The Anatomy of a Perfect Suit Fitting: What to Expect and How to Prepare

August 19, 2025

There’s something truly transformative about stepping into a well-tailored suit. It’s not just about the fabric, the stitching, or even the style—it’s about how it makes you feel. A suit that fits perfectly brings with it a sense of confidence, sophistication, and timeless appeal. But that level of polish and precision doesn’t happen by chance. It starts with one critical experience: the suit fitting.

At Peter Panos Bespoke Tailor, we believe that a perfect suit begins long before the first stitch is sewn. It begins the moment you walk through our doors for your first fitting. Whether you’re new to the world of custom tailoring or you’re looking to elevate your wardrobe with a signature piece, understanding what to expect—and how to prepare—will ensure the process is as smooth and rewarding as the final result.

So, let’s pull back the curtain and walk you through the anatomy of a perfect suit fitting, step-by-step. We’ll cover everything from how to prepare, what we measure, and what goes into refining your fit, to how we collaborate with you to design a garment that’s every bit as unique as you are.

The Purpose of a Suit Fitting: Precision Meets Personalization

Before we dive into the nuts and bolts, it’s important to understand the role of the suit fitting in the bespoke tailoring process. Unlike off-the-rack suits, where you’re forced to conform to a factory’s definition of “medium” or “42 regular,” bespoke tailoring is about conforming the garment to you.

A fitting is not simply about measuring. It’s about observing how you stand, how your shoulders rest, how your arms hang, and how your body moves. It’s about understanding your preferences, your lifestyle, and your goals for the garment. The result is not just a suit—it’s a wearable reflection of your personality, made with intention.

Step 1 – Booking Your Initial Consultation

The first step is scheduling your appointment with us. At Peter Panos Bespoke Tailor, we offer private, one-on-one consultations to ensure you receive our full attention. We encourage clients to give themselves enough time—especially if the suit is for a specific occasion such as a wedding, gala, or important business meeting. Ideally, your first appointment should be scheduled 6–8 weeks before you need the finished suit. This allows time for crafting, multiple fittings, and any final refinements.

Our showroom, located in the heart of San Francisco, offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where clients can explore fabric options, view design inspiration, and speak directly with Peter or a member of our skilled team.

Step 2 – Let’s Talk Style and Purpose

We begin each suit fitting with a conversation. Why? Because your suit should be tailored to your story.

Are you a corporate professional looking for a power suit that commands presence in the boardroom? Are you preparing for your wedding day and need something sharp, classic, and unforgettable? Or perhaps you’re building your capsule wardrobe and want something versatile and stylish for a variety of settings.

We’ll also talk through your preferences—single-breasted or double-breasted, notch or peak lapels, two-piece or three-piece, slim fit or relaxed. Your style, lifestyle, and comfort are always at the center of our design process.

Step 3 – The Measurements (and Then Some)

Once we’ve nailed down the general vision, we’ll begin taking your full-body measurements. And yes—there are a lot of them. But this is where the magic starts.

A proper suit fitting involves far more than chest, waist, and inseam. At Peter Panos Bespoke Tailor, we take over 30 distinct measurements to capture the full scope of your physique. This includes:

Shoulder slope
Arm length and circumference
Wrist and bicep measurements
Posture evaluation
Neck size and shirt collar position
Seat and thigh width
Jacket length preference
Torso balance (front vs. back length)

We also take time to assess your natural stance. Do you carry your weight forward or back? Do your shoulders roll slightly? These observations ensure your suit will complement—not fight against—your body’s natural form.

Step 4 – Choosing the Fabric and Details

Now for the fun part: selecting your fabric and custom design elements. At our shop, you’ll have access to a wide selection of luxurious fabrics, sourced from some of the finest mills in Italy and England. Whether you want a classic navy worsted wool, a rich charcoal flannel, or something seasonal like linen or tweed—we’ll guide you to the perfect choice based on your climate, usage, and personal taste.

Once the fabric is selected, we’ll move on to design details, including:

Lining options (solid, patterned, even custom monograms)
Button choices (horn, shell, mother-of-pearl, metal)
Lapel width and style
Vent options
Pocket styles
Stitching details

This stage is where your suit begins to take on its personality—your personality. No detail is too small. Everything is built around your vision.

