Shoulder width, jacket examples

[Benjamin.Ramey]

Hi all,

I would like some opinions on jacket shoulder widths and I have some examples that demonstrate various widths. I appreciate any thoughts you may have. The shoulder styles are different between the jackets so this may impact how much can be said by looking at a picture.

The first picture is a brown flannel made to measure suit jacket from Oliver Wicks. The jacket was ordered with little to no shoulder padding. I think the fit is excellent and received feedback from one of the company's representatives as well. I'm confused about one thing: I entered my shoulder measurement as 18.5 inches as this was the measurement that was taken by a clothier at a local custom suit shop. The jacket shoulders measure to be about 18 inches to 18.25 depending how you measure. It's a small difference, but I'm trying to decide if I should request that the shoulders be widened slightly on my next orders. I'm planning to order more suits from Oliver Wicks soon and want to be sure about the measurements.

Next is an off the grey rack jacket at 18.5 inches, not a great picture but hopefully gives an idea.

Lastly is a custom blue suit jacket from a local shop with 19 inch shoulders, to me these look too wide.

How can I decide which is the right shoulder width for me? Is it purely a matter of personal preference?

Thank you for your time!

 

[breakaway01]

Shoulder width is tricky—your post highlights the limitations of just going by measured shoulder width. Some styles of jacket use a narrower shoulder width but a larger sleevehead to accommodate the deltoid/upper arm, for example.
On the other hand, many people look better with a slightly extended shoulder because it accentuates the upper body silhouette. Sometimes a shoulder width that is technically “correct” doesn’t look great because it is on the narrow side and makes one’s hips look bigger than they really are.
All three of your jackets IMO “fit” you—I don’t see any collapsing or drooping shoulders, or armhole divots or distortion. It’s really a matter of personal taste. I actually like the wider shoulders on the blue jacket—brings out your upper body.

 

[maxalex]

Those all look pretty good to me. At any rate with that impressive beard no one will notice the sleeves.

 

[TexasToast]

I had something to say but I forgot ?