Tailoring Advice for Different Body Types

A well-cut suit should work with your natural build, not fight it. Here's how tailors typically approach a few common body types — useful context before your first consultation, not a substitute for one.

Broader shoulders, narrower waist

A structured, moderately padded shoulder with a slightly suppressed waist tends to work well here, creating clean lines without exaggerating the natural taper.

Fuller through the midsection

A softer shoulder, a slightly longer jacket length, and a single-breasted, notch-lapel cut generally create a cleaner line than a heavily fitted waist or double-breasted style, which can emphasise rather than flatter.

Taller, leaner builds

A slightly shorter jacket length and a fuller, softer shoulder can help balance height and add visual width, avoiding an overly narrow, elongated silhouette.

Shorter builds

A higher trouser rise, a slightly shorter jacket length, and minimising strong horizontal lines (like wide lapels or contrasting waistbands) all help create a more elongated overall impression.

Why this is a conversation, not a formula

These are general starting points, not rules — a good tailor will look at your actual proportions, posture, and how you move, not just a body-type category, before recommending a cut.