Step 5 – The First Fitting: Skeleton Fit

A few weeks after your measurements are taken, you’ll return for your first fitting—often called the “skeleton fit” or “baste fitting.” At this stage, your suit will be loosely constructed using temporary stitches. This allows us to assess the structure and foundation of the garment before anything is finalized.

During this fitting, we’ll examine:

Shoulder alignment
Sleeve pitch and length
Jacket and pant balance
Waist suppression
Chest and back shaping
Armhole height

You’ll be encouraged to move around, sit, stand, and breathe naturally. We’re looking for areas that feel tight or too loose, wrinkles that indicate stress points, and how the suit drapes when you’re in motion. It’s all about building the architecture of your suit from the ground up.

Step 6 – The Second Fitting: Refining the Fit

After your feedback and our observations from the first fitting, our tailors will make refinements and construct the suit further. At this point, the garment begins to look more polished and closer to the final product. You’ll return for a second fitting to fine-tune:

Jacket shape and button placement
Sleeve length and taper
Pant length and break
Waistband fit
Seat and thigh comfort

We’ll ask again how everything feels. This part of the process is highly interactive. Our clients are often amazed at how much the fit evolves between the first and second fittings—and we’re just getting started.

Step 7 – Final Fitting and Finishing Touches

Once all the major components are dialed in, we’ll bring you back for the final fitting. Here, you’ll see your fully constructed suit—pressed, cleaned, and detailed. We’ll do one last review to confirm every aspect:

Are the sleeves falling at the perfect point above your wrist?
Is the collar resting cleanly against your neck?
Does the suit move comfortably when you walk, sit, or lift your arms?
Is the pant hem breaking cleanly over your shoe?

If any micro-adjustments are needed, we’ll make them quickly to ensure you walk away with a suit that feels tailor-made—because it is.

How to Prepare for Your Suit Fitting

We often get asked how clients can prepare to get the most out of their fitting. Here are a few pro tips from our team:

Wear or bring dress shoes: This helps determine the correct pant length and break.
Bring a dress shirt: Especially for jacket and sleeve measurements.
Be open and honest about your preferences: Love a looser fit? Prefer a tapered look? Tell us.
Plan your schedule: Bespoke tailoring is not a one-and-done process. Factor in multiple fittings.
Don’t stress about your current size: Bodies change. The suit is built for you—as you are now.

Come as you are. We’ll take care of the rest.

Why Choose Peter Panos Bespoke Tailor

With over 40 years of experience in the bespoke tailoring industry, Peter Panos Bespoke Tailor has become a trusted name among professionals, entertainers, athletes, and discerning gentlemen across San Francisco and beyond. Every suit we create is a labor of love, built from scratch with the highest-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail.

Our approach combines old-world craftsmanship with modern sensibility, resulting in garments that are not only impeccably constructed but also tailored to your unique lifestyle and aesthetic. Whether you’re dressing for a once-in-a-lifetime event or building a wardrobe for everyday excellence, we’re here to walk you through every step of the journey.

We don’t believe in shortcuts. We believe in craftsmanship, conversation, and clothing that tells your story.

Your Perfect Suit Is Waiting—Book Your Fitting Today

A bespoke suit isn’t just another item in your closet—it’s an investment in yourself. It’s the handshake before you even speak, the quiet confidence that carries you into a room, and the memory stitched into the fabric of your most meaningful moments. From weddings and promotions to black-tie galas and everyday meetings, your suit should feel like it was made for more than just your body. It should be made for your life.

At Peter Panos Bespoke Tailor, we’re honored to be part of that journey. Our team is here to guide you, fit you, and design with you—so the end result is not only stylish but distinctly yours. We invite you to experience the art of a true suit fitting, crafted with care and tradition, in a space where your comfort and style are always the priority.

Book your consultation today and let’s begin crafting your next great suit—one stitch, one detail, and one conversation at a time. We look forward to welcoming you into the timeless world of bespoke tailoring.

Categorised in: Custom Suit