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    Festive Fashion

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    • LOCALIST

      SUITS FOR EVERY SIZE Dressing Room Tips on How to Buy the Right Suit for Your Shape

      Special to Stylelist by Laurel Pinson

      Suits are back in a big way, from nods to old-school style icons like Cary Grant (ahem, George Clooney) to simply choosing a jacket over jeans. Every man needs a good suit, though some don't always know how to find one. Here are some simple tricks of the trade to help every shape and size find their perfect fit.


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      Short

      Do:
      - Buy a short-length suit (don't be ashamed)
      - Show more shirt cuff under your jacket (it makes your arms look longer)
      - Buy a jacket with a peak lapel and a lower-set buttons

      Don't:
      - Wear fat ties and wide lapels
      - Buy short pants and a regular-sized jacket

        Tall

        Do:
        - Wear light colors without sharp patterns
        - Try a two or three-button suit to make your torso appear shorter
        - Keep the cuff shown under your jacket to a minimum

        Don't:
        - Buy a jacket with padded shoulders
        - Wear any skinny or slender ties: They make you look even longer

        Bulky or Overweight

        Do:
        - Keep it clean: no patterned shirts or shiny fabrics
        - Wear a high-buttoned jacket, and keep it buttoned

        Don't:
        - Buy a bigger or roomier suit: It just makes you look bigger
        - Wear a skinny tie

        Lean

        Do:
        - Brave a bold pattern (consider even checked or boldly striped suits)
        - Buy a double-breasted jacket

        Don't:
        - Wear pinstripes or shiny fabrics
        - Buy a slim-cut suit

        Large Gut

        Do:
        - Purchase trousers that sit lower, below your stomach
        - Wear slim, flat-front pants
        - Get your suit jacket tapered at the sides

        Don't:
        - Wear waistcoats and three-piece suits to cover up your stomach
        - Buy a double-breasted jacket

        Large Rear

        Do:
        - Shop for dark or matte suits
        - Try on jackets with side vents instead of a center vent at the back that may strain when you sit down or bend over

        Don't:
        - Wear shiny or reflective fabrics
        - Purchase low-cut trousers

          Know Your Strengths & Weaknesses

          While most women are well aware of their strong and weak points as far as their bodies are concerned, many men don't know (or don't admit) their shape issues. Shop for the size you are, not what you expect to become or used to be, and you'll have better luck.

            Tailoring Tips

            Remember what a good tailor can and cannot do: While a tailor can shorten pant length, adjust an inseam and taper a jacket, he can't do anything about a suit's shoulders. If the shoulders don't fit correctly in the dressing room (not extending beyond your actual shoulders), try on a another jacket.

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