When you wear a suit, the way it fits makes the biggest difference in how you look and feel. Even small details can change the whole appearance. One of the most common problems men face with suits is something called a shoulder divot. If you’ve ever noticed a dent or crease at the top of your jacket sleeve, you’ve seen it. This issue can make a good suit look wrong — but the good news is, it can be fixed.
Let’s break down what shoulder divots are, why they happen, and how you can avoid them.
What is a Shoulder Divot?
A shoulder divot looks like a small dent, bump, or crease where the jacket’s shoulder ends and the sleeve begins. Instead of a smooth, clean line across the shoulders, the fabric caves in or sticks out at an angle. It’s easy to spot in photos and can ruin the sharp look of a suit.
Why is a Shoulder Divot a Problem?
The shoulders are the foundation of a suit jacket. If they don’t fit well, the whole jacket looks off, even if the chest, waist, and sleeves fit correctly. A shoulder divot can:
- Make the suit appear cheap or poorly made
- Add bulk and stiffness around the shoulders
- Break the clean, natural line of the jacket
- Distract from your overall look
Many men don’t realize this issue until they see themselves in photos or in the mirror at an event. Once you notice it, it’s hard to ignore.
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Why Do Shoulder Divots Happen?
There are a few reasons why this problem shows up, especially with off-the-rack or made-to-measure suits:
- Shoulder Pads Too Wide – If the jacket’s shoulder pads extend past your natural shoulders, the sleeve doesn’t sit right, causing dents or bumps.
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- Incorrect Sleeve Angle – Everyone’s posture is different. If the sleeve is attached at the wrong angle for your build, the fabric won’t fall smoothly.
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- Standard Sizing – Suits made in standard sizes can’t match every man’s body shape. If your shoulders slope more or less than average, the jacket won’t sit correctly.
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Can a Tailor Fix Shoulder Divots?
In some cases, yes — but it’s tricky. A skilled tailor can try to adjust the sleeve head or remove excess padding. However, these fixes are limited. Once the fabric has been cut and stitched in the wrong shape, it’s difficult to make it perfect. That’s why prevention is better than repair.
How to Prevent Shoulder Divots
If you want a suit that looks sharp from every angle, here’s how to avoid shoulder divots:
- Check Shoulder Fit First – When trying on a jacket, look at the shoulders before anything else. If they’re too wide or too stiff, the rest of the fit doesn’t matter.
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- Choose Soft Construction – Jackets with minimal padding and a natural shoulder design reduce the risk of divots.
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Go Custom – The only way to guarantee a smooth shoulder line is to order a suit made for your body. With custom suits, your exact shoulder width, slope, and posture are measured so the jacket fits cleanly.
AndreEmilio’s Solution to Shoulder Divots
At AndreEmilio, we believe fit is everything. That’s why our custom suits are cut from scratch, based on your body measurements — not standard templates. When we design your jacket, we measure:
- Your natural shoulder width
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- The slope of your shoulders
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- Your posture and stance
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This ensures the sleeve sits at the correct angle and the shoulders align perfectly. The result? No dents, no bumps — just a smooth, sharp line that frames your body correctly.
“The shoulder is the backbone of a suit,” says Andre Emilio, master tailor and founder. “If it doesn’t fit right, nothing else will. That’s why we focus on getting it perfect every time.”
