This is the fourth article in our Guide to Suit Style.
You can see the full contents so far, and browse between them, on the right-hand side of this post.

Following on from previous articles on single and double-breasted suits, in this article we turn our attention to body shape, and how different styles and elements in a suit can change the impression of his physique.

Whitcomb and Shaftesbury bespoke suit
A one-button, dark suit with no flaps on the pockets adds height through lack of interruption

By the time most men buy their first suit, their body shape is relatively set. While the chest and (particularly) the waist will fluctuate over time, a man’s height, shoulder width, and length of limb will not change.

Given these fixed attributes, it’s worth a man understanding how they can be accentuated or mitigated by the subtleties of a suit’s design.

Tall or short, broad or narrow – even average build – there are things he should consider whether buying a ready-made suit or commissioning bespoke.

I should also say at this point that none of the following recommendations are ‘rules’. A short man can dress as he likes, in any style. If he is interested in looking taller, there are some things he can do to help. But whether that’s a priority is entirely up to him.

Musella Dembech jacket
Checks create bulk and breadth – despite the long lapel on this jacket at Musella Dembech

Flatter a shorter stature

For a short man to create an impression of height, the first thing he should do is avoid any excess cloth.

This adds bulk to the suit and emphasises a shorter stature – so go with a close fit. Nothing is worse for a short man than a jacket that swamps him, whether on the arms, waist or hips.

In terms of style, this means moderate or soft padding in the shoulders, and no more than a little drape in the chest. A one-button, or maximum two-button jacket with a lowish buttoning point will also increase the impression of height. The more buttons there are, the more horizontal points break up the front of the jacket, and, probably more importantly, the shorter the lapels have to be.

The sweep of a suit’s lapel from neck to waist is the strongest line in the suit and potentially it’s most flattering. So keep that line as long as possible, with the jacket closed. The V of the chest thus created will accentuate the shoulders and suggest athletic shape.

The difference between one and two buttons is small, as the waist button will not move much, if at all, with the addition of a button below it. The jacket’s waist should be quite close, or ‘suppressed’, in line with the theme of keeping cloth to a minimum.

The skirt (the lower half of the jacket, from the waist down) should be relatively short to lengthen the legs, but not as short as the trendy ‘bum freezer’ jackets so popular over the past 10 years.

High vents will also add to the impression of height; though if you can resist the urge to put your hands in your pockets, a ventless jacket can be even better.

Further Reading

Suit Style 2: The Single Breasted

How Wide Should My Jacket Lapels Be?

Which House Style Suits Your Body Shape?

simon crompton with daniel dannefalk of skoaktiebolaget
Oliver of Skoaktiebolaget (right) is not short, but his high-waisted trousers lengthen his figure


Adding length through the trousers

Arguably, however, it’s the trouser line rather than the jacket that makes a man look tallest.

Ideally the waist of the trousers should be high and at a man’s natural waist (around the belly button, if not higher). This may feel unnatural to some, but it does make the legs look longer and produce cleaner lines in any pleats. If you go for a lower rise, keep to a relatively slim trouser leg with sharp creases in the front.

Thom Browne
Thom Browne’s famously short trousers (and cuffs) made him look even shorter

Cuffs or a large break also interrupt the long lines we’re aiming for, so best to avoid both. The ideal is a clean, unbroken line in the trouser at the back, and a slight break at the front (achieved by angling the bottom of the trouser slightly).

Finally, anything that removes bulk or the impression of width from the look of the suit is beneficial. So avoid ticket pockets, large pocket flaps and patch pockets. If the notch in the lapel can be a little higher, that will also help.

Danile Radcliffe
The 5’5” Daniel Radcliffe, in a boldly patterned suit where the large trouser breaks shorten the appearance of his legs

Think of bulk when choosing the cloth too: a darker, finer worsted wools will create a sharp silhouette.

You should avoid pale tones, bright colours and large patterns (particularly checks), although a fine pinstripe can elongate.

As to the rest of the outfit, dark shoes and a simple tie will accentuate the look, and avoid the contrast of sports jackets or odd waistcoats.

Radcliffe 2
The same Daniel Radcliffe in a dark, sleek dinner suit. Note the low buttoning point, peak lapels, and slimmer pants with little break.

