My son is 13 years old and he doesn’t like broccoli.  What size is he? In a perfect world all boys of a certain age would be the same size but that is seldom true. We know a boy that is 13 years old and is 4’ 10” and weighs 87 pounds. His best friend who is also 13 years old is 5’ 8” and weighs 135 pounds.

Three basic measurements normally give us a good indication of the proper size. They are the boy’s height (without his shoes on), his weight and his waist measurement. The best way to get an accurate read of his waist is to measure a pant that he currently wears and fits properly.  Button the pant and zip it up. Lay it flat and place a tape measure inside the waist band and measure from side to side. That measurement  doubled is a waist measurement (27” (14 regular) in the photo).  

A little big is not a bad thing.  But not to the point of being sloppy or looking like the suit belongs to an older brother. Boys have a bad habit of growing very quickly.

The fit of the jacket is most important. The fit of the pant is secondary. Any knowledgeable tailor will be able to alter the pants much more easily than the jacket. When a suit is altered leave as much material as possible. It extends the life of the suit. As long as the suit has not been dry cleaned too many times or abused better fabrics usually won't leave a noticeable line when the sleeves or pants are lengthened.

Slim, Skinny or Trim Fit- I am Confused

Modern hipsters are all about trim fit clothing. They want short tight jackets with low rise skinny leg pants. This contemporary or modern fit is not to be confused with a boys slim fit. 

True slim sizing for boys has always existed regardless of fashion trends. A boy’s slim size is for a tall, very thin young man. The waist is typically 2” smaller than a regular and the lengths are longer. A modern, trim fit pant has the same waist measurement as a regular but has a lower rise and a narrower seat and leg.

My question is how cool do we want our boy to be? Boys are not men. They are still growing and most very quickly. Do we want a suit or pant that is on the cutting edge of fashion that he may outgrow after one or two wearings? Maybe we want a fit with a skosh of growing room that he could possibly wear several months from now. Your call.

 

Regular - Boys Clothing Specs

 

Husky - Boys Clothing Specs

Slim - Boys Clothing Specs

Stout - Boys Clothing Specs

Short - Young Men's Clothing Specs

Regular - Young Men's Clothing Specs

Long - Young Men's Clothing Specs