A blazer is a very important item of clothing which every man should have in his wardrobe. This stylish jacket can be used to dress up any collared shirt and can be worn with dark denim for a dressy casual look or with dress pants for a formal occasion. A blazer will make your shoulders look more masculine, give you a commanding silhouette and create a powerful image.
However, an ill-fitting blazer can do the opposite. If your blazer is too tight it will accentuate your stomach and make you look chubbier than you really are. If it is too big you will look like a small boy playing dress up in your father’s clothes, which does not make a powerful first impression. In order for mens blazers to have the right impact they must be tailored perfectly to your size and shape. Here are some hints for getting the best fit:
Taking Your Measurements
Whether you take your measurements yourself or have them done by a tailor, you will need to know your chest size and sleeve length. Don’t use a metal tape measure because it can be inaccurate up to several inches. Instead, use the soft measuring tape for a more precise measurement.
Wrap the tape around your chest at the fullest part, immediately below your arms. This number will let you determine your jacket size, which is a good place to start when trying on blazers in the store.
Shirt Sleeve Length
Now that you have a rough idea of your chest size, start trying on a few blazers in that size. Pay attention to the shirt size length. The cuff of your jacket should be long enough that it rests against the back of your hands or touches your palm. Your sleeves should always end at least a half-inch before your hand, so that you have room to wear a long-sleeve dress shirt underneath it.
However, you don’t want sleeves which are too short because this looks awkward. Move your arms around in different ways to make sure that the sleeves don’t ride up your arms too far.
If you can’t find a blazer off the rack which fits you in both length and width, it is best to ask a tailor to customize it for you. A custom tailored blazer will look amazing no matter what your body shape!
Do you know how to find the right size when shopping for mens blazers? Here are some helpful tips for getting the perfect fit.