Further Reading

How High Should My Trousers Be? – Reader Question

The Formality Of Trousers – Reader Question

Steven Hitchcock Fitting: Letting The Tailor Cut His Style

Interrupt a tall man

Now reverse everything we’ve said for a tall man.

Interrupt the look at every possible opportunity: ticket pockets, patch pockets, broad checks and odd jackets. Wear a belt, have trouser cuffs and buy some brogues – the more texture the better.

Throw the eye sideways with a pocket handkerchief, eschew a smooth silk tie and opt for a textured wool or shantung silk instead. Wear a waistcoat; wear a watch; have your sleeves a touch shorter so there is always a half-inch of shirt cuff – anything to break up the lines.

Tall men and narrow men have the same tools at their disposal. The thin should ape the tactics of the tall man, the large man those of the short.

Clark Gable
At 6’1”, screen idol Clark Gable’s use of pattern and texture interrupts his tall physique.

If you are tall and stout, or thin and short, consider your priorities and apply accordingly. Men tend to want to avoid the latter of those two pairs most.

The beauty of buying a bespoke or made-to-measure suit is you can specify many more of these elements. But then again, a tailor is also there, ready to give you advice on such things.

If anything, understanding the effect of these elements on a ready-to-wear suit is the most useful – something to bear in mind as you carry those 4 different choices to the changing room.

Further Reading

Five Tips On Suit Alterations

A Step Further In Suit Alterations

What Is Worth Being Made Bespoke?

simon crompton with patrik lof of skoaktiebolaget.jpg
Patrik Lof of Skoaktiebolaget (left) breaks up his height with blocks of colour
 
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Adam Jones

Not being the tallest person around I find balance is the hardest thing to get right. I am torso heavy (im 5”10 with 28.5 inch inseam) If I buy a short length jacket it is a “bum-freezer” if I buy a regular length jacket and have it shortened then I do run the risk of the jacket looking odd and off balance.

Jake

Hi Adam. I wonder if it’s ever worth having a RTW jacket shortened. I suspect the solution is to shop around and be prepared to prioritise fit over other considerations. Or stump up for MTM…

As a 5’7″ man, in a world with relatively few short fittings, I can but sympathise.

Regards

Jake

P.S. The fashion for shorter jackets has been a boon for me, btw. I can wear some regular jackets without their resembling three-quarter length coats. While it lasts…

Gavin

Seems very unfair that tall men get to have all the fun with regards to embellishing their outfits!! Would you agree that getting the big things right: no break slim trousers, long lapels, etc., would achieve the same heightening effect regardless of whether the shorter gentlemen wears a wristwatch or textured wool tie?

Rups

Where is the jacket in the top picture from Simon? Navy one button jacket ..huntsman?

John

Hi Simon,
Many thanks for this very instructive post! Yet there’s a further issue that arises when one has to factor in the width of lapels. What would you suggest in that respect. I don’t think the post “how wide should my jacket’s lapels be” does provide a guide workable within the framework you have in mind in this new post.
John

Alan

Hi Simon,
Love the grey jacket in the Skoaktiebolaget pictures. I’m sure you’ve already mentioned this before, but who is the maker of the jacket?

Oskar

Anything specifically to consider for those of average build? Free to cherry-pick from either short or tall? I’m genuinely curious. Thanks much.

Koen

Hi Simon,

Thanks for this. And for your blog as a whole. Very very helpful.

Not sure I fully agree though. By interrupting the naturally elegant, vertical lines of a suit, one draws attention to those aspects that a tall, slim man might want to hide. For instance, I am tall with slim legs, something I wouldn’t want to accentuate. Though trouser cuffs may suggest width, in my experience they also add “stiffness” to the drape of the trousers. This, plus the horizontal line, draws attention to features of my body I’d like to leave unnoticed.

Greetings,
Koen

Philip

What about waistcoats? I’ve read different things from different people. In your opinion Simon, are they lengthening or shortening?

