Suit trousers are as much a part of the suit as the jacket, yet they are often neglected. And it is the right fit of the trousers that completes the effect of an elegant suit. When buying off the rack you often get the trousers and the jacket in one package, although standard sizing fits very few people well. As with a good jacket, it is advisable to have suit trousers made to your measurements and needs. We show you what matters in a well-fitting pair of trousers.
The right cut for your suit trousers
As with the jacket, suit trousers also come in different fits that have different characteristics. Which fit you should choose depends both on your build and on your personal preferences. You should also take the occasion for buying the suit into account.
Slim Fit – modern and trend-conscious
This very body-hugging fit has become more and more popular in recent years. The cut is very narrow and is distinguished by tapered trouser legs, which become narrower towards the bottom. On athletic, slim men in particular this cut looks elegant.
Against all expectation, the Slim Fit brings a great deal of freedom of movement with it, so that it can be worn well in everyday life. Here the trouser legs may be cut a little shorter than is otherwise usual, which underlines a young, sporty style. A sock can certainly flash into view and be used as a fashion statement in its own right.
Regular Fit – classic and timeless
If you set great store by timelessness and a serious appearance, we recommend the Regular Fit cut. It is regarded as an all-rounder, because it suits every figure and is right for every occasion. The trouser legs are cut straight here and the trousers have more room than in the close-fitting cut, yet the silhouette remains fairly body-conscious overall. The trousers sit on the hips and should fit like a glove above all at the thighs. The rule here: the trouser leg ends halfway down the heel of the shoe.
Whether you need a suit for a very elegant occasion such as a wedding or a reception, or want to be suitably dressed for the office or for client meetings, with the Regular Fit you are choosing a popular classic that radiates elegance and competence.
Comfort Fit – comfortable and well-fitting
With this cut you are opting for the most comfortable trouser shape. The uncomplicated cut offers maximum comfort, because the legs are cut fairly wide and the trousers may sit on the hips rather than on the waist overall. Even so, with the Comfort Fit the trousers have to be chosen to fit precisely, which means they must not be too wide or too loose. Particular attention goes to the trouser leg, which may form a small fold at the shoe, also known as a break.
This cut suits men of a particularly sturdy build. Many go for this very comfortable cut above all for everyday office wear.
Determining the right trouser size for men
It goes without saying that we take your measurements before we make any pair of made-to-measure trousers. To make a good fit possible, we determine the inseam as well as the waistband width. Only when both are cut to the length that is right for you do the suit trousers sit ideally.
For the waistband width the waist circumference is measured. To allow maximum comfort when walking, for the inseam we measure from the crotch to the floor.
We recommend writing your measurements down and carrying them with you, for example in your wallet or as a digital note on your phone. That way you can pick the right size and fit even when buying on the spur of the moment, and you can also track whether and how your measurements have changed over time.
Size chart for men's trousers (suit trousers, jeans. chinos)
You can take your correct trouser size from the following table. Choose between regular sizes, extra-long sizes and short sizes.
Regular sizesIf your inseam is between 76 and 86 cm, you should go for a regular size. Your waist measurement should be between 70 and 117.5 cm.
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Extra-long sizesIf you are very tall and slim, you should go for an extra-long size. Here the trouser legs are cut considerably longer while the waist measurement stays the same.
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Short sizes
If you are on the shorter side, we recommend a short size. Men with a slight belly also benefit from this step. Here the trouser legs are cut shorter than average.
| Size (Width/Length) |
Waist measurement 1 | Inseam 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 33/30 | 82.5-84.5 | 76 |
| 34/30 | 85-87 | 76 |
| 36/32 | 90-92 | 81 |
| 38/32 | 95.5-97.5 | 81 |
| 40/32 | 100.5-102.5 | 81 |
| 42/32 | 105.5-107.5 | 81 |
When do suit trousers fit well?
As you may know from jeans, with suit trousers too the combination of length and width is given to determine the right size, for example W32/L34. But besides the right ready-to-wear size there are further factors that make for a good fit.
The trousers should lie close at the seat without constricting. That also means that no unwanted folds are visible and that the trousers do not pull downwards. The lowest point of the trouser leg – the so-called break – should just touch the shoe; with some cuts it may even be a few centimeters shorter here. If the suit trousers are too long, the suit as a whole looks inelegant and too big.
5 mistakes you should avoid when wearing suit trousers
The suit trousers are too long.
Current fashion forgives a slightly too short cut, but with trousers that are too long, folds at the seat and on the trouser leg catch the eye very quickly. That does not look elegant, and it looks a little as if you had borrowed the suit from someone. So: have the trousers shortened by a tailor you trust.
Wearing white socks with suit trousers.
Socks that stand out in color can be a bold fashion statement with a suit. White socks or knee high socks, however, are the one real faux pas. They look very sporty and ruin the elegance of a suit. So: better to combine white socks only with sneakers and to reach for knee high socks in matching colors.
Bulging trouser pockets.
A high-quality suit deserves a little care and love. That includes not keeping pointed objects such as keys or wallets in your trouser pocket. They can ruin delicate fabrics and even cause holes. Stretched-out trouser pockets can hardly be repaired, so you should find another way of carrying things.
Combining a belt and suspenders.
Many men want to be sure that the trousers stay in place and therefore reach for both a belt and suspenders. The two together overload the trousers visually, however, and are not necessary at all if you pay attention to the right fit beforehand.
Accessories that are too sporty
With an elegant suit you can combine jewelry and watches, and a pocket square or a tie in a matching color also enriches your style. What you should keep away from, however, is carrying a sporty backpack or a gym bag. Sports shoes, too, usually do not cut a good figure with a complete suit. Go for classics such as leather shoes or a discreet shoulder bag, or do without accessories to be on the safe side.
Would you like support in finding the right suit trousers? We are glad to advise you comprehensively, take your measurements and determine the cut that suits you. Just get in touch!