Measuring yourself for a suit can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to ensure a perfect fit. A well-fitting suit can elevate your confidence and make you feel like a million bucks. However, getting the measurements right is paramount, as even minor inaccuracies can result in an ill-fitting suit that can detract from your overall appearance.
First, gather the necessary tools: a measuring tape, a pen or pencil, and a piece of paper. It’s recommended to have a friend or family member assist you with the process to ensure accuracy. Before you start, ensure you’re standing upright with your shoulders relaxed and your chest slightly expanded. Begin by measuring your chest circumference, placing the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under your armpits. Note down the measurement and proceed to measure your waist circumference at its narrowest point, typically just above your belly button. Finally, measure your hip circumference at the widest part of your hips, ensuring the tape is parallel to the floor.
Once you have these basic measurements, you can determine your suit size by comparing your measurements to a suit size chart. However, it’s important to note that suit sizing can vary across different brands and designers. For a more precise fit, consider visiting a tailor who can take your measurements and provide you with a custom-tailored suit. A tailor can also assist in determining the correct length for your suit jacket, sleeves, and pants, ensuring that you look and feel your best in your new suit.
Gather the Necessary Tools
Before embarking on the task of taking suit measurements, it is imperative to gather an adequate assortment of tools and materials. These instruments will ensure that your measurements are accurate and precise, leading to a bespoke suit that fits like a glove.
The essential tools include:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Measuring Tape | A flexible tape measure that is at least 60 inches (150 cm) long. Look for one with both inches and centimeters markings for versatility. |
| Tailor’s Chalk or Fabric Pencil | Used for marking measurements on the fabric without causing damage. |
| Pins | Thin, sharp pins are used to hold fabric in place while measuring. |
| T-Square or Ruler | A straight edge for drawing perpendicular lines and measuring distances. |
| Body Measuring Form or Mannequin | Optional but recommended, a body measuring form allows you to take measurements on a 3D form that simulates the human body, enhancing accuracy. |
In addition, it is advisable to have a well-lit space with ample room to move freely, as well as a helper to assist with the measuring process.
Determine the Jacket Size
Measuring for a jacket involves several precise steps to ensure a perfect fit. Follow these instructions carefully:
Chest Measurement
With the measuring tape, measure around the fullest part of the chest, under the armpits and across the shoulder blades. Keep the tape parallel to the ground and not too tight or loose. Record the measurement in inches. This measurement determines the jacket’s overall width.
Shoulder Measurement
Measure from the outer edge of one shoulder to the outer edge of the other shoulder. The tape should be straight across the shoulders, not following the curve of the neck. Record the measurement in inches. This measurement determines the width of the jacket’s shoulders.
Sleeve Length
Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle. Measure from the center of the back of your neck (where the collar would rest) down the back of your arm to the wrist bone. Keep the tape slightly tight and follow the natural curve of your arm. Record the measurement in inches. This measurement determines the length of the jacket’s sleeves.
Jacket Length
Measure from the collarbone down the center of the chest to the desired bottom edge of the jacket. The standard jacket length falls just below the waist. Record the measurement in inches. This measurement determines the overall length of the jacket.
Note: To ensure accuracy, ask someone to assist with the measurements. If possible, have a tailor take your measurements for the most precise fit.
Measure the Jacket Length
The jacket length should be measured from the nape of the neck to the bottom of the jacket, where you want it to end. To find the nape of the neck, have the person stand up straight and feel for the small bump at the base of the skull. The tape measure should be held straight down the back, following the curve of the body.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Have the person stand up straight with their arms at their sides.
- Find the nape of the neck and place the end of the tape measure there.
- Hold the tape measure straight down the back, following the curve of the body.
Measurement Description Jacket Sleeve Length Measure from the top of the shoulder, where the sleeve meets the body, to the end of the sleeve, where you want it to end. Jacket Waist Circumference Measure around the waist, at the smallest part of the waist. Jacket Chest Circumference Measure around the chest, at the widest part of the chest. - Have the person hold their arms out to the sides, as if they were standing in a relaxed position.
- Read the measurement at the desired length.
- Identify the Natural Waistline:
- Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Locate the narrowest point of your torso, just above your hips.
- This is typically at the first natural crease that forms when you bend forward slightly.
- Prepare the Measuring Tape:
- Use a flexible measuring tape for accuracy.
- Place the end of the tape at the natural waistline.
- Ensure that the tape is parallel to the floor and level all around your waist.
- Wrap the Tape:
- Bring the measuring tape around your waist, keeping it snug but not too tight.
- Overlap the end of the tape over the starting point until the desired fit is achieved.