Hristo

I am 5″7 and I have also though on this topic and to be honest after several years of reading about style I am still not able to form a solid opinion on how I should dress in order to look taller.
I understand the theory about vertical lines, but this theory is not 100% solid. There is a theory that horizontal lines makes you look taller (Google).
Furthermore, when short guys dress similarly, certain looks start to be associated with short guys and than these looks appear to me short when looking on photos. For example 2×1 and 4×1 double breasted jackets. Check Daniel Radcliffe on this photo. 4×1 should in theory make him look taller, but in fact I perceive him on this photo as shorter.
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/wennpic/daniel-radcliffe-uk-premiere-the-woman-in-black-04.jpg
I think he would have looked much better in a 6×2 double breasted with smaller buttons.
Look at Edward Sexton on this photo. He is a short guy and when he violates many “rules” (6×2, pocket flaps, ticket pocket ect) he actually looks bigger and taller. Maybe because people subconsciously associate such look with taller guys.
http://www.annabelle.ch/sites/default/files/styles/an8_nocrop_1280/public/stories/1501/edward-sexton-annabelle-interview-mode.jpg

So I think this is a very complex and controversial topic.
1. Maybe there is a difference in the perception live and on photos.
2. Stereotypes play a part.
3. The goals for shorter guys are also somewhat unclear. If you are short and slim, is it really better to look taller and slimmer or it might be better to look broader? A skinny look is not at all flattering for a man.
4. And even if one agrees on the goals it is very unclear what works and what does not.

For me personally – I like high rise trousers without turn-ups and I like 6×2 double breasted jackets. I don’t like flaps and until now I have only unpatterned or subtle herringbone coats.
I think on photos for me this strategy works well.

David

Hristo,
You make some of the most interesting points I’ve ever read on this subject.
I am 5’8″ tall, have a 43″ chest and a 33″ waist. My wife calls me ‘The Gladiator’ others are less respectful and talk about “built like a s**t house door”.
I’ve always tried to keep in shape but at 63 years of age I long ago discovered that time waits for no man.
I mention all of this because my tailor of choice is A&S and I more often than not favour their single breasted house style but do sport a DB from time to time. Theoretically when I read some pundits the ‘drape’ should not be for me but it is because anything that gives me more definition makes me look like a thug.
Regarding the height issue, I don’t think it hinges around double or single breasted. I think it’s all about the cut and avoiding obvious lunacies like not cutting your body in half with dark and light colours, avoiding completely 3 button suits unless its button 2 roll 3 and never wenecessarilyaring jackets that are too long.
I don’t subscribe to the view that lapels should necessarily narrow. I think they should be proportionate to chest width.
Also, I think cloth plays a part. I wear a lot of corduroy or cashco suits because I like them and they suit my life style but I once made a mistake and had one cut in jumbo cord – it made me look like an agricultural worker !
All in all it comes down to getting absolutely the best tailor for you who truly understands your shape.

Geezer

Not sure where to post this, but you requested I do so, so here we go. I have never asked advice before on suit styling as I am pretty confident in my choices thus far. I read your blog everyday and have learned much and your advice has always proven useful and has saved me tonnes of time and money. This is why I am coming to you. I am designing a new suit.

The suit will be a Black and White Houndstooth (more Puppytooth), the fabric is 11/12 ounce flannel. I have decided on a natural shouldered, single breasted, 3 roll 2 1/2, double vent, and am really wondering about getting patch flap bellow pockets on it. They will NOT be pleated and will not have buttons. Since I live in a suburban area I lean towards country suit details and I have had suits (gabardine) and sport jackets (herringbone tweed) done with patch flap pockets and love them to death — my favourite style detail. This suit will obviously be another country suit and I work in an industry that I can wear whatever I like as long as it is smart. I have a 40″ chest and 30 waist and am 5’10”. I find the pockets help add visual weight.

I am just wondering if you would recommend trying one with patch flap bellow or should I stick to maybe just a patch pocket, or even patch flap?

ANM

What about the rules on double-breasted vs. single breasted?

I am 5’11, around 153lbs., and have a huge “drop” between chest and waist.

I have never owned a double-breasted jacket, as any I have ever tried on, if properly tailored would make me look like a 1930’s cartoon gangster. (to say nothing of the propensity of these suits to come with dual rear pockets on the pants, that if taken in for my waist, can sometimes “meet”…)

I am not sure I would care for the “look” at this point, but is there a viable solution for those with my build that would like to own a double-breasted suit/jacket?

Gero

Hello Simon,

Question: theoretically, how should one dress if they are short (5’5″) & shaped like an inverted triangle – broad shoulders and narrow waist?

