Fit to be Married
Make sure your groom is the perfect fit (in his tux, of course).
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Everyone knows the dress gets most of the attention, but we can’t forget what a sharp suit does for the groom (or what an ill-fitted suit can do). Take advice from some of the pros, and make sure your groom and wedding party are fit for the wedding.
A: Shoulders: The shoulders of a tux may seem a bit tight for the average T-shirt-wearing groom. It’s important to have movement, but the jacket shouldn’t extend past your shoulders. Misty Gray, manager at Karl’s Tuxedo & Bridal, says a good way to determine if a jacket is the right size is by having the groom raise his arms as if he were going to hug someone.
B: Collar: According to Gray, the collar on a tux is tighter than what most guys are used to. But having a proper fitting will ease the groom’s fears, she says. If you can fit an index finger in between the collar and the neck, it’s a good fit.
C: Arms: The sleeves of the shirt should extend roughly half an inch past the jacket sleeves, says Brenda Norman, owner of Norman’s Jewelry & Bridal Shoppe. This will lend a more formal look and won’t hide cuff links.
D: Chest: “Your jacket should be able to be buttoned, even if you don’t button it,” says Norman.
E: Waist: To determine if the pants are a good fit, make sure the pockets don’t pull, says Norman.
F: Legs: Gray takes an outseam measurement, extending from hip to ankle, which is more accurate than an inseam measurement. Norman warns muscular grooms not to get pants that are too tight in the thigh area, which could produce sloppy-looking ribbing.
G: Ankles: Pants should grace the top of the heel, says Gray. Also, the pants should have a light break or dent of the fabric right below the knee, which is a sign that your pants are the right fit.
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