If The Jacket Fits, Wear It – Business Image

When it comes to work image and appearance one of the most common mistakes I find is BAD FIT of clothing. You could be wearing the most expensive fragrance, the latest watch and a $ 2000 suit yet if the fit is not correct for you – you will look unpolished and sloppy.

Your business attire needs to look like it was made for YOU and not someone else. Thus one of your most important image tools is a great alterations person. Let’s face it few people can just buy anything off the shelf and look fabulous in it.

For now, let’s talk about one of the essentials in a corporate wardrobe …the jacket.

Your jacket fit and choice is crucial as it acts as the foreground for the rest of the outfit. Having a suit jacket that fits flawlessly can make you look professional and well-dressed. Here are 6 simple tips to ensure that if the jacket fits – you can wear it…

Your collar should surround your neck smoothly with no wrinkling or bunching.

Men: Your jacket collar should go up about halfway up your shirt collar – showing some, but not all, of your shirt collar.

1. The Collar

Your collar should surround your neck smoothly with no wrinkling or bunching.

2. The Shoulder

Like a shirt, the shoulder seam of your jacket should meet with the natural edge of your shoulder.

The shoulder should be smooth and never have an indent below the seam (known as a divot) when standing with your arms at the sides.

3. The Torso

Your jacket should be able to be worn open or closed. If it is pulling at the button when fastened (signified by the fabric forming an X shape)-it’s too tight. Your jacket should follow the lines of your figure closely.

4. The Hug Test

If your jacket feels like it will tear if you were to hug someone, it’s too tight. If there is excess fabric across the chest/bust area it’s too loose.

5. The Sleeves

When standing straight with your arms at your sides, your sleeves should reach your wrist bones. Make sure your sleeves do not cover your hands. Men: 1/2 – 1 inch of shirt sleeve should be visible.

The sleeve should run close to your arm for a slim, sleek look. A wide sleeve can look bunchy, and make the jacket look boxy.

6. The Length (applies to a standard length jacket).

The back length measurement should be equivalent to half the length from (a) the bottom of the back of your shirt collar, down to (b) the bottom of your foot.

It should visually divide your body in half. However, these rules can be broken in the case of the more modern suit jackets that tend to be slightly shorter than the standard length.

A must is that the jacket should completely cover your rear. The latter does not apply to the cropped and mid-hip women’s jackets. Your jacket hem is a horizontal line so avoid a length that ends at your widest point. e.g. Ladies, if you want to minimize large hips, find a jacket that falls just below or just above your hips instead of right on the area.

 

Ensure your work attire fits correctly and comfortably as your visual image is one of your brand’s best marketing tools.

If you’re looking to ELEVATE you and your team’s to new levels of success connect with us for more info on our Packaged For Success program

 

 

Picture Credits:
https://effortlessgent.com
http://www.alterationsneeded.com
http://www.blacklapel.com

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