- Read the Measurement:
- Note the number on the tape where the end overlaps the starting point.
- Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.
- Round Up:
- If the measurement is not a whole number, round it up to the nearest whole number.
- This will ensure a more comfortable fit with some room for movement.
- Note Inseam Length if Desired:
- If you wish to have the trousers hemmed, measure the inseam length.
- Stand barefoot with your feet flat on the floor.
- Measure from the top of the inner leg seam to the desired length on the outside of the leg.
- Provide Hips Measurement:
- Measure the widest part of your hips.
- Stand with your feet together.
- Wrap the measuring tape around your hips, keeping it parallel to the floor.
- Provide Front and Back Rise Measurements:
- Provide the front and back rise measurements if you prefer a specific crotch length.
- For the front rise, measure from the waistband to the crotch seam at the center front.
- For the back rise, measure from the waistband to the crotch seam at the center back.
- Consider Body Type and Fit Preference:
- If you have a larger waist than hips, consider adding an inch to the waist measurement.
- If you prefer a looser fit, add 2-3 inches to the waist measurement.
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place the end of the measuring tape at the crotch seam.
- Extend the measuring tape down the inside of your leg and stop at the bottom of the leg.
- Record the measurement.
- Measure your chest: Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, ensuring it’s parallel to the floor. Relax your arms and stand up straight.
- Measure your waist: Find your natural waistline, which is usually the smallest part of your torso. Wrap the measuring tape around your waist and ensure it’s snug but not too tight.
- Measure your hips: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and measure around the widest part of your hips.
- Measure your sleeve length: Bend your arm at a 90-degree angle and measure from the center of your back (where the collar seam meets the shoulder seam) to the wrist bone.
- Measure your inseam: Measure from the crotch seam of your pants to the desired length, stopping just above the heel of your shoe.
- Measure your neck: Wrap the measuring tape around the base of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple.
Measure the Chest Girth
The chest girth is the most important measurement for a suit. It determines the overall size of the suit and the fit of the jacket. To measure the chest girth, follow these steps:
1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Place the measuring tape around your chest, just below your armpits.
3. Bring the measuring tape up over your shoulders and around your back, making sure that it is snug but not too tight.
4. Read the measurement at the point where the measuring tape meets in the front.
For a more accurate measurement, have someone help you take it. Stand up straight with your chest out and your shoulders relaxed. The person helping you should wrap the measuring tape around your chest, making sure that it is snug but not too tight. They should then read the measurement at the point where the measuring tape meets in the front.
 |
Chest Girth Measurement |
Measure the Waist Circumference
To accurately measure the waist circumference, follow these steps:
1. Find the Natural Waistline
Identify the narrowest part of your torso, typically located just above the hip bones and below the rib cage.
2. Position the Measuring Tape
Place the measuring tape horizontally around your natural waistline, ensuring it’s parallel to the floor.
3. Avoid Tightening
The tape should be snug but not constricting. A good fit allows you to easily slide a finger between the tape and your body.
4. Record the Measurement
Read the measurement where the tape meets the zero mark. Write down the value in inches or centimeters.
5. Measurements for Different Fit Types
| Fit Type | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Regular | Actual waist circumference |
| Tailored | Actual waist circumference minus 1 inch (2.5 cm) |
| Loose | Actual waist circumference plus 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) |
Remember to choose the fit type that best suits your desired comfort level and style preference.
Measure the Hips
Measuring the hips is crucial for ensuring a snug waist and comfortable seat in your suit. Follow these detailed steps to measure your hips accurately:
1. Determine the Widest Point
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend over at the waist and gently squeeze your buttocks together. The widest point on your buttocks is where you’ll take the hip measurement.
2. Position the Measuring Tape
Wrap the measuring tape around your body, keeping it parallel to the floor. Place the tape over the widest point you identified in step 1.
3. Draw a Notch
Use a pencil or pen to mark the tape where it intersects the front of your body. This will help you locate the measurement later.
4. Measure from Notch to Notch
Bring the ends of the measuring tape together at the front of your body. The distance between the two notches represents your hip measurement.
5. Round Up to the Nearest Inch
To account for movement and comfort, round up your measurement to the nearest inch. For example, if your hip measurement is 38.5 inches, round it up to 39 inches.
6. Record Your Measurements
Note your hip measurement in a table with the label “Hips”. Use the following table format:
| Measurement |
|---|
| Hips: [Your measured hip circumference] |
Determine the Trouser Size
Accurately measuring your trousers is crucial for a well-tailored fit. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Waist Size
Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, where your belt would typically sit. Keep the tape measure snug but not too tight.
