In a formal suit, how much of the shirt cuff should be exposed from under the jacket sleeve?
NK: The English school of design says a 1/2″ band of shirt should be exposed under the jacket sleeve. If the sleeve covers your shirt cuff, it is too long. It should skirt the base of your thumb. If the armholes are cut too big (most readymade suits follow a standard big armhole theory) the sleeves tend to ride up. If the suit has well-fitted armholes, your sleeves will behave. Like a sari blouse, if the shoulders and armholes are cut to fit; they add comfort to movement. RD: Is it essential for single-breasted suits to have a vent? NK: Vents are vertical slit openings that create flaps at the lower back of the suit. They not only provide freedom of movement, especially when you bend or sit down, but define your back too. Without it, the suit will crumble and tug around the hip area. In double-breasted suits, vents are cut symmetrically on both sides of the hip area. Know your suit in 8 easy steps The suit’s shoulders should embrace yours; protruding ones make an ugly sight. Starting f
