10 Tailoring Terms Every Stylish Man Should Know

Achieving a sophisticated, sharp wardrobe isn’t just about picking the right clothes; it's about knowing the key tailoring terms that will help you get the perfect fit every time. As more men turn their backs on leisurewear and instead focus on adding more tailoring into their everyday lives, it's crucial to know the terms and speak the same language as your tailor. 

Why Understanding Tailoring Terms Matters for Stylish Men

One of our key recommendations is to have your Marc Darcy piece expertly tailored for a flawless fit. While some men may find their suits fit adequately off the rack, professional tailoring can transform a good suit into an exceptional one. 

Clear and knowledgeable communication with your tailor is crucial to ensure your garment is tailored exactly how you want it to. Familiarising yourself with common tailoring terms such as “drop”, “inseam” and “shoulder width” will arm you with the confidence to express your requirements confidently and help to avoid costly mistakes! As custom tailoring grows in popularity, understanding these terms empowers you to take control of your style, enhancing the versatility of your wardrobe and ensuring each outfit makes a memorable impression.

Key Terms in Tailoring

The key to effectively shopping online for suits is to understand the common terms you will frequently encounter. From fit-related terms to fabrics and materials, we cover the key terms to help you shop online with ease. 

Fit-Related Terms Every Man Should Know

Body Fit vs. Garment Fit

Body fit refers to how well the clothing fits your actual body shape. Garment fit is about how it appears on you. For example, a slim-fit shirt should hug your torso but not be tight. Recognising when your clothes are too tight or loose ensures you stay comfortable and stylish.

Ease

Ease is the extra room in a garment for comfort and movement. A slim-fit suit has less ease, while a relaxed fit has more. Think of ease like the buffer zone that stops your clothes from feeling restrictive but still looks sharp.

Break

The break is where your trousers crease at the shoe. It influences the overall style; a no-break look creates a modern, clean line, while a full break adds a classic touch. For a contemporary style, opt for no-break or slight-break styles.

Fabric and Material Terms to Master

Wool and Its Types

Wool is a popular choice for suits, thanks to its durability and style. Pure wool suits made from merino wool are often costly and can be quite heavy in style. Wool mix suits offer a more affordable price point and lighter option for year-round wear. Around 70% of tailored suits are still made with wool, showing its popularity.

Lining

Lining is the fabric inside your jacket or trousers that makes them comfortable and durable. It also helps garments keep their shape. When choosing a suit, pick lighter linings for summer and thicker ones for winter. Proper lining enhances comfort and longevity.

Canvas and Interlining

Canvas is a sturdy fabric in suit jackets that provides structure. It’s usually sewn into the shoulders to give shape. Interlining is a layer inside the garment that supports the fabric without being visible. Both affect how well your suit keeps its shape.

Construction Techniques to Understand

Canvas

In suits, canvas is used in the shoulder area to maintain shape over time. A good canvas ensures your jacket withstands wear and looks sharp. It’s an important factor in high-quality tailoring.

Dart

Darts are sewn folds that help clothing fit your curves. Well-placed darts create a smooth, tailored look. Recognising darts helps you see the craftsmanship behind well-made suits.

Vent

Vents are slits at the back of a jacket or coat. They come in different styles: centre, side, or double. Vents improve comfort and movement. For active men, side vents are usually a better choice; for formal wear, a centre vent is common.

Style and Design Terms

Notch Lapel

The notch lapel features a small cut where the collar meets the lapel. It’s the most common and versatile style, suitable for many occasions. Classic and timeless, it’s a staple in men’s tailored suits.

Button Stance

Button stance refers to where the jacket’s buttons are positioned. High stances can make your torso look longer, while lower stances suit shorter men. Choose a button stance that balances your proportions for a cleaner silhouette.

Cropped and High-Waisted Styles

Cropped trousers end above the ankle, giving a modern, edgy look. High-waisted styles sit above the hips and can elongate your legs. Pair cropped trousers with sleek footwear like loafers or trainers to maintain balance.

Maintenance and Care Vocabulary

Pressing vs. Ironing

Pressing involves using a hot iron and a pressing cloth to shape and smooth your clothes. Ironing is simply the act of using a dryer iron. Proper pressing keeps your suits looking sharp longer.

Pilling and Fraying

Pilling happens when tiny balls of fibre form on fabric’s surface. Fraying refers to loose threads at the edges. Proper care and occasional professional repairs keep your clothes looking new.

Dry Cleaning Terms

Read labels for special instructions before dry cleaning. Some fabrics need delicate treatment. Regular dry cleaning helps maintain fabric quality and fit.

Conclusion

Knowing these tailoring terms unlocks a new level of style confidence. It helps you communicate better with tailors, choose the right fabrics, and maintain your wardrobe. Keep learning, and your style will stay sharp and fresh. Stay curious about tailoring—fashion is always evolving, and so should your vocabulary.

Explore the range of men’s suits with Marc Darcy.

We hope you found this guide to tailoring terms helpful. With its blend of practical advice and sartorial inspiration, we hope this guide served as a beacon for individuals seeking to navigate the world of tailoring. Why not book mark the Marc Darcy Blog? It can be your go-to-hub for all your mens fashion needs.

If you have any further questions or need more fashion advice, feel free to reach out and Contact Us today.

Did you know we do in-person appointments too? They are perfect for tailored advice, directly from us. Do you think you’d like to be seen by a Marc Darcy suit specialist? Talk to us about a Marc Darcy Saturday Appointment.

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