Why Traditional Suits Often Fail Athletic Build and How We Approach the Problem

Finding a suit can be surprisingly difficult for men with athletic builds. A jacket that fits comfortably through the shoulders may feel too loose elsewhere, while trousers that fit the waist may not provide the proportions a wearer wants. The result can be a compromise between comfort, appearance, and mobility.

This is one reason custom tailoring can be valuable.

The challenge of standard sizing

Ready-to-wear suits are produced around standardized sizing. That approach works for many people, but no standard size can account for every combination of shoulder width, chest, waist, seat, and leg proportions.

Athletic men may find that a garment fits one part of the body while creating excess fabric or restriction in another. Simply choosing a larger or smaller size does not necessarily solve the problem, because changing the size affects several measurements at once.

Starting with the individual

Brimble & Clark, founded by Sim Khan, emphasizes custom-made business clothing with a focus on lightweight construction and range of movement. The custom approach creates an opportunity to consider the wearer's individual proportions rather than relying entirely on a standard size.

Fit is not only about making clothing closer to the body. It is about achieving the right balance: a clean silhouette without unnecessary restriction, and enough room for the garment to function comfortably.

The appropriate result depends on the individual. Some clients prefer a more tailored outline; others want a classic fit with greater ease through the body and trousers.

A suit should work in motion

Professional clothing is worn throughout real life: during meetings, commutes, travel, presentations, and long days that involve both sitting and standing. A successful fit needs to take those activities into account.

For athletic men who have struggled with off-the-rack sizing, custom tailoring offers a more individualized starting point. The objective is not to disguise the body or force it into a standard shape. It is to create a suit whose proportions and comfort work for the person wearing it.

At Brimble & Clark, that balance between appearance and movement is central to the brand's approach to custom menswear.

The Brimble & Clark Approach to Dressing for a Demanding Travel Schedule

For professionals who travel frequently, a wardrobe has to do more than look good. It needs to work across changing schedules, different environments, long days, and occasions that may range from a business meeting to a formal dinner.

The most useful travel wardrobe is not necessarily the largest one. It is one in which the garments, fit, and styling choices make sense together.

Start with the schedule

Before selecting clothing for a trip, consider what the schedule actually requires. A day of meetings may call for a different level of formality from a conference, a client dinner, or a special event.

Planning around the itinerary helps avoid packing unnecessary pieces while ensuring that the important occasions are covered.

Versatility matters

Garments that coordinate with several other pieces can make a wardrobe easier to manage. Neutral colors and considered combinations can provide flexibility, while a distinctive accessory or complementary garment can change the overall look when the occasion calls for it.

The best choices depend on the wearer's professional environment and personal style. There is no single travel uniform that suits everyone.

Comfort over a long day

Travel often involves extended periods of sitting, walking, and moving between locations. Clothing that feels restrictive or uncomfortable can become a distraction.

Brimble & Clark emphasizes lightweight business clothing and range of movement in its published approach to custom menswear. These considerations are particularly relevant when professional clothing must be worn for long stretches of time.

Fit should account for how a garment feels in use—not only how it appears when standing still.

Build around the individual

A custom wardrobe can begin with an assessment of the wearer's usual schedule, preferred level of formality, fit preferences, and most common travel needs. From there, clothing choices can be made with a clearer purpose.

For one client, versatility may be the priority. For another, the need may be a dependable business suit for high-stakes meetings or formal appearances.

Dress for the demands of the day

A demanding schedule leaves little room for unnecessary complications. Thoughtful clothing choices can make getting dressed simpler and help a professional feel prepared for different settings.

Brimble & Clark's philosophy puts the individual at the center of the process: clothing should be selected and tailored around the person, the work he does, and the way he moves through the day.