A perfectly tailored suit can make you look and feel your best. But getting the right measurements is essential. If your suit is too big or too small, it will be uncomfortable and unflattering. To ensure a perfect fit, it is important to take your measurements accurately.
There are two ways to get suit measurements. You can either go to a tailor and have them take your measurements, or you can measure yourself at home. If you choose to measure yourself, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Even a small mistake can throw off your measurements and result in a poorly fitting suit.
Once you have your measurements, you can use them to order a suit online or in person. If you are ordering online, be sure to compare your measurements to the size chart provided by the retailer. If you are ordering in person, you can bring your measurements to the tailor so that they can help you find the right size.
Measuring Jacket Length
Determining the ideal jacket length is crucial for achieving a tailored and flattering fit. Here’s a step-by-step guide to measuring it accurately:
Measuring from the Base of the Neck
1. Stand upright with your shoulders relaxed and your arms at your sides.
2. Identify the base of your neck, where the collar bone meets the shoulder at the back.
3. Using a flexible measuring tape, measure from this point to the desired length of the jacket. This could be to the hip bone, the base of the buttocks, or anywhere in between.
4. If the jacket will be worn with a dress shirt, it’s recommended to add an extra inch to the measurement to accommodate the button-down collar.
Measuring with an Existing Jacket
If you have a jacket that fits well, you can use it as a reference to determine your jacket length.
1. Put on the jacket and button it up.
2. Measure the length from the base of your neck to the hem of the jacket.
3. This measurement will give you a good starting point for your new jacket.
Tip: Remember that the jacket length will also depend on your body proportions and personal preference. A tailor can help you fine-tune the measurement for a perfect fit.
Determining Arm Length
Measuring your arm length accurately is crucial for a perfect suit fit. Here’s a detailed guide to getting it right:
Measuring Your Sleeves
- Extend your arm naturally: Stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides.
- Place the tape measure at your shoulder: Put the starting point of the tape measure at the bone at the top of your shoulder, where the shoulder seam of your shirt would typically rest.
- Measure to the desired cuff length: Bring the tape measure down the outside of your arm, following the natural curve of your elbow, to the point where you want the sleeve to end. This can vary depending on your personal preference.
Variations and Considerations
Keep these variations in mind when measuring your arm length:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Shirt sleeve length: | This is typically measured from the shoulder to the end of the shirt cuff, which is usually 1-2 inches shorter than the actual arm length for a comfortable fit. |
| Natural arm length: | Measured from the shoulder to the wrist bone, this is the true length of your arm and may be different from the desired sleeve length. |
| Personal preference: | Ultimately, the desired cuff length is a matter of personal preference. Some prefer sleeves that end at the wrist bone, while others may want them longer or shorter. |
Measuring Chest Circumference
The chest circumference is the most important measurement for a suit. It is taken around the fullest part of the chest, with the tape measure parallel to the floor. The tape measure should be snug, but not too tight. Here are some tips for measuring chest circumference:
1. Remove any clothing that may interfere with the measurement.
If you are wearing a shirt, sweater, or jacket, remove it before taking the measurement. This will ensure that the tape measure is not resting on any fabric, which could throw off the measurement.
2. Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed.
Do not hunch your shoulders or puff out your chest. This will give you an inaccurate measurement.
3. Breathe out and relax your ribcage.
This will help to ensure that you are getting the most accurate measurement possible.
4. Hold the tape measure parallel to the floor.
The tape measure should not be angled up or down. This will give you an inaccurate measurement.
5. Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest.
The tape measure should be snug, but not too tight. You should be able to fit one finger between the tape measure and your body.
6. Round the measurement up to the nearest inch.
For example, if your chest circumference is 38.5 inches, round it up to 39 inches.
Chest Circumference Measurement Chart
| Size | Chest Circumference |
|---|---|
| 36 | 36-38 inches |
| 38 | 38-40 inches |
| 40 | 40-42 inches |
| 42 | 42-44 inches |
| 44 | 44-46 inches |
| 46 | 46-48 inches |
| 48 | 48-50 inches |
Finding Waist Size
When measuring your waist, it is essential to stand up straight and relax your stomach. You want to take the measurement at your natural waistline, which is typically the narrowest part of your torso. To find your natural waistline, bend to the side and feel for the crease that forms. This is where your waistline is.
Once you have found your natural waistline, wrap a measuring tape around your waist, keeping it parallel to the floor. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the tape and your body.
Read the measurement on the tape to the nearest half-inch. If your measurement falls between two sizes, round up to the next size.
