Tailored fit vs slim fit - Extra Large Living

Updated on March 13th, 2023 at 05:55 pm

Fit is king! Nowadays, having an outfit that fits perfectly is essential because it boosts self-esteem. There are several fits favored among diverse groups of people. However, there are two well-liked, almost identical types of fit that can easily confuse you – tailored fit and slim fit. Because of their similarities, the tailored fit vs. slim fit conversation continues.

These two fits both offer a classy look. However, the tailored fit tends to fit more snuggly compared to the slim fit. Supposing you are still in doubt, this piece will delve deeper into the subject to give you a greater understanding.

Tailored vs slim fit

The tailored fit clothing style results from exact body measurements usually taken by a tailor. It has a close resemblance to the slim fit. Nonetheless, it conforms to your body curves but is not a regular fit. Mostly, this fit is closer to the wearer’s body shape than the slim fit. Additionally, its legs, hips, and waist are narrower.

Moreover, tailored clothing provides the wearer with sufficient room for movement than its counterpart. The label ‘tailored’ might have you thinking about a professional working on the textile machine to produce an outfit created just for you.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The tailored fit is an all-inclusive style manufactured in masses by a majority of clothing companies globally. As a result, it fits some individuals better than others.

So, what characterizes this modern fit?

This garment style is every so often code-named as trim fit and is usually boxier compared to the standard style.

Besides that, tailored-fit shirts and jackets usually include smaller fabrics. Consequently, they have a tapered waist as opposed to the regular fit.

T-Shirts and tailored fit shirts come with an attenuated waist that is not body hugging. In other instances, their armholes might settle higher compared to the classic fit.

The pants also come with tapered, but not tight, fitted legs. They usually break at a higher level at the ankle compared to the classic fit.

Pros

This style in no way limits the wearer’s movement.
The wear assumes the structure of your physique, giving you an elegant and timeless style.
The tailored wear is suitable for individuals with different physiques. For example, a tailored fit shirt can fit individuals with different chest and shoulder sizes.
It is more comfortable while giving you an exclusive look compared to baggy clothes. For instance, a tailored fit shirt is cozier than a slim fit shirt.

Cons

The generic style means it looks better on some body frames better than others.
Most renowned brands don’t produce custom-fit clothing.

Contrastingly, a slim fit cut usually fits more closely making it a sleek and timeless style. Most of the garments you need are readily available in this style. For instance, jeans and t-shirts. Most renowned global brands sell this clothing style. Slim-fit is famous for giving the wearer a fashionable, elegant look compared to baggy clothes with loose fabric.

The slim-fit outfits typically get rid of any excess fabric meaning you are left with enough fabric to envelop your skin. For instance, slim-fit dress shirts typically narrow in sharply, making the wearer have a V shape look at their waist. The tapered fit shirt style comes with tightly fitting, high armholes, and lean sleeves.

Additionally, slim-fit suit jackets come with thin, precise lapels that accentuate the jacket’s sharp angles and attenuated side stitching. Normally, a slim-fit jacket ends nearer to your waistline as opposed to the hips highlighting its abridged look.

With regard to slim-fit pants, they come with slender legs. They break at a higher level and typically have a fine, precise crease that makes them appear tighter.

Pros

This garment style fits tightly, making the wearer have a trendy and stylish look. Its suit looks very elegant.
It gets rid of any extra fabric.
It is available in different garments, including slim jeans.
You can wear it on many occasions.

Cons

They hug the wearer’s body tightly. It might restrict your activity. This feature makes them feel uncomfortable sometimes.
This style is ideal for individuals with a straight and slender frame only.

Biggest Difference between tailored and slim fit

The primary difference between trim fit and slim fit clothing is that a trim (tailored) fit cut uses more fabric. Moreover, a tailored fit is not usually cut as slender as a slim fit cut.

A tailored fit offers a narrow look, but it is not as tightly fitting as a slim fit. Tailored fits are meant to mimic the experience of working with an actual tailor who sizes the clothing for your body size to suit your personal style. Nonetheless, different brands usually include a unique touch on each cut. So, you will find common characteristics from shirts, t-shirts, dress pants suits, and trousers produced in the two styles.

