Years from now, you’ll look back at your wedding photos. You won’t remember the centerpieces or the flavor of the cake, but you will remember how you felt. You want to look at those pictures and see yourself looking confident and comfortable, not stiff or awkward because your sleeves were too short.

Getting the fit right is the secret ingredient to looking like the best version of yourself. It doesn’t matter if you’re renting a tux or going all-in on a custom piece; these tips will ensure you feel as good as you look.

Start early:

Do not wait until the last minute. A good fit takes time. If you are buying, the wedding suit might need to be ordered. If you are renting, the popular sizes go fast. Starting two to three months before the wedding gives you a buffer. It allows time for shipping and for any fixes that need to be made.

Know your body shape:

Suits look different on different body types. Be honest about your shape. Are you tall and lean? Do you have broad shoulders? A tailor can help you pick a style that flatters you. The goal is to complement your body, not to squeeze into a style that does not work for you.

Check the shoulders:

This is the most important part of the jacket. The shoulder seam should line up exactly with the end of your shoulder bone. It should not hang over the edge, and it should not be sitting too far back. If the shoulders do not fit, it is hard to fix. When you try on the jacket, move your arms.

Look at the jacket length:

A common mistake is a jacket that is too long or too short. A good rule is to let your arms rest at your sides. Curl your fingers. The bottom of the jacket should hit right around the curve of your closed fist. It should cover your seat, but it should not be so long that it makes your legs look short.

Fix the sleeves and pants:

Your jacket sleeves should show a little bit of your shirt cuff, about half an inch. Your pants should have a slight break. This means they rest on the top of your shoes with a small fold, but they should not bunch up too much at the bottom. If the pants are too long, they will look messy.