Fuchsia
The length of a sports jacket depends on the wearer's height and proportions. For those over 6 feet, the jacket should end at the lower crotch area, around the bottom of the fly. For those under 5'9, the jacket should end at the mid-crotch, or about halfway down the fly. The jacket should extend at least halfway down the rear end, without covering it completely or stopping above it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | Depends on height and proportions. For those over 6 ft, the jacket should end at the lower crotch area. For those under 5 ft 9 in, the jacket should end at the mid-crotch. |
| Body | The chest measurements and shoulder measurements are key. The jacket should follow the shape of the wearer's chest. |
| Sleeves | Sleeves should end at the wrist, meeting the base of the thumb, with around half an inch of the shirt cuff showing. |
| Girth | Should feel right – not too loose, not too tight. There should be no folds in the fabric when buttoned up. |
What You'll Learn
- The length of a sport coat depends on your height and proportions
- The correct sport coat length can be found by measuring from the highest point of your shoulders to where your fly ends
- The sport coat body is sized using your chest and shoulder measurements
- The sleeves of a sport coat should show about half a centimetre of the cuff
- The girth of a sport coat should feel right – not too loose or tight
The length of a sport coat depends on your height and proportions
If you're under 5 feet 9 inches, the sport coat should end around your mid-crotch, which is halfway down your fly or about in line with where you wear your watch when your arms are by your side. This will help create a more balanced look, as a longer coat on a shorter person can make the legs appear shorter.
You can also determine the ideal length of a sport coat by measuring from the highest point of your shoulders down to where you want the coat to end. This will ensure that the coat is the correct length for your unique body proportions.
It's important to note that altering the length of a sport coat after purchasing can be difficult and may affect the overall proportions of the coat. Therefore, it's crucial to determine the correct length before purchasing or having one custom-made.
In addition to height, the length of a sport coat can also depend on other proportions of your body, such as the length of your torso or the width of your shoulders. The coat should complement your natural shape and not distort any other features.
Sport Coat Sizing: Men's Guide
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The correct sport coat length can be found by measuring from the highest point of your shoulders to where your fly ends
The correct sport coat length depends on your height and proportions. If you're over 6 feet tall, the ideal length of a sport coat should be from the highest point of your shoulders to the bottom of your fly. If you're under 5'9", the sport coat should end at the middle of your fly.
To measure the length of your sport coat, start by standing straight and relaxed. Place the end of a measuring tape at the highest point of your shoulder, and then extend it straight down to the bottom of your fly. This will give you the ideal length for your sport coat.
It's important to get the length right the first time, as altering the length of a sport coat after it's been made can be difficult and may affect the overall proportions of the coat. While a tailor can shorten a sport coat by up to an inch, it's generally not recommended to ask them to lengthen it. Therefore, it's crucial to get an accurate measurement before purchasing or tailoring your sport coat.
The length of a sport coat is just one aspect of finding the perfect fit. The chest and shoulder measurements are also critical to ensuring a well-fitting sport coat. A custom-tailored sport coat is the best way to ensure a perfect fit that flatters your unique body shape and size.
Sport Coat: A Perfect Fit Guide
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The sport coat body is sized using your chest and shoulder measurements
Sizing the body of a sport coat is a simple process. You will need to take two important measurements: your chest and your shoulders.
To get the perfect chest measurement, wrap a tape measure around the fullest, widest part of your chest. This is easier with someone's help. The tape measure should cover your shoulder blades, too, for an accurate measurement. If you measure 38", that is the jacket size you should go with. Most garments are available in inch sizing, which helps to get as close a fit as possible. Avoid garments labelled S, M, or L, as these accommodate a wider range of sizes and are therefore less likely to fit your body perfectly.
Shoulder measurements are trickier. Stand in front of a mirror and, with help, measure from your neckline (where your collar will start) to the end of your shoulder, where your arm begins. Your goal is for your jacket to follow your shoulders perfectly, with the seam ending where your shoulder ends. If you oversize this measurement, you'll end up with bunching fabric and shoulder divots. If you undersize, you'll end up with fabric pulling. When in doubt, consult a tailor.
“Sport Coat Fitting: Measure for Perfection”
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The sleeves of a sport coat should show about half a centimetre of the cuff
The sleeves of a sport coat are one of the most important aspects of the jacket's fit. The length of the sleeves should be given attention, as sleeves that are too long can make the wearer look silly. The ideal sport coat sleeve length is one that shows about half a centimetre of the cuff. This will make the wearer's arms look more in proportion with their body, and the jacket will look sharp.
There are a few tricks to determine the ideal sport jacket sleeve length. Firstly, locate the crease on the inside of your wrist where it meets your hand. With your arms by your side, ask a store attendant or tailor to pin the sleeve to this point. This should result in about half a centimetre of the shirt cuff being exposed. Alternatively, put your arms by your side and turn your palm out towards the floor, as if doing a "penguin waddle". Your hand should now be at a 90-degree angle to your body, and the sleeve should just be touching the top of your hand. If the sleeve is not touching your hand, it needs to be shortened.
The sleeve length of a sport coat is not a rigid rule, and showing the cuff is a matter of personal preference. However, showing too much cuff can look comedic, while showing too little can make the wearer appear inattentive or unacquainted with tailoring. Ultimately, the wearer should feel comfortable and confident in their sport coat, and the sleeves should complement the overall look and feel of the jacket.
Buttoned-Up Style: Sport Coats
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The girth of a sport coat should feel right – not too loose or tight
The girth of a sport coat is important to get right. It should feel comfortable, with a little room for movement, but not too loose or tight. When trying on a sport coat, it should feel lightly hugging your body. It should not be bursting at the seams, nor should it be so loose that you can pinch the fabric.
A good way to check the girth is to do up the buttons. If the fabric is pulling and an "X" shape is appearing across your stomach, the coat is too tight. If there is a large gap between the buttons and the closure, it is too loose. Ideally, you want to be able to do the top button up without too much strain. There should be a slight pull, but not so much that the buttons look like they will pop.
The girth of the coat should also not be constricting around the armpits. There should be a little room, but not too much. If the fabric is creasing or pulling around your armpits, it is too tight. If there is more than an inch of space, it is too loose.
The girth of the coat is one of the most important aspects to get right. It is worth spending time on to ensure you get the perfect fit.
Frequently asked questions
Look for loose, bunching fabric around the shoulders, midsection, and sleeves. If you see bunching, it’s a sign you need a new one.
The length of your sports jacket depends on your height and proportions. If you’re over 6 ft, the jacket should end at your lower crotch area. If you’re under 5 ft 9 in, the sports jacket should end around your mid-crotch.
You need to know your chest and shoulder measurements. Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest, widest part of your chest, covering your shoulder blades too. This is usually the jacket size you should go with.
Your goal should be for just a centimeter of your shirt cuff to extend out of your sport coat sleeves.
Your goal is to prevent any sort of gap between your jacket collar and shirt collar – this is evidence of an oversized jacket. But, you don’t want the collar of your jacket to be too tight either.
