Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon

Conversational Threads

suit jacket fit

Becky_Brown | Posted in Fitting on

*
How long should sleeves be on a
suit jacket?

Replies

  1. Martha_M. | | #1

    *
    The sleeve hem should end just at the wrist bone.

    1. L_Schmitt | | #2

      *Sleeve length is a matter of preference. For a woman's jacket the length could be just about anywhere. For a man's jacket the conventional wisdom was that one half inch of cuff should show. However, the problem with the conventional wisdom is that if the wearer adds a vest or a sweater to the outfit, that sleeve starts looking way too short. Oftentimes a wristwatch of bracelet can push a sleeve even further upwards. Recently sleeve lengths have grown longer. On slender, fluid jackets a rather long sleeve length conceals the shirt cuffs, looks sleek and uncluttered, and contributes to the overall appearance. If the sleeves are too long (and too wide) the wearer looks overwhelmed. The wearer must ultimately decide what works best, both in terms of appearance and practicality.

      1. Jen_Donnelly | | #3

        *I understand that the correct fit is as follows: while wearing the jacket, arms down at your sides, spread your hand wide. Your thumb should just cause a little break on the sleeve on that side, but hang smooth unless you spread your hand out. In other words, the sleeve should just come to the very base of your thumb. I believe this is for men's jackets, but I like it for mine too because when you bend your arms, to type or whatever, your wrists are still covered.

        1. Marian_ | | #4

          *When I was wearing tailored suits, I took the tailors' word for it, which matched what Jen said, and which was identical in Dayton, Atlanta, and Boston. When your arms are hanging by your side, the sleeve should end at the point where your thumb and palm form a V. It sounds too long, but we do spend our days with our hands up and out, and this was just enough to show my watch and a little cuff when I was working at a desk or eating. It felt good, too.

          1. Alison_C | | #5

            *I guess this reiterates what Marian and Jen have said, but when I am fitting jackets for myself or a friend, I measure the sleeve length with the arm bent. Put your arms down at your sides then bend your elbow (basically put your hands straight out in front of you). Have a friend take a measurement from the top of your shoulder (at the seamline), around the elbow and down to the wrist where you would like your jacket to fall when your arms are stretched out. This will result in a sleeve which does come near the V between the thumb and pointer finger mentioned above when arms are straight. I've never found a true rule about this sleeve length business, but this method works for me for any type of long-sleeved garment. Hope this helps!

          2. Karen_Kennedy | | #6

            *Has any one read the book by Nancy Erickson-"Do You Love What You Sew"?I am interested in purchasing but would like some opinions on whether it was worthwhile.ThanksKaren K

This post is archived.

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Conversational Threads

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More