Let’s be honest for a second: most guys think that to look like a million bucks, you actually have to spend a small fortune. They see the guys on the red carpet or the CEOs in the high-rise offices and assume those suits cost as much as a mid-sized sedan. And sure, some of them do. But here’s the secret that the high-end boutiques don’t want you to know: a $500 suit that fits perfectly will beat a $5,000 suit that fits poorly every single day of the week.
At 700 Shop, we’ve been in the game for over 60 years. We’ve seen trends come and go, from the wide lapels of the 70s to the skinny fits of the 2010s, but one thing has stayed exactly the same: Fit is king.
When you buy one of our mens suits, you’re getting a high-quality "canvas." But to turn that canvas into a masterpiece, you need the steady hand of a master tailor. Whether you're looking for custom suits for men or a sharp off-the-rack option, it’s the alterations that bridge the gap between "just okay" and "world-class."
Here are the five key alterations that will transform your look and make everyone wonder if you’ve recently come into a massive inheritance.
1. Tapering the Jacket Waist (The "V" Shape)
Most off-the-rack jackets are cut with a "boxy" silhouette. Why? Because manufacturers want to make sure the jacket fits as many body types as possible. Unfortunately, "fitting everyone" usually means "flattering no one." If there’s too much fabric around your midsection, it adds visual weight and makes you look sloppy.
By having a tailor "take in" the side seams or add back darts, you create that coveted V-shaped silhouette. This emphasizes your shoulders and narrows your waist, instantly making you look taller, leaner, and more athletic.
What to ask for: Tell your tailor you want to "shape the waist." You want the jacket to follow the natural lines of your body without pulling at the button. If you see an "X" forming at the button when you close the jacket, it’s too tight. You want it just snug enough to feel tailored but loose enough to breathe.
2. Perfecting the Sleeve Length (The Quarter-Inch Rule)
This is perhaps the most common mistake we see in mens formal wear. Most guys wear their sleeves way too long. If your suit sleeves are hitting your knuckles, you look like you’re wearing your older brother’s hand-me-downs.
An expensive suit always shows a bit of the shirt cuff. It’s a sign of intentionality. It says, "I didn’t just put this on; I had this fitted for me."
What to ask for: You want your suit sleeves to end right at the hinge of your wrist. This allows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of your dress shirt to peek out. If you’re wearing a crisp white dress shirt, that contrast between the suit fabric and the shirt cuff is the ultimate "power move" in men’s fashion.
3. The Modern Trouser Break (Say Goodbye to the Pooling)
The "break" is the fold of fabric created when the bottom of your pants hits your shoes. Back in the day, a "full break" (lots of fabric bunching up) was the standard. Today, that look is dated and often looks messy.
If your pants are pooling around your ankles, it kills the vertical line of your body, making you look shorter. A "slight break" or "no break" creates a clean, continuous line from your hip to your floor, which is the hallmark of high-end tailoring.
What to ask for: Ask for a "slight break" if you want a classic, professional look. If you’re feeling more modern or want to show off some killer shoes, ask for "no break," where the hem just barely touches the top of your shoe. At 700 Shop, we often recommend our 700 Signature Slim Dress Pant for guys who want that naturally tapered starting point.
4. Narrowing the Sleeves and Legs (The Slim-Down)
Even if the length is right, the "width" of your sleeves and trouser legs can make a suit look cheap. If your sleeves look like wind socks or your pants look like bell-bottoms, the suit will feel heavy.
Expensive suits usually have a more aggressive taper. By narrowing the sleeves (especially from the elbow down) and tapering the pants from the knee to the ankle, you remove excess fabric that does nothing but get in the way. It streamlines your entire appearance.
What to ask for: Ask your tailor to "taper the sleeves" and "taper the legs." You want a clean line that follows your limbs without being skin-tight. You should still be able to sit down comfortably without feeling like you’re going to burst a seam!
5. Adjusting the Jacket Length
This is the "advanced" level of tailoring. The length of your jacket dictates your proportions. If it’s too long, your legs look short. If it’s too short, you look like you’re wearing a garment that shrunk in the wash.
Ideally, the jacket should end right around where your thumb knuckle hits when your arms are at your sides, or it should just cover your seat. A minor adjustment of even half an inch can completely rebalance your frame.
What to ask for: Ask the tailor if the jacket length can be shortened slightly to balance your proportions. Keep in mind, this is a delicate job because moving the hem too high can throw off the placement of the pockets. This is why you need an expert who knows exactly how far they can go.
Why 700 Shop? Experience Matters.
You might be thinking, "Can't I just take my suit to any dry cleaner with a sewing machine?"
Technically, yes. But if you want that $5,000 look, you need a specialist. At 700 Shop, we have over five decades of experience in mens suits. Our on-site tailoring isn’t just an "extra service": it’s the heartbeat of what we do. We understand the nuances of fabric, the way a shoulder should lie, and how to adjust a garment so it moves with you, not against you.
When you walk into our store at 7th & Philadelphia St, you’re not just buying clothes; you’re tapping into a legacy of fit. We’ve fitted grooms for their big day, young men for their first interviews, and professionals who need to look their best every single morning.
A Few Things Tailoring Can't Fix
To get the most out of your tailoring budget, you need to start with a suit that fits in the "unfixable" areas. When you're shopping, make sure:
- The Shoulders Fit: If the shoulders are too wide or too narrow, it's almost impossible (and very expensive) to fix. The seam should sit right where your arm meets your shoulder.
- The Armholes are Right: If the armholes are cut too low, the whole jacket will lift up every time you raise your hand. Look for a suit with relatively high armholes for better range of motion.
Invest in the Fit, Not Just the Label
At the end of the day, the brand name on the inside of your jacket doesn't matter nearly as much as the way the jacket sits on your shoulders. A mid-range suit with $150 worth of expert tailoring will look better than a designer suit straight off the rack every time.
Whether you're prepping for a summer wedding, a big promotion, or just want to upgrade your wardrobe, come see us. We’ll help you pick out the right base: maybe some 34 Heritage Jeans for casual Fridays or a full formal setup: and then we’ll dial in the fit until it’s perfect.
Tailoring is the difference between wearing a suit and owning a suit. Don't settle for "good enough." Come experience the "Fashion and Fit" that has defined 700 Shop for more than 60 years.
Josh Rosenberger
Owner/President, 700 Shop
7th & Philadelphia St: Where Fashion Meets Fit