How can you guesstimate which OTR suit jacket sleeve length you need?

[AndrewST]

After some weight change (won't say which direction), I'm having to re-do my warddrobe. While doing so, I noticed that I was probably wearing the wrong sleeve length for the past decade. (Or maybe my weight adjustment makes shirt sleeves shorter?) Anyway, I'm now wearing a 34-length sleeve (up from a 33). Now I look like a complete fool while wearing my old suit jackets. But that's OK, because I need new ones anyway. Is there a way I can guesstimate which sleeve length I ought to be buying (I tend to buy off eBay) given that I wear 34 sleeves? My 34 sleeves all tend to measure around 25'' from shoulder to cuff. I thought I could just wear a 24.5'' suit sleeve length---something like a slightly tall on a 42 jacket. When I wore a jacket with 24'' sleeves, though, I saw way more than a full inch of white dress shirt---so I probably can't just wear a 24.5'' jacket sleeve length.

Is there a suit sleeve length that's considered appropriate / standard for someone wearing a 34 sleeve? I could get things altered to near-perfection after purchasing; of course, I don't want to ask a tailor to do too much / the impossible, so I'd like to know a good starting point.

 

[paxonus]

First adjust the sleeve button to make sure your sleeve is stopping at the end of your wrist. Now try on a jacket and check for length.

 

[AndrewST]

First adjust the sleeve button to make sure your sleeve is stopping at the end of your wrist. Now try on a jacket and check for length.

Thanks for your reply. No doubt I'm wearing the right length sleeve now (34). Are you saying I should measure my shirt sleeve length while wearing a jacket? (Sorry, my brain is fried after a long day!)

 

[paxonus]

Even with the correct sleeve length the end of the sleeve may still go past your wrist depending on how loose it is at the cuff. That will make it look like your jacket sleeve is too short. Use the sleeve cuff button to adjust if needed. Then try on a jacket to check for jacket sleeve length. Also, jacket sleeve length will not always be the same depending on the cut of the jacket.

 

[RobertSoren]

Sounds like you should aim for at least 25.5 and then get alterations as needed.