Slim fit, classic fit, or just ease

In menswear there are a lot of styles, such as slim-fit, classic-fit, modern-fit, regular-fit, loose-fit
and fitted-fit. And no matter how you look at all those styles, they are determined simply by the
amount of ease that each garment has.

Sleeves & Legs uses the terms slim-fit and classic fit to tell you something about the fit of our
garments. Just two terms instead of six different ones. Why just those two styles? Because they are
simply the most predominant styles in the menswear market. But what do they mean?

Slim fit means a slim silhouette, because slim means thin and slender. As defined by recent trends, a slim-fit style emphasizes the slim waistline of the body, and is snug and formfitting. Every type of garment contains a different amount of ease. For example, a slim-fit jacket has more ease than a slim-fit shirt because the jacket will be worn over the shirt. If both garments had the same amount of ease, the jacket would feel too smal to be worn as there would be no extra room for movement of your body.

Classic fit means long lasting, basic garments that are free from the influence of fashion trends. A classic style fit refers to a traditional style garment with a waistline that is not highlighted, and with an emphasis on function rather than fashion. The classic fit style has more ease than the slim fit style, resulting in a garment with a straighter and looser waist that is less constrictive of movement. In general you can see that classic style garments are more roomy that slim fit garments. Sometimes a classic style garment can be one size larger than that of the slim fit style!

Ease needs to be added to the measurements taken directly from the size chart to ensure that the garment is comfortable to wear. It allows the body to move without restraint. Lack of ease will cause the garment to appear tight or wrinkeled when worn.

For most other garments, ease is added. As a general rule, ease is added to outerwear to accomodate the clothes that are worn underneath.

Sleeves and Legs patterns have a regular size chart to decide which size pattern you could make based on your measurements but we will also show you some measurements of the finished garment. So you can decide whether you really want the amount of ease that we have added or just make the garment one size smaller so it will be more fitted. We don’t add enormous amounts of ease to our patterns but you might feel more comfortable with sewing a size smaller or larger than you really need. So you (or the men you sew for) feel comfortable wearing your handmade garments. And that is what is most important to us!