Suits are the defining line of a man’s persona. Regardless of the occasion, place, or situation, a right-sized suit will elevate your appearance and help you gain respect.
When we talk about a right-sized suit, there are some size variations or, should I say, measurements that you need to understand to get the perfect fit. These measurements come in numbers that depict your body proportions, including arm length, chest size, and shoulder broadness.
Then there are prefixes like regular (R) or short (S) associated with the numbers like 38S or 38R that allow you to make the right choice.
But am I saying that 38S vs 38R are equal? Absolutely not! Although both measurements convey the same numbers, they are different from each other, and this article will tell you why.
38S Vs 38R – The Difference Between 38S And 38R
The evolution of suits has gone through various changes. For instance, fuller-cut menswear was evident during the 1940s, where the jacket’s hem is significantly longer by today’s standard.
However, modern suits now come with distinctive representations as you can now have a regular and short iteration of the same size.
So despite sporting identical numbers, 38R and 38S are different from each other, especially along the rear length (collar to hem).
So what does R and S mean in 38? Generally, manufacturers focus on creating different variations for the same size to fit contrasting figures. For instance, R represents the regular size while S depicts the short version of the same size.
Furthermore, you also get suits labeled “L,” which indicates that it has longer sleeve length.
The following table will help you understand how a 38-size suit labeled “R” differs from an “S” variation.
Difference between 38S, 38R, and 38L
| 38R | 38S | 38L | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest (in inches) | 36 – 38 | 36 – 38 | 36 – 38 |
| Waist (in inches) | 29 – 32 | 29 – 32 | 29 – 32 |
| Sleeve length | 34 inches | 33 inches | 36 inches |
| Height | 5.8 to 6 feet | Less than 5.7 feet | Above 6.1 feet |
If you evaluate the table above, you can see a lot of similarities between the three variations. However, what makes each iteration stand out is the differences in sleeve lengths and suitable height measurements.
So even if your chest measurement falls under the 36 to 38-inch category, your sleeve length may differ depending on your height.
How To Decide Between 38R And 38S
Generally, most people usually take a trial first before purchasing a suit or jacket. However, with the comprehensive grasp of online stores becoming more influential in the modern fashion world, you may have to go with visual comparison.
Thankfully, you can judge size by evaluating its measurements to get a perfect fit. Here are the things you need to consider before purchasing a 38R or 38S suit.
Sleeve Length
Although a 38-sized suit will have identical waist and chest figures, it often comes with different sleeve lengths depending on which iteration you choose (R, S, or L).
For instance, a 38R suit features a sleeve length of 34 inches, whereas a 38S will come with a smaller sleeve length of 33 inches. Although 1 inch may not seem like a drastic change, it can hamper your overall appearance and perhaps make you uncomfortable.
Height
You might possibly live with an incorrect sleeve length, but you will never make your way around with a faulty height measurement.
For instance, a 38R is approximately 1.5 inches longer than a 38S jacket, which can make a significant difference to your overall appearance. So if your height is between 5.8 and 6 feet, a 38R jacket will suffice your needs.
Likewise, men shorter than 5.7 feet will find a 38S jacket more comfortable and better suited.
Let me give you two reasons why! Firstly, the jacket will cut a person in half from the front, elongating his shorter figure. Secondly, a 38S-size jacket will not curve down to the thighs, making it uncomfortable, especially when seated.
What Happens If You Wear Incorrect Sized Suit
As mentioned earlier, wearing an inaccurate jacket can ruin your overall appearance and make you uncomfortable.
For instance, if you are above 5.8 feet, choosing a 38S-size jacket will result in a tight fit. Likewise, a shorter person going for a 38R jacket will get a longer sleeve length and hem.
In short, it would be best to take proper measurements of your suit before making a purchase.
Our Readers Asked
Can You Tailor 38R Suit/Jacket To Fit?
If you have some issues with the default measurements of your 38R suit/jacket, you can visit a tailor and fit it according to your preferences.
Can You Tailor 38S Suit/Jacket To Fit?
Yes, you can visit a tailor and make custom adjustments to your 38S suit or jacket.
Wrapping Up
Choosing a suit or jacket depends entirely on how you evaluate and know your measurements. Although you can alter a 38R or 38S according to your preferences, it can hamper the overall balance of your outfit.
I hope that my guide has helped you in deciding which is better (38R or 38S) for you, especially when you purchase a suit without taking a trial.
Reference
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