Can a chest 38 wear a chest 41-42?
I found a pretty good deal for a morning tailcoat and the waistcoat on Etsy, some vintage mostly unworn coat from the 20s-40s from heavyweight wool from Aquascutum. I’m 5’8 1/2ish (174 cm last time I checked). The description said “large” rather than “long”. It’s also meant to be slim fitting. Can I still wear this without looking like it’s too big for me or do I have to get this tailored?
I’ve got a taller upper body rather than taller legs.
Underarm to underarm:- 22 1/4 " waistcoat 21 1/4"
Middle across jacket waist:- 20"
Underarm to hem:- 31 "
Sleeve length (shoulder seem to cuff):- 25 1/2"
Shoulder to shoulder measured at the back:-19 1/2" Overall length (top of collar to hem):- 44" waistcoat 26" ^measurements on the tailcoat and waistcoat
Underarm to hem:- 31 "
Sleeve length (shoulder seem to cuff):- 25 1/2"
Shoulder to shoulder measured at the back:-19 1/2" Overall length (top of collar to hem):- 44" waistcoat 26" ^measurements on the tailcoat and waistcoat
7 Replies
If you're a 38, no I wouldn't recommend 22.5" PTP on principle. That won't be alterable since the armholes will be just too far from your chest. Nearly 20" shoulder to shoulder is also really quite large for a 38.
I'd rather just wait for a better sized one to come around. I'm sure it will - don't waste your money even if it's a good deal
Would 39 be wearable at all or would it only be 36-38?
I guess you could? But no, I would personally wait until your exact size is available. Shoulder fit is absolutely paramount to good-looking tailoring, and the chest size impacts shoulder-to-shoulder distance and length proportions
There is a more expensive one for almost twice the price
I could just save up a bit more for that one instead
That’s a perfect 38
Yea I'd do that. I've spent too much on tailoring that fit fine, but not great, and was never happy with it. I'd rather just wait and pay for something I really like
If you have clothes that you like the fit of already, you will have a better time measuring them and comparing the measurements
rather than going off sizes
espicially if its actually vintage
I'll second the suggestion that the only way to make sure that the jacket fits is to measure an existing one that fits you well. I'm a similar chest size as you - 38-39" around depending on the shirt and how tight that I pull the tape measure. I have some sports coats and jackets that fit better as a 38 L and some that fit better as a 40 L, so knowing the garment measurements is key if you can't try the item on first.
I'd write down you pit-to-pit, shoulder-to-shoulder, sleeve length, and back body length to have as reference. Shoulder and sleeve and back lengths are especially important, since it's impossible/not easy to make them longer or adjhust the shoulders. I'd also take a good look at the button stance as well on any jacket, especially if there is any waist suppression.
But to answer your question, a 22.5" pit-to-pit seems a bit too large for a 38" chest. I've found that 20.5-21.5" is the sweet spot depending on the overall cut