Fit & body type Dec 25, 2026 4 min read
Best Suits for Athletic Builds
Athletic build (V-shape: broad shoulders, narrow waist) needs suits with drop 7-8 (jacket chest minus trouser waist = 7-8 inches). Standard drop-6 fits poorly.
The Chart
| Element | Why It Matters | Brand Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Drop 7-8 | Bigger jacket-trouser difference | Bonobos Athletic Fit, SuitSupply Slim |
| Stretch fabric | Movement at shoulder + back | Hugo Boss Stretch, Indochino Stretch |
| Athletic-fit cut | Tapered waist, room at chest | Brooks Athletic, Theory |
| Action back | Pleats at shoulder for movement | Working from custom MTM |
| Higher armhole | Allows arm movement | All bespoke + better MTM |
FAQs
What if drop is more than 8?
You may need MTM or bespoke. Drop 8+ means jacket size 44 with 36 waist trouser. Off-the-rack typically tops at drop 8. Indochino, SuitSupply MTM customize this.
Can I take in a regular suit?
Tailor can take in waist 1-2 inches. But shoulder fit (most important measurement) can't be altered. Buy by shoulder fit + tailor the waist.
Need this on your store?
Tailor Size Guide ships pre-built size charts for Shopify.