Proof that suit size varies by brand

DKNY Slim Fit Wool Suit – $195.00 (via Gilt) | Kenneth Cole New York Wool Suit – $350.00*

“I think it’s too short.”

That’s what my tailor said as I stood there in the suit you see on the left.  The suit is a  perfectly deep blue, subtle tonal stripe DKNY I picked up off Gilt for a steal.  I was impressed with it straight out of the box, but I hadn’t put it on in front of a full length mirror until I got to my tailor last week.

Figuring that since I was a 40 short in Kenneth Cole’s eyes (the suit on the right) I thought it was fair to assume that Ms. Donna Karan would consider my 5’9″ frame to be on the vertically challenged side as well.  Wrong.  The shoulders fit great, and the pre tapering at the waist is terrific.  But when you put a suit jacket on, let your arms hang loose and curl your fingers upward… the jacket should terminate right in the deepest crease of your c-shaped hands.  And as you can see to the right, the DKNY 40s is a few inches short.

Some of you who like the Thom Browne shrunken suit look will think it’s just fine.  Some will say no way, that jacket is too short. Others will point out that the sleeves on my gray suit look to be a little long (just noticed that)  But we should all agree on one thing:

It’s good to know your suit size.  It’s better to know your suit size specific to each brand.

*NOTE: The Kenneth Cole suit you see above was purchased three years ago at a Macy’s. They don’t appear to carry the Kenneth Cole New York online, but they do carry very similar suit separates on KennethCole.com. That’s what has been linked to. Now a warning… the suit I own is 100% wool, and their online separates appear to be a mix. If they don’t carry Kenneth Cole New York (skip REACTION, they’re poly) suits at the Macy’s near you? Try Overstock. Normal sizes can go quick, but they’re ultra cheap.

Tie by J. Crew – $49.50
Shirt by Michael Kors – $37.12
Watch by Citizen: Model AT0550 (no longer available) – $221.25  But if you want something similar, these (sadly) are about as close as you’re gonna find: