The first step in making a suit is measuring yourself. This may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. In fact, you can do it yourself with just a few basic tools. By following these simple instructions, you can ensure that your suit fits perfectly.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A measuring tape
- A pen or pencil
- A piece of paper
Now that you have your tools, you can begin measuring yourself. Start by measuring your chest. To do this, wrap the measuring tape around your chest, just under your armpits. Make sure the tape is snug, but not too tight. Once you have the measurement, write it down on your piece of paper.
Next, measure your waist. To do this, wrap the measuring tape around your waist, at your natural waistline. Again, make sure the tape is snug, but not too tight. Write down the measurement on your piece of paper.
Determine Your Neck Size
Measuring your neck size accurately is crucial for a well-fitting suit collar. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Locate your Adam’s apple: Feel for the prominent bump on your throat. This is your Adam’s apple.
- Position the tape measure: Place the soft end of a flexible tape measure around your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. Ensure that the tape sits comfortably and doesn’t constrict your throat.
- Measure the circumference: Bring the ends of the tape together and read the measurement in inches or centimeters. Round up to the nearest half-inch or half-centimeter.
- Allow for comfort: For a suit collar that fits comfortably, add 1/2 inch (1.3 centimeters) to your measurement. This extra space allows for a relaxed fit when wearing a shirt and tie.
Neck Size Chart:
To simplify the process, you can refer to the following chart for approximate neck sizes based on your shirt collar size:
| Shirt Collar Size | Neck Size in Inches |
|---|---|
| 14.5 | 15.5 |
| 15 | 16 |
| 15.5 | 16.5 |
| 16 | 17 |
Measure Your Sleeve Length
Measuring your sleeve length is crucial for a well-fitting suit. Follow these steps:
Natural Armhole Length
Place your arm alongside your body, with your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle. Use a measuring tape to measure from the tip of your shoulder (at the acromion process) to the crease of your elbow (the olecranon). Record this measurement.
Forearm Length
Keep your arm still, with your palm facing down. Measure from the crease of your elbow (olecranon) to the base of your thumb (the pisiform bone). Note this measurement.
Total Sleeve Length
Add the natural armhole length and forearm length together. This gives you the total sleeve length. Deduct 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) from this measurement for your desired cuff length.
For reference, the average sleeve length for men is as follows:
| Height | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|
| 5’8″ – 5’11” | 32-33 inches |
| 6’0″ – 6’3″ | 34-35 inches |
| 6’4″ – 6’7″ | 36-37 inches |
Calculate Your Chest Measurement
The chest measurement is one of the most important measurements you’ll need to take when getting fitted for a suit. It’s also one of the easiest to take.
To calculate your chest measurement, you’ll need a measuring tape. Measure around the fullest part of your chest, just under your armpits. Make sure the measuring tape is snug, but not too tight.
Once you have your chest measurement, you can consult a suit size chart to find the corresponding suit size. However, it’s important to note that suit sizes can vary between brands, so it’s always best to try on a suit before you buy it to make sure it fits properly.
Here are some additional tips for measuring your chest:
- Stand up straight with your shoulders back.
- Wrap the measuring tape around your chest so that it’s parallel to the floor.
- Take a deep breath and hold it while you measure.
- If you’re not sure how to measure yourself, ask a friend or family member for help.
| Chest Measurement (in inches) | Suit Size |
|---|---|
| 38-40 | 40R |
| 41-43 | 42R |
| 44-46 | 44R |
| 47-49 | 46R |
| 50-52 | 48R |
Find Your Waist Circumference
To determine your waist circumference, follow these steps:
1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Locate the smallest part of your natural waistline, which is typically just above your belly button.
3. Take a flexible measuring tape and wrap it around your waist, keeping it parallel to the floor.
4. To ensure accuracy, take the measurement twice; once while standing and once while sitting down. If the measurements differ significantly, take the average of the two.
When taking a sitting measurement, follow these guidelines:
- Sit upright with your back against the back of a straight-backed chair.
- Place the measuring tape around your waist, as described above.
- Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight, and record the measurement to the nearest inch or centimeter.
Refer to the waist circumference table below to determine your waist size:
| Waist Circumference (inches) | Waist Size |
|---|---|
| 28-30 | 32 |
| 31-33 | 34 |
| 34-36 | 36 |
| 37-39 | 38 |
| 40-42 | 40 |
Establish Your Hips Measurement
To precisely measure your hips, you’ll need to determine the widest part of your hip area. Follow these steps:
1. Find the Hip Bones:
Stand in front of a mirror and locate the bony protrusions on your hips, known as the hip bones. These are located below your waistline and on the sides of your body.
2. Measure from Hip Bone to Hip Bone:
Wrap the measuring tape loosely around your hips, aligning it with the hip bones. Make sure the tape is parallel to the floor.
3. Determine the Widest Point:
As you wrap the measuring tape around your hips, adjust the position until it reaches the widest part of your hip area. This may be slightly above or below your hip bones.
4. Ensure a Snug Fit:
The measuring tape should be comfortably snug around your hips but not so tight that it digs into your skin.
5. Record the Measurement:
Once you’ve determined the widest part of your hips, read and record the measurement on the measuring tape. Note it down in inches or centimeters.
| Measurement Unit | Conversion |
|---|---|
| Inches | 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters |
| Centimeters | 1 centimeter = 0.3937 inches |
Determine Your Length
To determine your suit length, you’ll need to measure from the nape of your neck to the hem of your trousers. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Stand up straight
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your back straight. Relax your shoulders and let your arms hang naturally at your sides.
2. Locate the nape of your neck
The nape of your neck is the bony protrusion at the back of your neck where your skull meets your spine. Feel for it with your fingers.
3. Keep your arms at your side
As you measure, keep your arms relaxed and by your sides. Avoid holding your arms forward or backward, as this will affect the accuracy of the measurement.
4. Use a measuring tape
Place the end of a measuring tape at the nape of your neck and run it down your back to the point where you want your suit to end. If you’re unsure, aim for a length that falls just below the crease where your leg meets your shoe.
5. Note the measurement
Read the measurement on the measuring tape and record it in inches. This measurement is your suit length.
| Measurement | Method |
|---|---|
| Jacket Length | Nape of neck to where the jacket should end |
| Trouser Length | Waist to hem, with shoes on |
Measure Your Arm Length
Measuring your arm length correctly ensures the sleeves of your suit fit comfortably and complement your physique. Follow these detailed steps to measure your arm length:
-
Stand with your arm relaxed: Let your arm hang naturally at your side, with your palm facing inward.
-
Locate your shoulder point: Find the bony protrusion at the top of your shoulder, known as the acromion process.
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Use a flexible measuring tape: Place the zero end of the tape at the shoulder point.
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Measure to your wrist crease: Measure along the length of your arm, following the curve of your elbow, until you reach the center crease of your wrist.
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Keep the tape taut: Ensure the tape is snug but not too tight, allowing for a comfortable fit.
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Record your measurement: Note down the measurement in inches or centimeters.
-
Additional considerations:
- Measure both arms, as they may differ in length.
- For a looser fit, add 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) to your measurement.
- For a closer fit, deduct 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) from your measurement.
| Measurement | How to Measure |
|---|---|
| Arm Length | From shoulder point to wrist crease |
Calculate Your Inseam
Your inseam is the length from your crotch to the bottom of your leg. To measure your inseam, stand up straight and have someone measure the distance from the crotch seam of your pants to the bottom of your leg. You can also measure your inseam by lying down and measuring the distance from your crotch to the bottom of your heel.
Inseam Measurement Table
| Height | Inseam |
|---|---|
| 5’0″-5’4″ | 27″-29″ |
| 5’5″-5’9″ | 29″-31″ |
| 5’10”-6’2″ | 31″-33″ |
| 6’3″-6’7″ | 33″-35″ |
| 6’8″+ | 35″+ |
If you are between two sizes, it is better to go with the larger size. You can always have the pants hemmed if they are too long.
Record Your Posture Measurement
1. Stand Up Straight
Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and your shoulders relaxed. Keep your head straight and look directly ahead.
2. Chin Measurement
* Place the measuring tape under your chin at the center point.
* Bring the tape up over the top of your head and down the back of your neck.
3. Shoulder Measurement
* Measure from the point where the shoulder seam meets your neck on one side to the same point on the other side.
* Keep the tape parallel to the floor and slightly loose.
4. Arm Length Measurement
* Start with your arm slightly bent at the elbow.
* Measure from the center of your back, where the shoulder blades meet, to the wrist bone.
