How to determine your trouser size for suit pants and more

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How to determine your trouser size for suit pants and more - Christian Weilert

They are as much a part of the suit as the jacket, but they are often neglected: the suit trousers. Yet the right fit of trousers is what completes the look of an elegant suit. When buying off-the-peg, you often get trousers and a jacket in one package, but there are only a few bodies where the standard fits really well. As with a good jacket, it is advisable to have tailored suit trousers made to suit your needs. We'll show you what's important when it comes to the right trousers.

They are as much a part of the suit as the jacket, but they are often neglected: the suit trousers. Yet the right fit of trousers is what completes the look of an elegant suit. When buying off-the-peg, you often get trousers and a jacket in one package, but there are only a few bodies where the standard fits really well. As with a good jacket, it is advisable to have tailored suit trousers made to suit your needs. We'll show you what's important when it comes to the right trousers.

The right cut for your suit trousers

As with jackets, there are also different fits for suit pants, which have different characteristics. Which fit you should choose depends on both your physique and your personal preferences. You should also consider the occasion for your suit purchase.

Slim Fit - modern and trendy

The very figure-hugging fit has become increasingly popular in recent years. The cut is very slim and is characterized by tapered trouser legs, making them narrower at the bottom. This cut looks particularly elegant on sporty, slim men. 

Contrary to expectations, the slim fit offers plenty of freedom of movement, making them ideal for everyday wear. The trouser legs can be cut a little shorter than usual, which emphasizes a young, sporty style. A sock can be flashed out and used as a fashion statement in its own right.

Regular Fit - classic and timeless

If you attach great importance to timelessness and seriousness, we recommend the regular fit. It is considered an all-rounder as it suits every figure type and is suitable for all occasions. The trouser legs are cut straight here and the pants have more play than in the close-fitting cut, but the overall silhouette remains quite figure-hugging. The trousers sit on the hips and should fit like a glove, especially on the thighs. The following applies here: the length of the trouser legs ends halfway up the heel of the shoe.  

Whether you need a suit for a very elegant occasion such as a wedding or reception or want to be dressed appropriately for the office or client meetings, the regular fit is a popular classic that exudes elegance and competence. 

Comfort Fit - Comfortable and perfect fit

With this cut, you are opting for the most comfortable trouser shape. The uncomplicated cut offers maximum comfort, as the legs are cut quite wide and the trousers should sit more on the hips than on the waist. Nevertheless, even with the Comfort Fit, the trousers must fit perfectly, i.e. they must not be too wide or too loose. Particular attention should be paid to the trouser leg, which may have a small crease at the shoe, also known as the nose. 

This cut is particularly suitable for men with a strong build. Many opt for this very comfortable cut, especially in the office. 

Determining the right trouser size for men

It goes without saying that we take your measurements before making any made-to-measure trousers. To ensure a good fit, we determine the inseam and waist size. Only when both are cut to the right length for you will the suit trousers fit perfectly. 

For the waist width, the waist circumference is measured. To ensure maximum comfort when walking, we measure the crotch length from the crotch to the floor. 

We recommend that you write down your measurements and keep them with you, for example in your wallet or as a digital note on your cell phone. This way, you can choose the right size and fit even if you buy on impulse and also keep track of whether and how your measurements have changed over time.

Size chart for men's pants (suit pants, jeans, chinos)

You can find your correct trouser size in the following table. Choose between regular sizes, extra-long sizes and short sizes.

 

Normal sizes

If your inseam is between 76 and 86 cm, you should go for a regular size. Your waist size should be between 70 and 117.5 cm.

Size
(width/length)
Waist circumference  Step length 
28/30 70-72 76
29/30 72,5-74,5 76
30/32 75-77 81
32/32 80-82 81
33/32 82,5-84,5 81
34/32 85-87 81
36/34 90-92 86
38/34 95,5-97,5 86
40/34 100,5-102,5 86
42/34 105,5-107,5 86
44/34 110,5-112,5 86
46/34 115,5-117,5 86

 Extra long sizes

If you are very tall and slim, you should go for an extra-long size. In this case, the trouser legs are cut significantly longer while the waistband remains the same.

Size
(width/length)
Waist circumference Step length 
28/32 70-72 81
29/32 72,5-74,5 81
30/34 75-77 86
32/34 80-82 86
33/34 82,5-84,5 86
34/36 85-87 91
36/36 90-92 91
38/36 95,5-97,5 91

Short sizes

If you are rather short, we recommend a short size. Men with a slight build also benefit from this cut. The trouser legs are cut shorter than average here.

Size
(width/length)
Waist circumference 1 Step length 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, the combination of length and width is also used to determine the correct size for suit pants, for example W32/L34. However, in addition to the right size, there are other factors that determine a good fit. 

The pants should fit snugly around the bottom without being constricting. This also means that no unwanted creases are visible or that the trousers pull downwards. The lowest point of the trouser leg - the so-called trouser crease - should just touch the shoe, and with some cuts it can even be a few centimetres shorter. If the suit trousers are too long, the suit as a whole will look 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 if the trousers are too long, creases on the buttocks and trouser legs will quickly catch the eye. This doesn't look elegant and looks a bit like you've borrowed someone else's suit. Therefore: Have the trousers shortened by a tailor you trust.

Wear white socks with suit trousers.

Eye-catching colored socks with a suit can be a bold fashion statement. However, white socks or stockings are a real faux pas. These look very sporty and ruin the elegance of a suit. Therefore, it is better to combine white socks with sneakers only and opt for knee-high socks in a matching color.

Baggy trouser pockets.

A high-quality suit deserves a little care and attention. This includes not keeping sharp objects such as keys or wallets in your trouser pocket. They can ruin delicate fabrics and even cause holes. Worn-out trouser pockets are almost impossible to repair, so you should find another storage option.

Combine belts and suspenders.

Many men want to make sure that their trousers stay in place and therefore reach for both a belt and suspenders. However, both overload the trousers visually and are not necessary if you pay attention to the right fit in advance. 

Accessories that are too sporty

You can combine jewelry and watches with an elegant suit, and a pocket square or matching tie will also enhance your style. However, you should refrain from wearing a sporty backpack or sports bag. Sports shoes don't usually cut a good figure with a full suit either. Opt for classics such as leather shoes, a discreet shoulder bag or do without accessories to be on the safe side.

Would you like help finding the right suit trousers? We would be happy to give you comprehensive advice, take your measurements and determine the right cut for you. Just get in touch with us!

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