast pocket on a suit jacket to add a splash of colour.
Shoes: having the right pair of shoes is very important to make sure you look smart. Black or brown leather shoes are often recommended and go well with almost every suit. For further information and tips on choosing the right pair of shoes have a look at the following article: Different colours and fabrics for suits.
Socks: your socks need to match your trousers or shoes to complete your look.
Belts: belts and shoes should match in both colour and material for a smart traditional look. Leather is the best choice for shoes and belts. Your belt should not be too flashy.
Conclusion: finding the perfect style and suit fit
Once you've found your suit size, try different styles, materials and colours to find your personal suit style. Get inspired by our stylish collection of suits and find your new perfect suit today.
