Custom Fit vs Slim Fit - What's The Difference? By Tapered Menswear

Custom Fit vs Slim Fit - What's The Difference?

No matter what type of clothing it is, fit is a cornerstone in menswear. It can elevate a basic piece to sophistication or reduce an expensive ensemble to a mundane look.

Understanding this, the world of fashion provides a myriad of fits for every body type and preference.

So what's the difference between Custom Fit vs Slim Fit? A custom fit shirt, used interchangeably with the term tailored fit, strikes a perfect balance between a classic shirt and a slim fit. It offers a snugger fit than a slim fit shirt yet maintains a more formal style than a slim fit. It has back darts and roomy armholes. It's great for those who want comfort and a break from traditional styles.

In this blog, I'll aim to provide clarity and help you find your perfect match. And offer the solution for those who are looking for perfectly fitted shirts.

shirts that fit like they're a custom fit by Tapered Menswear

What is the Meaning of Custom Fit?

Typically denotes a middle ground between a standard fit and a slim fit. It's typically supposed to replicate a custom piece that you would receive from a tailor or specialist brands.

What is a Custom Fit Shirt?

Custom fit, when it comes to shirts, think of it as a shirt tailored to accommodate a broader chest and shoulder area, while still tapering slightly at the waist.

The result? A fit that’s neither too loose nor overly tight, but custom to you.

Advantages:

  • Offers a more personalised fit than off-the-rack standard shirts.
  • Allows for comfort and flexibility, especially for those with an athletic build.

Drawbacks:

  • Can be a tad pricier than standard fit shirts.
  • Difficult to find off the rack.
white tapered fit shirts that fit like they're a custom fit by Tapered Menswear

Custom Fit Suit

You've probably worn off-the-rack suits, mass-produced for generic sizes. But have you ever slipped into a Custom Fit Suit? Let me guide you through the magic.

When you decide to go custom or better know - bespoke, a skilled tailor will measure every curve and line of your body, from shoulders to ankles.

While they're capturing your unique proportions, imagine choosing your desired fabric, colour, and pattern. Dream of the perfect lapel style and pocket placement? You get to decide those too.

Once they've drafted a pattern based on your measurements, your suit pieces are delicately cut. Then, these pieces are sewn together, sometimes by machines, sometimes by hand.

As the creation comes to life, you're invited back for fittings. During these sessions, any adjustments needed to ensure that perfect fit are made. After all, this isn't just any suit; it's your suit.

By the end, a suit crafted just for you emerges. This isn’t simply a garment; it's a masterpiece tailored to your body and style.

And every time you wear it, you're not just wearing a suit—you're donning a symbol of sartorial elegance made especially for you. How does that feel?

Advantages:

Tailored to individual measurements ensuring a superior fit.

Offers flexibility in design choices and personalisation.

Disadvantages:

  • Can be more expensive 
  • Time consuming providing your measurements and waiting for the suit to be made.

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Slim Fit Shirt

We've covered this in more detail here. But a slim fit shirt, as the name implies, sits closer to the body. It's designed for those seeking a contemporary, body-hugging fit. This style accentuates a slender frame and provides a modern silhouette.

Advantages:

  • Offers a modern, trendy look.
  • Accentuates a lean physique.

Disadvantages:

olive green tapered fit shirts that fit like they're a custom fit by Tapered Menswear

Slim Fit Suit

Ever tried on a standard suit and felt it was just a bit too... roomy? Enter the Slim Fit Suit, a game-changer in the world of menswear. 

When you wear a slim fit suit, it's designed to hug your body's contours more closely than the traditional cuts. The difference?

Precision and flair. As you slip into the jacket, you'll notice it tapers inward towards the waist. The trousers? They're narrower, especially from the thigh down to the hem.

But it’s not just about being close-fitting. There's a science to it. Proper slim fit suits aren’t tight; they're just right.

They should complement your body's shape without restricting movement. Picking one off a rack? Make sure to move around in it. Raise those arms, take a seat. Comfort is key.

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In essence, when you choose a slim fit suit, you're not just opting for a piece of clothing. You're making a statement: sleek, modern, and undeniably stylish. 

Advantages:

  • Perfect for slender body types seeking a modern touch.
  • Enhances the natural body line, making it appear more streamlined.

Disadvantages:

  • A standard cut so not suitable for all body types

Does Slim Fit Look Better?

The debate rages on. Proponents of slim fit love the sleek silhouette it offers. Many believe it's more contemporary and in line with today's fashion trends.

On the flip side, others feel it might not suit all body types and can sometimes appear too tight. Ultimately, the preference lies in the eye of the beholder and the comfort of the wearer.

Who Should Wear Custom Fit

Custom fit is a godsend for those with atypical body types like athletic builds, those who find standard sizes restrictive, or those too loose. It’s also ideal for formal occasions where a polished, tailored look is desired. 

white and green tapered fit shirts that fit like they're a custom fit by Tapered Menswear

 

If you're looking to dress up for a special occasion or keep a piece in your wardrobe in preparation for one, you should go down the custom fit route.

Who Should Wear Slim Fit?

If you have a slender or lean physique and love flaunting it, slim fit is your ally. Perfect for casual events or chic office settings, it’s the embodiment of modern-day fashion. However, it’s essential to ensure it doesn’t restrict movement.

Is Custom Fit The Same As Slim Fit?

No they are not the same. The main difference between the two is that slim fit is off the rack and custom fit is made from your unique measurements.

When you hear "slim fit", think of clothes that hug the body, removing any extra fabric especially around your torso and arms.

It's like that trendy, tailored look many love today. But when you come across "custom fit", that's where things get personal.

These pieces are tailored just for you, based on your unique measurements. So, while a garment can be custom-made to have a slim appearance, it's also crafted to fit you perfectly.

shop shirts that feel like they're custom

Remember, you're not just wearing a piece of clothing; you're wearing something that's been specially crafted, whether it's in the slim style or another.

The world of menswear offers choices galore, with each fit resonating with different individuals.

Whether you lean towards the bespoke charm of custom fit or the trendy allure of slim fit, the objective remains the same: feeling confident in what you wear.

denim tapered fit shirts that fit like they're a custom fit by Tapered Menswear

Clothing That Feels Like it's Custom - Tapered Menswear

This is where we at Tapered Menswear enters the narrative.

All of our fully fitted shirts are expertly cut close to the body. Our signature v-tapered shape cut helps to reduce the amount of material around the midsection to give you your guaranteed dream shape.

Meaning, no more annoying material where you really don’t want it, aka the muffin top.

We believe that we have solved an age-old problem that many men with wide shoulders and a narrow waist have faced.

Whether a casual T-shirt or a formal dress shirt, our sophisticated  range gives you the bespoke treatment, without the middleman or the hefty price-tag.

Made for you, you will find that our shirts give you everything you need to succeed at style.

 

Our revolutionary cut provides a 10" drop from chest to waist.

Fully fitted in chest and shoulders whilst tapering sharply down, giving a tailored look. No more bagginess in the waist.

 

Enhanced Darts

Expertly tailored darts at the back, for the perfect fit.

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Stretch Cotton

Super soft, breathable and allows complete freedom of movement.