Tailored Fit vs Slim Fit Suits: Finding the Perfect Suit for Every Occasion 

When it comes to choosing a suit for any special occasion, understanding the differences between tailored fit and slim fit can make all the difference in achieving the perfect look for an occasion. 

Whether you are looking for a suit for a wedding or another special event, this guide will provide you with the essential information you need to find the perfect suit for you.

What is a tailored fit suit?

A tailored fit suit is designed to offer a more personalised and customised fit when compared to off-the-rack-suits. It has been adjusted to your specific measurements and body shape, defining your shoulders, waist, chest, arms and thighs with enough room to feel comfortable. The jacket’s cut is tapered through the waist, but not too tightly, and the trousers fit closely to your legs but sit on top of your shoe. 

The key characteristics of a tailored fit suit include: 

• Customisation: Every aspect of the suit, from the jacket to the trousers, is customised to your specific measurements. 
• Comfort: The suit is designed to fit your exact body shape, offering greater comfort and ease of movement.
• Style: A tailored fit suit allows for personalisation in terms of fabric, colour, and design details, ensuring the suit matches your style preferences.

What is a slim-fit suit?

A slim-fit suit is designed to provide a sleek and modern silhouette, emphasising a lean and fitted appearance. Unlike traditional suits, which may have a more relaxed fit, slim-fit suits are tailored closer to your body, offering a contemporary style that is both sharp and fashionable. 

This type of suit typically features a narrower cut in the jacket, trousers and sleeves, which helps create a tighter fitting, streamlined look that complements a slim or athletic physique. 

The key characteristics of a slim-fit suit include a tapered waist, slimmer lapels, and narrower leg openings. The jacket often has higher armholes and a shorter length, enhancing the overall fitted look. This style is particularly popular among younger individuals and those looking to make a bold fashion statement.

Slim-fit suits are extremely versatile and can be worn for a variety of occasions, from weddings to black tie events. However, it’s important to note that while slim fit suits offer a stylish appearance, they may not be as comfortable for individuals with broader or more muscular builds, as the close fit can restrict movement. 

What is the difference between a tailored fit vs slim fit suit?

Understanding the differences between a tailored fit and a slim fit suit will help you make the right choice to complement your style and meet your needs. Here are the key differences and advantages of each type of suit. 

Key differences 

Customisation and fit 

• Tailored Fit: This suit is custom-made to your exact measurements, ensuring a perfect fit. The suit is adjusted and tailored to accommodate your body shape, providing a comfortable and precise fit that feels almost like a second skin. 
• Slim Fit: Slim fit suits are designed with a narrower cut that creates a modern, sleek silhouette. They are not customised to individual measurements but are designed to fit closely to your body, providing a fashionable look. 

Silhouette and style 

• Tailored Fit: Offers a classic, elegant silhouette that can be adapted to various styles and occasions. It strikes a balance between comfort and formality, making it suitable for both business and formal events. 
• Slim Fit: Provides a more contemporary and sharp look, emphasising a lean and fitted appearance. This style is ideal for those looking to make a fashion-forward statement, often preferred for casual and semi-formal events. 

Comfort and mobility 

• Tailored Fit: Prioritises comfort with a fit that allows for ease of movement. Since the suit is made to your specific measurements, it is generally more comfortable for prolonged wear. 
• Slim Fit: While offering a snug fit, slim fit suits may not be as comfortable for all body types, especially those with broader or more muscular builds. The close fit can sometimes restrict movement, making it less ideal for extended wear. 

Key advantages of each suit and fit 

Tailored Fit Suit 

Precise fit 

A tailored suit offers a precise fit tailored to your body shape, enhancing comfort and appearance. 

Versatility 

Tailored fit suits are suitable for various occasions, from formal events to business meetings. 

Longevity 

Made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, ensuring durability and a lasting investment in your wardrobe. 

Slim Fit Suits 

Modern Style 

Provides a contemporary and fashionable look, perfect for those who want to stay on-trend. 

Sleek Silhouette 

A slim suit emphasises a lean physique, making it a popular choice among younger individuals and those with a slim build. 

Readily available

Slim fit suits are widely available off-the-rack, making it a convenient option for those needing a suit quickly. 

Why is it important to get the right fit?

