Why Fit Matters
Off-the-rack suits are made for average bodies. Shoulder width, arm length, torso length, and waist size vary independently. No standard size accounts for all combinations.
A suit that fits well sits flat across your shoulders. The sleeves show the right amount of shirt cuff. The jacket body follows your torso without pulling or bunching. The trousers break correctly at your shoes.
Achieving this fit almost always requires alterations.
Essential Suit Alterations
These alterations have the biggest impact on appearance:
- Jacket sleeves: The correct length shows 1 to 1.5 centimetres of shirt cuff. Most off-the-rack jackets need sleeve adjustment.
- Trouser hem: Trousers should break slightly at the shoe. Too long looks sloppy. Too short looks juvenile.
- Jacket waist: Taking in the waist creates a cleaner silhouette. This is one of the most common jacket alterations.
- Trouser waist: Adjusting the waistband ensures the trousers stay in place and sit correctly.
Advanced Alterations
These alterations address more specific fit issues:
- Shoulders: Narrowing or reshaping shoulders. This is complex work that not all tailors attempt.
- Jacket length: Shortening a jacket that hangs too long. Must maintain pocket placement.
- Lapels: Slimming wide lapels for a more modern look. Involves restructuring the jacket front.
- Trouser seat: Adjusting the fit through the seat and thigh.
What to Expect at Your Fitting
Bring the dress shirt and shoes you will wear with the suit. The tailor will have you try on the jacket and trousers. They will pin and mark while you stand naturally.
Expect to discuss:
- How much shirt cuff you want showing
- How you want the jacket to fit through the body
- What trouser break you prefer
- Any specific fit issues you have noticed
Turnaround and Cost
Standard suit alterations take 5 to 7 business days. Express service is available for urgent needs.
Costs vary by alteration type and complexity. Visit our shop with your suit for a free quote.
When to Alter vs When to Buy New
Not every suit is worth altering. Consider:
Quality of the suit: A well-made suit is worth investing in alterations. A cheap suit may not be.
Extent of alterations needed: Minor adjustments are straightforward. Major restructuring may cost more than the suit is worth.
Your attachment to the suit: Inherited or sentimental suits deserve extra effort.
A good tailor will give you honest advice about whether alterations make sense.
Next Steps
FitCraft Tailor Shop provides suit alterations in Hawthorn for Melbourne professionals. Walk in with your suit or call 03 8855 5030 to discuss your needs.