Are they best served in an X shaped, Y, shaped or )( shaped jacket?

How does the amount of belly on the lapel affect the wearer vs. a straighter lapel.

Your thoughts on thoughts will much be appreciated.

Thank you & have a great day!

Andy Lo

Hi Simon,

THanks for this article, as a ‘shorter’ man, the advice is helpful.

But in terms of overcoats, you’ve never really touched upon how to flatter the tall and short.
Would you say for the shorter men, avoid any overcoats that sits below the knee as it will shorten the appearance of the legs right?

Would you say the ideal length for any coats/overcoats is above the knee?

Thanks

TB

I’m tall and slim with long arms. What suit jacket length measurement works best? Cover behind? To knuckles? Something else?

Thanks

Anonymous

Being 5’7” with short arms, I find that jackets that end at mid thumb don’t cover my seat. Which would you favor? A longer jacket that does?

Dan

Hello Simon,

My question is somewhat related to Anonymous’.

A devil-in-the-details question related to proportions of jacket length, where arms fall, and seat coverage. I’m 5′ 8.5″, so about average or just shy. I’ve been staring at the PS Lookbook page and noticing that, on you at least, the SB jacket length looks right when the skirt falls at or just above the line of the crotch, viewed from the front. Too much above this creates an imbalance to my eye. Also, you are by definition covering the seat going off this ‘rule’. In my own proportions, the average jacket in my wardrobe falls to this point, but my arms seem shorter than average, because with the appropriate seat coverage, my fingers only extend past the jacket by maybe an inch. I wish it could be more. Unlike Anonymous though, I’m closer to average height and suspect I need not shorten everything in proportion (as mentioned in this article).

I understand this balance needs to flatter and compromises must be made. Would you jeopardise a little bum coverage to make the arms appear longer (thereby shortening length of jacket) or embrace the more “traditional” cut of the jacket and let the arms fall where they may? Different for a suit vs sport jacket?

Anonymous

Just for reference, Simon, what’s the back length on your jackets on average?

Hugo

Dear Simon,

I have a different question in regard to fit, or perhaps more generally about how to dress according to one’s body type. Specifically, I’m curious about your experience regarding dressing to suit a rather small head. I find that the broader shoulders of a formal jacket often exagerates my relatively small head. Another issue I’ve ran into is the shirt collar, which I prefer cutaway with Points extending below the jacket, but which then often seems unproportionally large compared to my face. Furthermore, I have issues with finding glasses, especially sunglasses, and hats, that don’t make my head seem smaller than it already is. My face is neither tall nor wide, simply rather tiny compared to my otherwise tall, but slim, body.

I’d appreciate any thoughts and pointers you might have on the matter.

Regards,
Hugo

Hugo

Simon,

Indeed softer shoulders have seemed to be a way out, albeit an unfortunately restrictive one. None the less, I guess there are different alternatives even within this, so I’ll have to do some searching.

As for collars, I’m also faced with a rather long neck, essentially ruling out a lower one from what I myself can judge.

I look forward to your post on glasses, and appreciate the advice on hat sizing. I’ll have to try some different models.

Thanks,
Hugo

Xiaozhou Guo

Hi Simon, Great article! I’m 5 foot 7 and this definitely help me when choosing a style for my suit? I like the one button style with a jetted pocket, and I agree with you that peak lapel looks odd and fat on a single breasted suit. I just have some questions:

1. if the suit consist jetted pocket and one button which are formal detail, but with a notch lapel that’s reatively casual, wouldnt this looks odd?

2. with the jetted pocket, would you suggest straight or slant?

3. What’s theory behind a longer lapel and lower button stance make me look taller? I know that you suppose to have shorter jacket and high rise pants to make your leg look longer, but what exactly does longer lapel and lower button stance do? Do they lengthen the torso? if they do, would that make me look shorter?

george tsiliras

hi simon
many thanks for this article,i have some thoughts first for short man the combination sport jacket with different pant maybe more versatile since you can play with the upper and lower part of body example checked jacket witm monochrom trouser and secont what about accesories scarves,sunglasses, pocket sqare etc can be bold to catch the eye.
thank you

Jonny

Hi Simon,

As someone of 5ft 7, but with square shoulders and a pronounced chest, would you suggest that a higher lapel gorge may work better for me? My understanding is a lower/standard gorge won’t draw the eye upwards as much, and may also accentuate an already big chest?