Special Considerations for Women
For women, it is important to take your waist measurement over your clothing. This is because women’s waists can fluctuate depending on their menstrual cycle. If you take your measurement over your skin, you may get an inaccurate reading.
| Body Type | Waist Measurement Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Hourglass | Subtract 2 inches |
| Pear | Subtract 1 inch |
| Apple | Add 1 inch |
| Rectangle | No adjustment |
Determining Hip Measurement
Measuring the hips accurately is crucial for ensuring a perfectly tailored suit. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to determine your hip measurement:
- Identify the widest part of your hips: This is typically the area where your butt protrudes the most.
- Stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart: Relax your body and let your arms hang loose at your sides.
- Place the measuring tape around your hips: Wrap the tape horizontally around the widest part of your hips, ensuring it’s parallel to the floor.
- Keep the tape snug but not too tight: You should be able to fit one or two fingers comfortably between the tape and your body.
- Read the measurement: Once the tape is securely in place, read the number indicated where the zero end meets the other end of the tape. This value represents your hip measurement.
| Hip Measurement | |
|---|---|
| Men | 92 – 112 cm (36 – 44 inches) |
| Women | 97 – 127 cm (38 – 50 inches) |
**Tip:** If you’re not confident about measuring yourself accurately, you can seek professional help from a tailor or clothing store.
Measuring Sleeve Length
1. Shoulder point to wrist: Bend your arm at the elbow, forming a 90-degree angle, palm facing forward. Measure from the center of the shoulder seam at the base of your neck to the center of your wrist bone.
2. Back of neck to wrist: Stand up straight with your arms hanging naturally at your sides. Measure from the top of the back collar seam to the center of your wrist bone.
3. Shirt sleeve length: The measurement from shoulder point to wrist is the most common for suit jackets. However, some tailors prefer the back of neck to wrist measurement. If you’re unsure which one to use, ask your tailor for their preference.
4. Cuff style: If you plan to wear your suit jacket with cuffs, remember that the sleeve length should extend about half an inch below the cuff.
5. Personal preference: Ultimately, the best sleeve length for you is the one that feels comfortable and looks flattering. Experiment with different lengths to find what works best for your body type and style.
Advanced Sleeve Length Considerations
For a more customized fit, consider the following additional measurements:
| Measurement | Description |
|---|---|
| Bicep circumference: | Measure around the fullest part of your upper arm. |
| Forearm circumference: | Measure around the fullest part of your forearm. |
| Sleeve pitch: | Measure from the center of the back collar seam to the top of the shoulder seam. |
| Cuff style: | Consider the style of cuff you prefer, such as French cuff, barrel cuff, or surgeon’s cuff. |
Assessing Shoulder to Shoulder Width
1. Natural Shoulder Measurement
Stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides. Measure from the point where the shoulder seam meets the collarbone on one side to the same point on the other side.
2. Relaxed Shoulder Measurement
Measure from the top of one armhole to the top of the other armhole. This measurement is typically 1-2 inches wider than the natural shoulder measurement.
3. Measured Shoulder Measurement
This measurement is taken from the outermost point of one shoulder to the outermost point of the other shoulder while wearing the jacket. It should be the same as the relaxed shoulder measurement for a perfect fit.
4. Ideal Shoulder Measurement
The ideal shoulder measurement is determined by your body type. For a standard build, it is typically 1-2 inches less than your chest measurement. For a muscular build, it may be 2-3 inches less.
5. Adjust for Shoulder Drop
If the jacket has a shoulder drop, you will need to adjust the shoulder measurement accordingly. A shoulder drop of 1 inch will add 2 inches to the shoulder measurement.
6. Check for Symmetry
It is important to ensure that the shoulder width is symmetrical. Measure from the center of the back to the top of each shoulder. The measurements should be the same.
7. Common Measurement Errors
There are a few common mistakes to avoid when measuring shoulder width:
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Measuring too tightly | Relax your shoulders and stand up straight |
| Measuring from the wrong point | Use the shoulder seam or armhole as your starting point |
| Not accounting for shoulder drop | Adjust the measurement if the jacket has a shoulder drop |
Calculating Crotch Length
Method 8: Using a Belt and Measuring Tape
If you don’t have access to a measuring stick, you can use a belt and measuring tape to calculate your crotch length.
- Tie a belt around your waist: Wear the belt at your natural waistline, where you would typically wear a pair of pants.
- Adjust the belt: Tighten or loosen the belt until it is snug but not too tight, ensuring that it is level around your waist.
- Mark the belt: Using a pen or marker, make a note of where the belt crosses the top of your pants or waistband at the front and back.
