Suit Fit Calculator
How Your Measurements Impact Fit
Most online tailors use precise measurements rather than standard sizes. Enter your key measurements to see if you're likely to get a good fit.
Note: If your measurements are outside typical ranges, you might need a custom brand that specializes in non-standard sizes.
Buying a suit online sounds easy. You pick a style, click buy, and a few days later, a box arrives. But what if the shoulders are too tight? Or the jacket’s too long? Or the pants don’t sit right on your waist? You’re not alone if you’ve hesitated. Many men assume buying a suit online is a gamble - and honestly, some of them are right. But here’s the truth: it’s not the act of buying online that’s risky. It’s how you do it.
Why People Think Online Suit Shopping Is Dangerous
The biggest fear? Getting stuck with a suit that doesn’t fit. You can’t try it on. You can’t walk around a store in it. You can’t ask a salesperson to adjust the hem. And if you’ve ever bought pants online without checking the size chart, you know how easy it is to end up with something that looks like it was made for someone else.
That’s why so many men stick to brick-and-mortar stores. They trust the in-person fitting. They like the feel of wool on their skin before they buy. And honestly? That’s smart - if you have the time, the budget, and the local options.
But here’s what most people don’t realize: online suit retailers have gotten seriously good. Not just in selection, but in fit. Brands like Indochino, Suitsupply, and even local New Zealand-based tailors like FitMySuit is a New Zealand-based custom tailoring service that offers virtual measurements and free alterations. now use real human measurements, not just size charts. They don’t just ask for your chest size. They ask for your sleeve length from shoulder to wrist. Your armhole depth. Your natural waist. Your hip-to-knee ratio. That’s not guesswork. That’s tailoring.
What Makes Online Suit Shopping Safe
The real shift happened when online tailors stopped pretending everyone is a standard size. They stopped saying, “Medium fits 38-40 chest.” Instead, they started collecting real body data. And they started building suits around that data - not the other way around.
Here’s what actually works:
- Virtual consultations - Many brands now offer video calls with tailoring advisors. You show them how your current suit fits. They spot the issues. They adjust your order.
- Free alterations - If the suit arrives and the sleeves are half an inch too long? Most reputable online tailors will cover the cost of local alterations. Some even send you a prepaid label.
- Real fabric swatches - You can order fabric samples before you buy. Feel the weight. See how the color looks in your bathroom lighting. This isn’t a gimmick - it’s standard now.
- Size history - If you’ve bought from them before, they remember your measurements. No need to re-enter your data. That’s convenience you won’t get in a store.
One guy from Wellington told me he bought three suits online last year. All custom. All fitted perfectly. He said the first one was a bit off - the lapels were too narrow. He sent a photo. The company sent him a new one, free of charge. No hassle. No argument. Just a replacement.
When Online Suit Shopping Goes Wrong
It’s not all perfect. And it’s not for everyone.
If you’re buying from a random Amazon seller offering “luxury Italian suits for $199,” you’re playing Russian roulette. Those suits? They’re usually made in factories with no quality control. The lining slips. The buttons pop. The fabric pills after two wears.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Prices that seem too good - A true bespoke suit costs $600 minimum. Anything under $300 is likely mass-produced with synthetic blends.
- No return policy - If the site doesn’t offer free returns or alterations, walk away.
- No customer reviews with photos - Real people posting pictures of their suits? That’s gold. If there are only star ratings and no visuals, be skeptical.
- Only one size option - If they don’t let you pick your shoulder width, lapel size, or jacket length, they’re not tailoring. They’re selling.
One Auckland man ordered a suit from a site that didn’t ask for measurements. He got a size 40. It fit his chest - but the sleeves were so long he looked like he was wearing a tuxedo to a barbecue. He returned it. Took 12 days. Lost $40 on return shipping. He’s never done it again.
How to Buy a Suit Online Without Regretting It
Here’s a simple checklist you can use next time:
- Choose a brand that offers custom measurements - not just S/M/L.
- Order free fabric swatches first. Wait a few days. See how it looks in natural light.
- Check if they offer free alterations or a return label.
- Read reviews that include photos of real people wearing the suit.
- Use a video consultation if offered. Show them your current suit. Point out what doesn’t fit.
- Start with one suit. Don’t go all-in on three. Test the process.
And here’s a pro tip: if you’re buying for a wedding, interview, or big event - order at least six weeks ahead. Tailoring takes time. Rush fees are real.
Is It Worth It?
Let’s compare. You go to a local store. You spend an hour. You try on five suits. You pick one. You pay $800. You walk out happy.
Now, you do it online. You spend 20 minutes filling out a measurement form. You order a suit for $550. You get fabric swatches. You chat with a tailor over Zoom. You get the suit in 10 days. It fits perfectly. You pay $0 for alterations because the company covers it. You have $250 left in your pocket.
That’s not a gamble. That’s smart shopping.
Online suit shopping isn’t risky if you know what to look for. It’s not about avoiding stores. It’s about using technology to get better results - faster, cheaper, and more personalized.
Men in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are doing it. And they’re not just surviving - they’re looking sharper than ever.
Can I really trust online suit stores with my measurements?
Yes - if you choose a brand that specializes in custom tailoring. Reputable companies like Indochino, Suitsupply, and FitMySuit use professional tailoring standards. They don’t just ask for your chest size. They ask for over 20 precise measurements, including shoulder slope, armhole depth, and waist-to-floor length. Many even offer video consultations where you show them how your current clothes fit. This isn’t guesswork - it’s data-driven tailoring.
What if the suit doesn’t fit when it arrives?
Most serious online suit retailers offer free alterations or return shipping. Some even send you a prepaid label to take it to a local tailor. Others will replace the suit entirely if it’s not right. Always check the return policy before buying. Avoid sites that charge restocking fees or don’t mention alterations at all - they’re not set up for fit.
Are online suits cheaper than in-store suits?
Usually, yes. Online tailors cut out the middleman - no expensive retail space, no large sales staff. A custom suit that costs $800 in a store might cost $500-$600 online. You’re paying for the fabric and craftsmanship, not the storefront. Just make sure you’re not being fooled by low prices on poor-quality materials. Stick to brands with clear fabric details and real customer photos.
Can I buy a suit online if I’m not a standard size?
Absolutely. In fact, this is where online tailoring shines. If you’re tall, broad-shouldered, or have an unusual torso length, off-the-rack suits rarely fit. Online custom tailors build each suit from scratch using your measurements. You can choose your lapel width, jacket length, and even button stance. This level of customization is nearly impossible to find in a physical store unless you’re paying $2,000+.
How long does it take to get a custom suit online?
Typically 2-6 weeks, depending on the brand and season. Peak times like wedding season or Christmas can push delivery to 8 weeks. That’s why planning ahead matters. If you need a suit in two weeks, you’re better off renting or buying off-the-rack. But if you can wait, custom online suits offer a level of fit and quality that’s hard to beat.