5. Sleeve Measurement
* Start with your arm slightly bent at the elbow.
* Measure from the tip of your shoulder to the wrist bone.
6. Chest Measurement
* Measure around the fullest part of your chest, just under the armpits.
* Keep the tape level and snug, but not too tight.
7. Waist Measurement
* Measure around your natural waistline, where your body bends when you reach to the side.
* Keep the tape level and slightly loose.
8. Hips Measurement
* Measure around the widest part of your hips, about 8-10 inches below your waistline.
* Keep the tape level and slightly loose.
9. Crotch Length Measurement
| Front Crotch Length | Back Crotch Length |
|---|---|
| Measure from the center of the waistband at the front to the floor. | Measure from the center of the waistband at the back to the floor. |
* Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your legs straight.
* Have someone measure the distance from the crotch seam of your pants to the floor.
* Take the average of the front and back measurements.
Understand the Importance of a Custom Fit
A poorly-fitting suit can ruin even the best outfit. A custom-fitted suit, on the other hand, will not only look great but will also be comfortable and flattering. Here are some reasons why a custom fit is so important:
- Enhances your appearance: A custom-fitted suit will accentuate your best features and minimize your flaws.
- Improves comfort: A custom-fitted suit will move with you and not restrict your movement.
- Lasts longer: A custom-fitted suit is made from higher-quality materials and construction than a ready-to-wear suit. This means it will last longer and look better for years to come.
- Boosts your confidence: When you look good, you feel good. A custom-fitted suit will give you the confidence to take on the world.
How to Measure Yourself for a Suit
If you’re ready to get a custom-fitted suit, the first step is to measure yourself. Here’s how to do it:
1. Chest
Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape measure level and parallel to the floor.
2. Waist
Measure around your natural waist, which is the narrowest part of your torso.
3. Hips
Measure around the widest part of your hips, keeping the tape measure level and parallel to the floor.
4. Shoulder Width
Measure from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other, following the curve of your shoulders.
5. Sleeve Length
Bend your arm at a 90-degree angle and measure from the center of your neck, down the outside of your arm, to the break of your wrist.
6. Jacket Length
Measure from the center of your neck, down your back, to where you want the jacket to end.
7. Trouser Waist
Measure around your waist, where you normally wear your trousers.
8. Trouser Length
Measure from the top of your waist, down the outside of your leg, to where you want the trousers to end.
9. Trouser Inseam
Measure from the crotch of your trousers, down the inside of your leg, to where you want the trousers to end.
10. Additional Measurements
In addition to the basic measurements above, you may also want to provide the following measurements to your tailor:
| Measurement | Description |
|---|---|
| Neck | Measure around your neck, where you would wear a collar. |
| Biceps | Measure around the fullest part of your biceps, keeping the tape measure level and parallel to the floor. |
| Thigh | Measure around the widest part of your thigh, keeping the tape measure level and parallel to the floor. |
| Calf | Measure around the widest part of your calf, keeping the tape measure level and parallel to the floor. |
How To Measure Yourself For A Suit
When it comes to finding the perfect suit, fit is everything. A suit that fits well will make you look and feel your best, while a suit that doesn’t fit will be uncomfortable and unflattering. That’s why it’s important to take accurate measurements before you buy a suit.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to measure yourself for a suit:
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, making sure the tape measure is level.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, which is the smallest part of your waist.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, making sure the tape measure is level.
- Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of your leg, where you want the pants to end.
- Sleeve length: Measure from the shoulder seam to the wrist bone, with your arm slightly bent.
- Jacket length: Measure from the base of the neck to the bottom of the jacket, where you want it to end.
Once you have your measurements, you can use them to find a suit that fits you well. Be sure to try on the suit before you buy it to make sure it fits properly.
People Also Ask
How often should you get measured for a suit?
You should get measured for a suit every time you buy a new suit. Your body measurements can change over time, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the best fit possible.
What are the most important measurements to get for a suit?
The most important measurements to get for a suit are the chest, waist, and hips. These measurements will help you determine the size of the suit you need.
Can I measure myself for a suit at home?
Yes, you can measure yourself for a suit at home. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure you get accurate measurements.
What if I don’t have a tape measure?
If you don’t have a tape measure, you can use a piece of string or yarn. Just be sure to mark the measurements on the string or yarn so you can transfer them to a tape measure later.