So, how do they differ? Here is a breakdown of how these two fashion approaches differ on different garments:

Shirts

Slim fit and tailored dress shirts look alike from afar. But, when you take a closer look, you will find that their armholes differ. Additionally, some brands insert darts at the slim-fit shirts’ backs. This makes the torso and waistline area fit more cuddly.

Slim fit and tailored fit shirts have narrow waistlines meaning their sides seem to cut in. The major dissimilarity between a slim-fit business shirt and a tailored fit business shirt lies in the arms. Slim fit shirts come with high and small armholes that create angled and sharp-edged shoulders. This design makes the material rest smoothly and tightly across the torso.

Winner: Tailored shirts are most preferable because the slim-fit shirts have tight armholes and sleeves, making them uncomfortable. Although tailored shirts have more room, they aren’t ideal for thinner men and slim shorts aren’t ideal for men with bulkier bodies.

T-Shirts

Most brands sell slim-fit t-shirts. Tailored-fit t-shirts are not as trendy. As a result, you can only find slim-fit t-shirts at the moment.

These t-shirts come with concave side stitching that nip in at the sides and waistline. They also have smaller armholes making the sleeve hug your upper arm. Moreover, they are usually shorter than regular-style t-shirts.

Winner: slim-fit t-shirts win this category because of the way they fit your upper body and have a narrow waist.

Suits

There are several main differences between slim-fit suits and tailored fit suits. However, the notable difference between a tailored fit suit and a slim fit suit is that slim-fit pants and jackets fit more tightly on a man with an average body type.

Additionally, a slim-fit suit jacket comes with a narrow shoulder area and higher armholes. Every brand has its unique offer on each of these two styles.

However, regular suits are perfect if you are going for a comfortable and unrestricted style and don’t want to overthink it. They don’t yield to fashion trends and, with good care, can last for many years.

Winner: Slim-fit suits are the trendiest at the moment for a modern look. The suit is also readily available.

Dress Pants

The difference between tailor-fit and slim-fit dress pants is that they come with narrower ankles. The legs are also tighter throughout.

Winner: the tailored fit dress pants are better because they give you more mobility and wiggle room. Moreover, more clothing manufacturers offer this option.

Trousers

Tailored-fit trousers are hard to come by. But, slender-fitting pants are readily available. You can find skinny jeans and Khakis.

Winner: slim-fit trousers because they are readily available in different variations.

Standout Features

As mentioned earlier, there is a significant difference between these two styles. Here are the standout features between the two:

Sleeves – tailor-fit shirts are fuller at the top with narrow wrist while a slim fit shirt fits snuggly with a narrow wrist.
Shoulders – a tailor-cut shirt’s shoulders are fitted while slim-fits shoulders fit more snuggly. Its sleeves come with tiny armholes than tailored fit shirts.
Chest – tailor fit shirts usually come with more fitted chests. The fit is tighter than a classic cut but fits loosely than a slim-fit shirt.
Armholes – slim-fit shirts have smaller and higher armholes compared to a tailored shirt. Consequently, the shoulders are pulled making the chest more compacted.
Waist – both styles come with a nipped-in waist area thanks to the narrow side seams.
Leg Opening – tailor-made fit leg opening has enough room, almost like the regular fit, while its counterpart has a smaller leg opening making the ankle tapered.
Body Shape – custom fit is for individuals with medium to slender body types. The slim fit cut is the perfect fit for slender to medium body types and for individuals who want to showcase their slender shape and tiny waist.
Comfort – tailored fit is more comfortable than the slim fit cut, which may sometimes feel constricting because it is tight.

Conclusion

Use Slim Fit Cut if:

You have a small to medium body structure that goes well with a narrow fit.
You rate fashion higher than comfort.
You are looking for regular day wear like jeans.

Use Tailored Fit Cut if:

You have a medium, slender or masculine body type. Additionally, it is best fitting for people with a narrower chest and shoulder. Its suit is ideal for people who cannot fit in a regular fit suit.
You are looking for a comfortable fit.
You are looking for an outfit for a special occasion.

Enough said. You now know the main difference between these two popular styles. Most importantly, you know the right fit for the two fashion designs. With that knowledge, you can head out and shop for the best clothes for your situation!