How to Choose a Suit Jacket

 

Men's Body Types -

A man must know his specific body type before he can wear a suit jacket that will fit him properly and create the best image possible.  There is a suit style to match and enhance each body type. Here we discuss three typical male body types: tall, short, and round.

Men's Suit Jacket Styles -

Men's suit jackets come in several classic variations based on a single or double breast, number of buttons, and number of vents.  Classic single-breasted jackets are constructed with one to three buttons and are made without vents, with one center vent, or two side vents.  Classic double-breasted jackets are made with two to six buttons and should be worn with no less than two vents. Suit jacket pockets come with or without flaps.  Pockets without flaps are also called "jetted".

 Single-Breasted Suit Jacket w/ 2 buttons

All single-breasted suit jackets with more than three buttons and double-breasted suit jackets with more than six buttons are considered fashion statements and should be avoided by most men. The type of lapel, number of buttons, and number of vents should correspond directly to the shape of the man.  Choosing the right or wrong mix of these elements will drastically improve or detract from the man's image.

 

Suit Jackets for Tall Men -

Tall men are served best in three button, single-breasted jackets which minimize their abnormal height. The jacket sleeves can be worn a bit longer to shorten the arm and bring the viewer's eye to the face.  A side vented jacket serves the thin man best as it creates a fuller silhouette.  The hem of the jacket can be a bit longer to minimize a longer of leg. Wear wider lapels on single and double-breasted jackets to emphasize shoulder and chest width.  Tall men should avoid one or two button jackets unless wearing a vest to minimize their long torso and should opt for jackets with one or two vents. Jacket pockets with flaps will create a horizontal line and will help minimize height.  Look for jackets in size long.

 Lebron James

Tall Man

Suit Jackets for Short Men -

Short men will look best in jackets that maximize their height.  This is accomplished best in a one or two button jacket that creates a longer "V" for their torso.  Shorter men should opt for suit jackets with side vents as this will draw the viewer's eye up the man's frame and create the illusion of height.  Choose a single-breasted jacket with slim and high lapels.  Only wear a double-breasted jacket with two or four buttons and side vents, and keep the lapels thin and high.  Peak lapels are a great option for shorter men and should be standard on a double-breasted jacket.   Avoid three button, vent less jackets as they shorten the torso.  Jetted pockets without flaps will give the shorter man a clean silhouette and will add to his height.  Look for jackets in a size short.

 Kat Williams (Right)

Short Man

Suit Jackets for Round Men - 

These men have more girth and need jackets to minimize their weight while enhancing their vertical features.  Wear one or two button jackets and keep it buttoned unless sitting.  One or two button jackets create a longer torso and the viewers eye will adjust accordingly. Round men need more room in the seat of their jacket so a double vent can be worn, but the single vent is more proper.  Again, keep the lapels thin and high to elongate the body.  A six button double-breasted jacket will balance a hefty man's weight while creating a longer silhouette from shoulder to the waist; effectively slimming the frame.  Opt for flapless pockets to avoid horizontal lines.  Look for jackets in size portly.

 Cedric "The Entertainer"

Round Man

Armed with this knowledge a man will have the confidence to stock his wardrobe with the proper suits that enhance his body, his image, and his style.