Suits, and starts often follow (4)
I believe the answer is:
fits
'suits' is the definition.
('fit' can be a synonym of 'suit')
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fits that I've seen before include "Sudden uncontrollable attacks" , "short bouts" , "Prepares" , "crises once" , "Paroxysms" .)