In case you didn't know, a suit jacket is the most versatile item you can own as its able to be dressed-up with a shirt and tie, dressed-down with your favorite tee and layered under and over without losing any of its sartorial appeal.
Whether you've got business to handle and need to look sharp for the competition, or you just want to wine and dine your lady looking like a class act, a suit is the basic building block of looking good. It's a timeless, ever adaptable wardrobe essential that is meant to be played. Hard.
From power player to happy hour and everywhere in between, the beauty of a well fitted jacket is that the possibilities are endless.
Trust me when I say that it doesn't matter what kind of suit you're investing in, whether its $200 or $2,000, wool or seersucker, two-button or three, the most important factor in this wardrobe equation is FIT.
Here are 3 ways to tell if your suit jacket fits:
1)Hug it Out:
Let's take it from the top shall we? A good suit should hug your shoulders, not fall off of them. To be sure your jacket actually fits try hugging someone. I'd suggest hugging someone you know as a non willing participant could make for an awkward moment. Just a thought. Now, if it feels like you're going to burst a seam and go all hulk mania on the person you're hugging then it's safe to say its not a good fit. A rule to remember? When buying a suit, go ahead and try sizing down. Trust me, just try it. Most men think they wear a size larger then they actually do which results in an overall sloppy look. Bottom line? When you pull on a jacket, there should be firmness to it that instantly makes you stand taller. A man in a well fitted suit is to be taken seriously. Be. That. Dude.
2)Get Cuffed Up:
Your suit sleeves should end just above the hinges of your wrists, so a quarter to half inch of shirt cuff shows. Try the "curl up" test by pulling on your suit jacket and letting your arms hang relaxed at your sides. Curl your fingers up and make sure the jacket tail rests right in that crevice your fingers have made. If it's bunched up, the jacket's too long. A rule to remember? Your flat hand should slip easily into your suit under the lapels when the top (or middle) button is fastened and the jacket sleeves should fall where the base of your thumb meets your wrist.
3)Bring It In For the Real Thing:
Tapering is the name of the game. Your jacket should contour to the shape of your body. This is where your tailor comes in. If you don't have one, I'd suggest getting one...yesterday. Have your tailor nip your jacket at the sides to give you a waist, because yes, you have one and yes, you do want to accentuate it. By doing so, you'll also be highlighting your shoulders--whether you've got ones that say "welcome to the gun show" or not, a good tailor will make you look like you do. 
So suit up gents! You and your girl can thank me later...
For more style tips visit Zoey at Style by Zoey