2. Hip Size
Measure around the fullest part of your hips, approximately 8-10 inches below the natural waist. Ensure the tape measure is level.
3. Inseam Length
Measure from the crotch seam down the inside leg to the desired length of the pants, which can vary depending on personal preference.
4. Outseam Length
Measure from the waistband to the desired length of the pants along the outside seam. This measurement is typically 4-6 inches longer than the inseam length.
5. Thigh Measurement
Place the tape measure around the widest part of your thigh, approximately 4-5 inches below the crotch seam. Measure the circumference of the thigh.
6. Knee Measurement
Wrap the tape measure around the knee joint, ensuring it’s snug but not uncomfortable. Measure the circumference of the knee.
7. Calf Measurement
Measure around the widest part of your calf, typically 6-8 inches below the knee joint. Keep the tape measure relatively loose to avoid a constricting fit.
| Measurement | How to Measure |
|—|—|
| Waist Size | Circumference of the narrowest part of waist |
| Hip Size | Circumference of the fullest part of hips |
| Inseam Length | From crotch seam to desired pant length along inseam |
| Outseam Length | From waistband to desired pant length along outseam |
| Thigh Measurement | Circumference of widest part of thigh, 4-5 inches below crotch seam |
| Knee Measurement | Circumference of knee joint |
| Calf Measurement | Circumference of widest part of calf, 6-8 inches below knee joint |
Measure the Trouser Length
Measuring the trouser length requires a step-by-step approach to ensure the most accurate fit:
1. Determine the Shoe Break
Check the desired amount of fabric break at the bottom of the leg. Options include no-break, quarter-break, or full-break.
2. Measure the Inseam
From the crotch seam, measure down the inside of the leg to the bottom of the trouser. Note that the leg should be slightly bent for an accurate reading.
3. Measure the Outseam
Repeat the process on the outside of the leg, measuring from the waist seam.
4. Calculate the Trouser Length
For a no-break fit, subtract the finished inseam from the outseam. For a quarter-break, subtract 2 cm (0.8 in). For a full-break, subtract 4 cm (1.6 in).
5. Adjust for Hem
Add an extra 3-5 cm (1.2-2 in) to the length for the hem.
6. Consider the Waistband Fold
If the trousers have a folded waistband, subtract 5 cm (2 in) from the overall length.
7. Measure the Crotch Length
Measure from the center of the crotch seam to the top of the waistband.
8. Calculate the Rise
Subtract the crotch length from the outseam measurement to determine the rise, a crucial measurement for ensuring comfort and mobility.
| Rise Type | Suggested Measurement |
|---|---|
| High Rise | 28-31 cm (11-12.2 in) |
| Medium Rise | 25-27 cm (9.8-10.6 in) |
| Low Rise | 22-24 cm (8.7-9.4 in) |
Measure the Trouser Waist
To ensure a comfortable and proper fit, it is crucial to accurately measure the trouser waist. Follow these steps to obtain an accurate measurement:
| Measurement | Description |
|---|---|
| Waist | Circumference of the torso at the narrowest point. |
| Hips | Circumference of the widest part of the hips. |
| Front Rise | Length from the waistband to the crotch seam at the center front. |
| Back Rise | Length from the waistband to the crotch seam at the center back. |
| Inseam Length | Length from the crotch seam to the desired length on the outside of the leg. |
Measure the Trouser Inseam
The inseam is the measurement from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg. To measure the inseam, follow these steps:
The inseam measurement is typically taken with the person’s shoes on. This is because the height of the heel can affect the inseam measurement.
Inseam measurements can vary depending on the style of the trousers. For example, dress trousers typically have a shorter inseam than casual trousers.
Here is a table of average inseam measurements for different heights:
| Height | Average Inseam |
|---|---|
| 5’0″ – 5’4″ | 27″ – 29″ |
| 5’5″ – 5’9″ | 28″ – 30″ |
| 5’10” – 6’2″ | 30″ – 32″ |
| 6’3″ – 6’7″ | 32″ – 34″ |
How To Take Suit Measurements
Taking accurate suit measurements is essential for ensuring a perfect fit. Follow these steps to ensure your suit fits you like a glove:
People Also Ask About How To Take Suit Measurements
How do I find my waist measurement for a suit?
Measure around your natural waistline, which is usually the smallest part of your torso. The tape measure should be snug but not too tight.
How do I measure my sleeve length for a suit?
Bend your arm at a 90-degree angle and measure from the center of your back (where the collar seam meets the shoulder seam) to the wrist bone.
How should a suit fit?
A suit should fit comfortably and allow for freedom of movement. It should not be too tight or too loose.