- Measure the belt: Remove the belt and lay it flat on a table. Measure the distance between the two marks you made earlier.
- Add the crotch length allowance: Add the crotch length allowance (typically 1-2 inches) to the measurement you obtained from the belt.
- The result is your crotch length: This is the measurement you will need when ordering a suit or pants.
Tips for Measuring Crotch Length
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Make sure the measuring tape is at a comfortable tension, not too loose or too tight.
- Take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy.
Determining Leg Length
Accurately measuring leg length is crucial for a well-fitting suit. Here’s a detailed guide to do it correctly:
Inside Leg Measurement
The inside leg measurement (IL) is the length from the crotch seam at the front of the pants to the bottom of the leg inside the seam. To measure it:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place a soft measuring tape at the crotch seam.
- Run the tape down the inside of your leg, keeping it straight and parallel to the seam.
- Measure the length to the point where the pants would break (typically at the top of your shoe).
Outside Leg Measurement
The outside leg measurement (OL) is the length from the waistband at the back of the pants to the bottom of the leg outside the seam. To measure it:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place a soft measuring tape at the center back waistband.
- Run the tape down the outside of your leg, keeping it straight and parallel to the seam.
- Measure the length to the desired break point of the pants.
Factors Affecting Leg Length
Several factors can affect your leg length, including:
- Shoe Height: The height of your shoes will impact the break point of your pants.
- Desired Break: The desired break (full, half, or no break) will determine the optimal leg length.
- Posture: Standing up straight or slouching can affect the measurement.
- Flexibility: If you’re flexible, your leg length may be slightly longer in a standing position.
- Body Mass: Larger individuals may have a slightly shorter leg length due to the distribution of body mass.
Measurement Variability
It’s important to note that leg length can vary slightly depending on the measuring method or time of day. For accuracy, measure your leg length multiple times and take an average.
Approximate Leg Length Ranges
As a general guide, the following ranges provide approximate leg lengths for different heights:
| Height (inches) | Inside Leg Length (inches) | Outside Leg Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 5’6″ – 5’10” | 28 – 32 | 34 – 38 |
| 5’11” – 6’2″ | 30 – 34 | 36 – 40 |
| 6’3″ – 6’6″ | 32 – 36 | 38 – 42 |
Final Fitting and Adjustments
After the initial measurements are taken, it’s time for the final fitting. During this appointment, the tailor will put the suit together and have you try it on. They will check the fit of the suit and make any necessary adjustments.
1. Check the Fit
The tailor will start by checking the overall fit of the suit. They will make sure that the jacket fits comfortably across your shoulders and chest, and that the sleeves are the correct length. They will also check the fit of the pants, making sure that they are not too tight or too loose.
2. Make Adjustments
Once the tailor has checked the fit of the suit, they will make any necessary adjustments. These adjustments may include:
- Taking in the jacket or pants
- Letting out the jacket or pants
- Adjusting the length of the sleeves or pants
- Adjusting the fit of the neckline
- Adjusting the fit of the shoulders
- Adjusting the fit of the chest
- Adjusting the fit of the waist
- Adjusting the fit of the hips
- Adjusting the fit of the thighs
- Adjusting the fit of the calves
3. Finalize the Fit
Once the tailor has made all of the necessary adjustments, they will finalize the fit of the suit. This may involve pressing the suit to remove any wrinkles and making sure that all of the seams are secure.
4. Take the Suit Home
Once the suit is finished, you can take it home and enjoy it. It’s important to remember that a suit may need to be adjusted over time as your body changes. If you notice any changes in the fit of your suit, you should take it back to the tailor for adjustments.
How to Get Suit Measurements
Getting the right suit measurements is essential for ensuring that your new suit fits perfectly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get the most accurate measurements:
- Find a tailor or seamstress. A professional will have the skills and experience to take your measurements correctly.
- Wear clothes that are similar to what you’ll be wearing under your suit. This will help to ensure that the measurements are accurate for the way you’ll actually be wearing the suit.
- Stand up straight and relax. Don’t hunch over or tense up, as this can affect the measurements.
- The tailor will measure your:
- Chest: Around the fullest part of your chest, with your arms relaxed at your sides.
- Waist: Around the narrowest part of your waist, typically just above your belly button.
- Hips: Around the fullest part of your hips, typically at the widest part of your buttocks.
- Sleeve length: From the center of the back of your neck, over the top of your shoulder, and down to the point where you want the sleeve to end.
- Inseam: From the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg, along the inside seam.
- Once the tailor has taken your measurements, they will use them to create a pattern for your suit. Be sure to try on the suit before it’s finished to make sure that it fits properly.