Finding a correctly fitting suit is essential for both appearance and comfort, making a significant difference to how you present yourself and how you feel on that special occasion. A well-fitted suit enhances your overall look, helping you to exude confidence. Whether it’s for a wedding, a formal event or any other occasion, a suit that fits correctly is key to making a lasting impression. 

A suit that fits well highlights your body’s natural proportions, creating a flattering silhouette. Ill-fitting suits can be unflattering, drawing attention to areas that don’t fit well. On the other hand, a correctly fitted suit that’s been tailored to your measurements should smooth over your frame, providing a sharp and polished look. 

A properly fitted suit also allows for ease of movement and breathability, ensuring you remain comfortable, no matter the occasion. This improves your physical comfort and allows you to feel more confident. 

How do I know if a suit fits me properly?

From the shoulders to the trousers, each component of your suit plays a critical role in ensuring that the overall fit and appearance are both flattering and comfortable. 

Here are a few essential aspects to consider when assessing the fit of your suit: 

Shoulders and jacket 

The suit’s seam should lie precisely where your shoulder ends without extending beyond or pulling up. If the seam is too far out, it will create an unflattering, oversized look; if its too tight, it will restrict movement and cause discomfort. When buttoned, your jacket should also lie flat across your back without noticeable creasing or pulling. 

Chest and waist 

Your jacket should fit snugly without being too tight when buttoned. You should be able to slip a hand comfortably between your chest and the jacket, but no more than that. If the fabric pulls, it’s too tight. On the other hand, if there is too much room and your jacket looks boxy, it’s too loose. Your jacket’s waist should be slightly tapered to follow the natural lines of your body, creating a flattering shape. 

Sleeves and length 

The sleeves of your suit jacket should end at the wrist bone, allowing about half an inch of your shirt cuff to show. The jacket length is also important, it should cover your buttocks and the top of your thighs. A quick test is to let your arms hang naturally by your sides; the bottom of the jacket should be in line with your knuckles. 

Overall comfort 

Finally, consider how the suit feels when you move. You should be able to sit, stand and move your arms without feeling restricted. A well-fitted suit will allow for each of movement while maintaining its shape. If you feel any tightness or pinching, or if the suit feels too loose and shifts around, adjustments are needed. 

Choosing the right suit for you 

When deciding between a tailored fit and a slim fit suit, consider the following factors: 

The Occasion 

Think about where you’ll be wearing the suit. A tailored suit offers a classic fit that assumes a sophisticated look for formal events and business settings. A slim fit suit might be more appropriate for more casual occasions. 

Your body type 

Your body type plays a significant role in determining the best fit. If you have a unique body shape or find that off-the-rack suits never fit properly, a tailored suit is best for you. Slim-fit suits are ideal for those with a lean physique who want a more modern look. 

Comfort

Comfort is key when wearing a suit for a special occasion or extended periods of time. A tailored suit, designed specifically for your measurements, will generally provide greater comfort than a slim-fit suit. 

Both tailored and slim fit suits have their own unique advantages, and the choice comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you value a precise fit, comfort and versatility, a tailored fit suit is the way to go. For a mo

How Philip Alexander Can Help

At Philip Alexander Bespoke Tailors, we are experts at dressing gentlemen for formal events. We’ve been creating bespoke suits and shirts since 1876. 

With locations in Cheshire and Savile Row, we specialise in bespoke suits for all formal occasions, including stunning tailored wedding suits. We also offer semi-bespoke made-to-measure suits and formal suit hire. 

Bespoke suits 

If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime tailoring experience and a genuinely unique fitting suit, then our bespoke suit service is for you. Our master tailor handcrafts all our bespoke suits.

We also create bespoke tailored wedding suits if you would like to stand out on your special day.

Made to measure suits 

Our made to measure suits are ideal if you want a well-made, well-fitting suit but don’t have the budget for a bespoke suit. We combine handcraft and machine work to create a high-quality, tailored suit in under two months.

Our made to measure wedding suits are the perfect option if you need a suit quickly for an upcoming wedding.

Luxury tailored suit hire

We also offer luxury tailored suit hire. This is the perfect solution if you’ve been invited to a formal event and want to wear a beautiful, custom-fitted suit but aren’t ready to invest in one of your own. All our hire suits involve several fittings to ensure they fit impeccably at your event.

If you want to know more about our range of services or are still trying to decide if a tailored or slim fit suit is for you, contact us today to request an appointment.