Let’s face it — when you think about suit tailoring, it’s always the same checklist: trim the sleeves, take in the waist, maybe hem the pants if you’re swimming in fabric. But here’s the thing no one talks about: the back of your neck. Yup, that weird ripple behind your collar might be ruining your whole look — and you probably didn’t even know it could be fixed.
Why the Fit Behind the Neck Matters
I remember the first time I saw myself in wedding photos wearing what I thought was a tailored jacket. From the front, it looked fine. From the back? Wrinkle city. Turns out I had what Reddit calls “the most overlooked tailoring fail.”
As one user on r/malefashionadvice put it:
“I didn’t even know jacket collars could be adjusted — but now I won’t buy a suit without checking that spot.”
This issue is caused by excess fabric between your shoulder blades and neck. It messes with the jacket’s drape and makes your posture look off, even when you’re standing tall. It’s a small flaw with a big visual impact.
What Is “Shortening the Collar” or “Raising the Back”?
This fix has a few names, but the idea is the same: your tailor removes a wedge of fabric from the center back seam, then reattaches the collar so it sits flush with your shirt collar. No more ripples. No more weird bunching.
Quick Facts:
- Cost: Around $25–$50
- Difficulty: Medium to high — definitely not a DIY job
- Turnaround: Typically 3 to 7 days
It’s not flashy, but it’s one of those details that make people go, “Dang, that suit fits really well.”
How to Tell If You Need This Alteration
Look out for these signs:
- Horizontal ripples or folds just beneath the collar
- The jacket rides up when you move or sit
- The collar gaps away from your neck
- You’ve already had shoulder adjustments, but something still feels off
Pro tip: have someone take a quick video of your back while you’re wearing the jacket. If you see bunching, it’s time to talk to a tailor.
Why Most Guys Miss This Adjustment
Let’s be real: most of us just want to get in and out of the fitting room. And unless you’ve got a tailor who’s really paying attention, this subtle but important detail gets skipped.
Three common reasons:
- It’s subtle — You’re focused on the stuff you can see in the mirror.
- Not all tailors mention it — Some won’t bring it up unless asked.
- We assume that’s just how jackets fit — Spoiler: it doesn’t have to be.
How to Bring It Up With Your Tailor
Not sure if this is your issue? Next time you’re at the tailor, just say:
“Hey, can you check if my jacket’s doing that weird ripple thing behind the neck?”
They’ll know what you mean. And if they don’t… maybe it’s time to find a new tailor.
When You Shouldn’t Bother With This Fix
Like all good things, there are a few exceptions:
- Cheap or flimsy jackets — Might not hold the stitch well
- Heavy shoulder padding — May need more than just a collar tweak
- Tight deadlines — This isn’t a same-day fix
If it’s not worth the time or money, sometimes the better move is to just invest in a jacket that fits closer to right from the start.
How This One Fix Elevates Your Entire Look
- It Boosts Your Posture — Visually
Even if you’re standing perfectly, bunching at the back makes you look like you’re slouching. - It Completes the Tailored Look – No more illusion of a perfect fit from the front only.
- You’ll Notice It in Photos – Especially in wedding or interview shots. The back matters.
Final Thoughts
Tailoring is one of those things where the devil’s really in the details. You can get your sleeves just right and your pant break on point, but if the back of your jacket is doing a weird ripple thing — well, that’s like getting a great haircut but skipping the neckline trim. People will notice.
So before you walk out feeling sharp, do yourself a favor: turn around, check the back, and make sure your collar game is as strong as your cufflink game.
Your future self (and your photos) will thank you.