Collection: Suit Jackets - Men & Women

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Suit Jackets Sizing & Fit Guide - Expert Tips for Perfect Fit

Frequently Asked Questions

How should a suit jacket fit?

A properly fitted suit jacket should sit comfortably on your shoulders without pulling or sagging. The shoulder seam should align with your natural shoulder line. When buttoned, you should be able to fit a flat hand between your chest and the jacket. The sleeves should end at your wrist bone, showing about half an inch of shirt cuff.

At Guocali, our Men's Blazers and Women's Blazers Collection are designed with these classic proportions in mind. The jacket length should cover your seat, ending around mid-crotch for men. For women, length varies by style from cropped to longline.

Key fit checkpoints: shoulders align perfectly, chest has room for one flat hand when buttoned, sleeves show 1/4 to 1/2 inch of shirt cuff, no pulling across the back, and the collar sits flat against your shirt collar. Browse our Women's Fitted Blazers and Men's Suits Collection for perfectly proportioned options.

What's the difference between slim fit and regular fit suit jackets?

Slim fit suit jackets feature a more tapered silhouette with narrower shoulders, a closer fit through the chest and waist, and shorter jacket length. They're ideal for modern, fashion-forward looks and work best for lean to athletic body types. Slim fit jackets typically have higher armholes and less fabric through the midsection.

Regular fit suit jackets (also called classic fit) offer a more relaxed cut with traditional proportions, providing extra room through the chest and waist for all-day comfort. They accommodate a wider range of body types and allow for easier layering underneath.

At Guocali, explore our Women's Fitted Blazers for slim options or Men's Suits Collection for classic cuts. Our Business Suits Women and Men's Blazers collections offer both fits to accommodate different preferences and occasions.

Can you alter a suit jacket?

Yes! Most suit jackets can be altered by a professional tailor to achieve a perfect fit. Common alterations include sleeve shortening (easiest and most affordable), taking in or letting out the waist, adjusting the jacket length, tapering the sides, and narrowing the lapels.

However, shoulder alterations are complex and expensive because they require reconstructing the jacket. It's best to start with the correct shoulder fit. If the shoulders don't fit properly, consider exchanging for a different size rather than altering.

Our Men's & Women's Suits Collection at Guocali offers various sizes to minimize alteration needs. For best results with our Women's Tailored Blazers and Men's Blazers, choose the size that fits your shoulders perfectly, then have a tailor adjust the length and waist if needed. Most alterations cost between $20-$100 depending on complexity.

How long should suit jacket sleeves be?

Suit jacket sleeves should end at your wrist bone, allowing approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 1-1.5 cm) of shirt cuff to show. This creates a polished, professional appearance and is considered the gold standard for proper sleeve length.

To check sleeve length correctly, stand naturally with arms relaxed at your sides. The sleeve should break right at the point where your hand meets your wrist. If you can't see any shirt cuff, the sleeves are too long. If you see more than 1/2 inch of cuff, they're too short.

When trying on jackets from our Men's Suits Collection or Women's Formal Blazers at Guocali, always check sleeve length while standing. Sleeve shortening is one of the easiest and most affordable alterations (typically $15-$30), so don't let slightly long sleeves prevent you from choosing the right shoulder fit. Shop our Women's Blazers Collection and Men's Blazers for well-proportioned options.

Should I size up or down for a suit jacket?

If you're between sizes, consider your body type, preferred fit, and intended use. For a modern, fitted look, choose the smaller size. For comfort, layering options, and all-day wear, size up. The most important rule: prioritize shoulder fit above all else, as shoulder alterations are difficult and expensive.

For business suit jackets worn over dress shirts and potentially sweaters, choose the larger size for comfort and mobility. For wedding suit jackets or formal occasions where you want a sharp silhouette, the smaller size may work better if the shoulders fit correctly.

Keep in mind that tailored suit jackets from Guocali are designed to fit true to size. Our Women's Casual Blazers, Business Suits Women, and Men's Suits Collection offer various fits. Check our detailed size charts on each product page, and remember: you can always have a tailor take in the waist or shorten sleeves, but you cannot easily make a jacket larger. When in doubt, size up and tailor down.

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