Anonymous

Question about waistcoats as part of a three-piece suit. (Wasn’t sure where most appropriate to put this question.) In addition to breaking up my height (6’4″), I like the layer of formality and warmth that waistcoats allow, as well as the function of keeping my tie in place, which is useful if I have to do anything active. I prefer cloth holding the tie in place rather than a clip. However, are there suits for which a waistcoat is disproportionately formal. Specifically, I have a blue-grey fresco suit that I love and wear on warmer days, but I had it made with patch pockets to add a touch of casualness and to allow the jacket to be worn on its own. I’m thinking of adding the vest. Can it be stated as a rule that a waistcoat would clash with a jacket having patch pockets, or would they work all right? The suit is still formal enough to wear in most business settings. Thanks.

Thibault

Can you please give advice on how a man with an overal slim athletic build but with fairly broad shoulders (48-50), a very small waist (30 at the hip bones)) and with a torso that is shorter than his legs should pick suit jackets and trousers in regard to the length of the jacket and how high the trousers should be worn. Should I also look at button stance or not?
I tend to take trousers with a lower rise other wise I look like a stumb on legs if I tuck in my shirt without a jacket on.
(I’m planning to invest in a good amount of MTM suits, odd jackets & trousers)

Anonymous

Hi Simon,
For a shorter man, when considering trousers, what would lengthen and add the appearance of height, flat fronts or pleats, or no real difference?

P

hi simon, just to be clear im referring to shoulder pads for a a man around 5″
thanks

Max

Simon,
A very useful post. I am pleased that you say that these aren’t rules per say but guidance as one can obsess over the details.

I have just received a donegal sports jacket from my tailor. It’s fantastic, but a ticket pocket was added that wasn’t asked for! As a short gent this is far from ideal. As it can’t be removed I was wondering what your views are on tucking in the ticket pocket flap into the pocket for some occasions where I wouldn’t perhaps want the country aesthetic?
Thanks

George Guo

Hi Simon, these are very useful advice, but I do have one small question. I understand that vertical stripe can elongate the figure, but what if I’m short and athletic, does vertical stripes has broadening effect or not? I dot want to look taller but even broader which is not good.

I already covered all my basics with 2 grey suit and 1 navy high twists for summer, and one cashmere charcoal and one flannel midnight for winter all in solids.

Chris

Simon…

What are your thoughts on notched lapels with jetted/besom pockets? Going for as formal a suit as possible, but I think the peak lapels would be too rakish and aggressive for my office environment. I want to look well tailored, but in an understated way. Would also like your thoughts on whether a 3-roll-2 or a tipover would be acceptable with such a suit. Want to strike the balance between being formal but unique.

Dylan

Hi Simon,

In terms of lengthening a torso, do you think there is a difference between the 2 button and 3-roll-2? Is this what you meant by 3 button? Or did you mean 3 full buttons?

David MS

Hi Simon,

Been following you for a while on Permanent Style. I am soon going to order my first bespoke suit. I am looking at different styles, Italian, French or English. Most people who model in suits are tall and lean. I like Edward Sexton and Kenjiro Suzuki. On the Italian side I am leaning towards Caraceni and Liverano. What style would you recommend for someone with a body type of MIKE TYSON. I have similiar body type.

Sincerely
David

David MS

Thanks for the reply. I have not looked a Panico or Ciardi. I will check them out. So basically I should order a suit without strong shoulders.
What do you think about Kenjiro Suzuki but without the classic shoulder pad but with softer pads ?

George Kwok

I wonder if it is beneficial for short men to wear pleated pants, I’m 5 foot 7 but quite muscular at 175lbs.

George Kwok

yep got it, thanks man

Honjou Kazuki

Greeting to you Simon, this is a very nice written article with practical reasoning behinds, I surely learned a lot from you. But I wonder what do you think about casual jacket? I am about 5 foot 7 and very muscular at 175lbs year around. I’m a engineer and during my time off, smart casual to business casual are both preferable dress code for me (full business once a month at best during board meeting. So I plan on having 4 casual jackets made bespoke. I think of a greyish/black jacket, navy, olive and a burgundy jacket would be nice

My question is I’m wonder if single breasted blazers or shorter casual jackets like baracuta g9 or A2 will look better on me (short & athletic)? or should I own both? if so how do I arrange them in these preffered colours? Thanks a million Simon!!!

