Design Your Power: A Fun & Easy Guide to Custom Suit Details That Matter

You’ve decided to go custom—congratulations! You're about to step into a world where every stitch, every button, and every seam reflects you. But with all the choices at your fingertips, where do you start?

At TruTailor Custom Suits, we believe designing your suit should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Whether it’s your first custom piece or your fifth, understanding the key elements of a suit will help you design something that not only looks amazing—but feels uniquely yours.

Let’s break it down, piece by stylish piece. 

1. Lapels: Small Detail, Big Impact

Your lapel is one of the most defining features of a suit jacket.

• Notch Lapel – The most common and versatile. Great for business, weddings, and everyday wear. Looks sharp without trying too hard.

• Peak Lapel – Slightly more aggressive, pointing upward. Adds height and presence. Perfect for formal events or anyone wanting a little drama.

• Shawl Lapel – Sleek and rounded. Most often seen on tuxedos. Think red carpet or black-tie vibes.

Style Tip: Peak lapels work especially well for shorter guys—they elongate the torso visually!

2. Jacket Construction: Structured or Soft?

• Structured Jackets – Think clean lines, padded shoulders, and a more formal appearance. Best for traditional business settings.

• Unstructured Jackets – No padding, no lining—just comfort. Great for Southern California's climate and casual-chic events.

Why it matters: If you're in OC and your life is 70% sun and 30% meetings, go for a soft shoulder in lightweight wool or linen. You’ll thank us later.

3. Fabric & Color: Set the Tone

• Wool – The king of suiting. Breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and good year-round.

• Linen – Great for summer weddings or coastal events. Yes, it wrinkles—but in the best way.

• Cotton – Casual, relaxed, and stylishly lived-in.

Color trends? This summer, we're seeing a rise in sage green, dusty rose, taupe, and stone grey. Classic navy and charcoal still rule for more conservative looks.

Style Tip: Want to stand out at a wedding without overshadowing the groom? Go for a light pastel suit with a crisp white shirt and a contrasting pocket square.

4. Buttons & Vents: Small Choices, Big Style

• Buttons: Two-button is classic, three-button leans traditional, and one-button is ultra-modern. For double-breasted suits, six buttons (two functional) is the standard.

• Vents: Single, double, or none? Double vents are the most flattering (especially when you sit), while no vent offers a cleaner, vintage look.

Did you know? Italian suits often skip the vent for a sleek silhouette, while British tailoring almost always includes double vents for function and form.

5. Pockets & Personalization

• Flap Pockets – Great for everyday wear.

• Jetted Pockets – Sleek and formal, found on tuxedos.

• Patch Pockets – Casual and sporty.

And then there's the fun stuff:

• Monograms inside your jacket.

• Bold linings (yes, even firetruck red if you dare).

• Custom stitching on buttonholes, lapels, or cuffs.

Pro Tip: Choosing a bold lining is a low-risk, high-reward move. Your suit stays classic outside, but every time you open it—you’ve got a pop of personality.

6. Fit is Everything

Design details matter, but the way your suit fits is the crown jewel. Whether you like a slim cut, relaxed drape, or something in-between, the fit should match your body and your lifestyle.

At TruTailor, we take over 30 measurements and walk you through posture, shoulder slope, and jacket length so your suit feels like a second skin—because it is designed for you.

Final Thought: Your Suit, Your Story

Custom isn’t just about luxury. It’s about control, confidence, and expression. From lapel to lining, your suit tells people who you are before you say a word.

Whether you're suiting up for your big day, your next pitch meeting, or just because—you deserve to feel your best in something made just for you.

Ready to start designing? Let’s make a suit that’s all yours—because great style should never be one-size-fits-all.

Visit us at TruTailor Custom Suits and let your style speak!