Honjou Kazuki

I still on the fence between a one button jacket and a paddock cut model, I need to figure out where I want my natural waistline to locate first

Toby

Hi Simon & Permanent Style team,

I recently came across this article by Robb Report and I’m pretty intrigued by the super casual Sunspel suits. Paired with a nice white t-shirt and white sneakers I could definitely see this look during summer for conferences or casual work dinners (I work in the startup/VC industry).
Zegna also has something somewhat similar with their “TECHMERINO Wash&Go Suit”.

What is your take on this? Does it work? If yes, how would you style it?

In the same vein: How long do you think should a suit jacket be? I just got a bespoke suit and it feels super long to me (ends right above the thumb). Is there a rule of thumb regarding the length? For example: “Normally, the jacket should end right at the MCP joint, ending on the thumb makes you look more traditional.”

Thanks a lot for the great content you are putting out! Have a great week.

https://robbreport.com/style/fashion/robb-recommends-sunspel-casely-hayford-1234676751/

Toby

Hi Simon,

thanks for the quick response! That really makes sense, will definitely check out both links.
Have a good one.

Stefan

Usually, the recommendation is a softer italian suit for the more muscular man. What confuse me sometimes is when I look at David Gandy for example. He looks very good in a Henry Poole suit. Daniel Craig who also is quite muscular look good in a A&S DB tuxedo and suits. (He has had some horrible tight though). The two men have really good bodies that looks good in everything, perhaps?

Rocco

Can you please provide some insight regarding the grey cloth on the double-breasted jacket at the top of the page?

Duke

Hi Simon,

Could you comment shoe specifics that could help enhance the stature of a shorter figure. Toe shapes, heel pitch (1 1/8″(29mm), 1 1/4″(32mm), eyelets, and certain styles, like plain toes, cap toes, and apron front.

Duke

Thank you, Simon.

Joseph

Hi Simon – are there any benefits to a single vent over double vents for a jacket?

Sam

Simon, I have been a silent reader of our articles for a while now and ofcourse also watch a lot of your youtube and insta stories. Thanks for all that you do for men’s style.
Like (it seems) a lot of the other commenters here, I am also a short bit shapely guy. 5’6”, 40.5” chest, 34” at the buttoning point and 32” for trousers. So Athletic but not over the top.
My take on dressing as a short guy is that at my height nothing is goin’ convince anyone I am tall or even medium height. So, while not wearing stuff that obviously fights against my figure, i don’t hold off completely on things I like which are not ‘recommended’ (for good reason) for shorter guys. For example I do wear check sportcoats with contrasting trousers as I like that look a lot. I also like larger lapels as sometimes an extended shoulder as I find it useful to heighten the ‘gifts’ I have (broad chest and shipping but strong shoulders) rather than compensate for what I haven’t (height). Mostly my shoes are simple, but I do like captoe with semi-brogues, Y-tip derbies and other shoes that do have some visual interest.
Its interesting that a lot of times I am more complemented when sporting a ‘busier’ sportcoat rather than a plain dark or pinstripe which should in theory flatter me better.
As you said, as long as the intent is not specifically to look taller, more options do abound…
If you have time, you can see some of my looks here
https://instagram.com/taste_fitness_fashion?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Sam

Thank you Simon! All well taken. I have been trying to consciously reduce the use if belts much as possible. Unfortunately, some of my chinos and casual pants (especially) do inch downward over the day as I have lean hips. This is more so with cottons which obviously gives a fair bit against tension. I do use suspenders with formals sometimes, but where I live I will probably be ridiculed if I wear them with chinos and jeans. So I am slowly replacing ‘em then with bespoke and MTM pieces with side adjusters – all my suits over the last couple of years do have them!
Thanks again for your kind thoughts!

James

Simon – I’m a bit short (around 5’ 8”) but fairly lean and toned (with square shoulders). Assuming I go for a two button SB, which of the quintessential house cuts do you think might flatter me most (assuming I want to look taller and no less athletic). Huntsman, A&S, Cifonelli, A Caraceni, or Neopolitan – or something else? Thanks in advance.