10 Easy Steps To Measure Yourself For A Suit

Attaining a suit that fits impeccably is paramount, as it exudes both confidence and sophistication. To ensure a tailored fit, it is essential to accurately measure yourself. While seeking professional assistance from a tailor is highly recommended, you can also achieve precise measurements at home with careful attention to detail and the proper tools.

Begin by selecting the appropriate measuring tape, which should be flexible and accurate. Stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides and have a friend or family member assist you with the measuring process. Record each measurement to the nearest quarter inch for optimal precision. For the chest, measure around the fullest part, ensuring the tape is snug but not constricting. For the waist, measure around your natural waistline, where your body naturally curves inward. For the hips, measure around the widest part of your buttocks, again ensuring a snug but comfortable fit.

Additional measurements may be necessary depending on the suit style and your personal preferences. For example, for a suit with a jacket, measure the length from the base of your neck to the desired jacket length. For the sleeves, measure from the center of your back, over your shoulder, and down to the desired sleeve length. Also, consider measuring your inseam, which is the length from your crotch to the desired pant length. With these precise measurements in hand, you can confidently order a suit that fits like a bespoke garment, enhancing your professional and personal style.

Neck Circumference

Measuring your neck circumference is crucial for determining the correct shirt collar size. Here are step-by-step instructions to ensure accurate measurements:

Relax your neck: Start by relaxing your neck and standing upright with your shoulders in a neutral position.
Position the tape measure correctly: Place the measuring tape snugly around the base of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. Ensure the tape is parallel to the floor and not too loose or too tight.
Take the reading: Hold the tape measure firmly and read the measurement at the point where the ends meet. Note the circumference in inches or centimeters.

To verify your measurement, you can compare it to the following table:

Neck Circumference (inches)	Collar Size
14-14.5	14.5
15-15.5	15
16-16.5	16
17-17.5	17
18-18.5	18

If your measurement falls between two sizes, opt for the larger size for a more comfortable fit.

Shoulder Width

Measuring your shoulder width is a crucial step when tailoring a suit. Here’s how to do it accurately:

Stand up straight with your arms at your sides and your back against a wall.
Extend both arms out to the sides, parallel to the ground, with your elbows slightly bent.
Place a measuring tape across your back, horizontally, at the widest point of your shoulders. Ensure it’s parallel to the floor.
Read the measurement where the tape measures touch the outer edges of your shoulders.

Measurement	Shoulder Fit
< 18 inches	Slim
18-20 inches	Average
> 20 inches	Broad

Chest Measurement

Measuring your chest is crucial for determining the most suitable suit jacket size. To ensure an accurate measurement, it is recommended to stand upright with your body relaxed and shoulders squared.

Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, ensuring it is parallel to the floor. Keep the tape snug but not too tight, and ensure it does not constrict your breathing.

Measurement Type	Measurement Guide
Single-Breasted Suit Jacket	Add 5-7 inches to your chest circumference
Double-Breasted Suit Jacket	Add 6-9 inches to your chest circumference

For example, if your chest circumference measures 40 inches, you would need a single-breasted suit jacket with a chest measurement of 45-47 inches and a double-breasted suit jacket with a chest measurement of 46-49 inches.

Sleeve Length

To measure your sleeve length, bend your elbow 90 degrees. Place the measuring tape at the center of your back, just below the collarbone. Then, with your arm still bent, bring the tape over your shoulder and down to the outside edge of your wristbone. Make sure the tape is not too tight or too loose.

For more accurate results, you can have someone else measure your sleeve length. Stand up straight with your arms at your sides. The other person should hold the measuring tape at the center of your back, just below your collarbone. Then, have them measure down to the bottom of your cuff, following the natural curve of your arm.

The ideal sleeve length will vary depending on your personal preferences. However, as a general rule, the sleeve should extend just beyond the base of your thumb when your arm is fully extended. You should also be able to comfortably button the cuff with a thumb’s width of space between the cuff and your wrist.

Measuring from an Existing Suit

If you already have a suit that fits you well, you can use it to measure your sleeve length.

	Step	Instructions
1	Put on the suit	Put on the suit jacket and button the buttons.
2	Bend your elbow	Bend your elbow to 90 degrees.
3	Measure from the shoulder	Place the measuring tape at the center of your back, just below your collarbone. Bring the tape over your shoulder and down to the edge of your wristbone.
4	Record the measurement	Note down the measurement in inches or centimeters.

Waist Measurement

The waist measurement is one of the most important measurements when it comes to a suit. It is important that you get this measurement correct in order to ensure a good fit. To take your waist measurement, you will need to first find your natural waistline. This is located at the narrowest point of your torso, just above your belly button. Once you have found your natural waistline, wrap the tape measure around your waist without pulling it too tight. Make sure to take the measurement while you are standing up straight and relaxed. The tape should fit snugly but not be so tight that it is constricting.

Tips for Measuring Your Waist

Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed.
Place the tape measure around your natural waistline.
Make sure the tape measure is not too tight.
Take the measurement while exhaling.
Round the measurement up to the nearest inch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Measuring at the wrong location (e.g., at the belt loops)
Pulling the tape measure too tight
Taking the measurement while slouching
Not exhaling before taking the measurement
Rounding the measurement down instead of up

Using a Table to Determine Your Waist Size

The following table provides a general guideline for determining your waist size based on your waist measurement:

Waist Measurement (in inches)	Suit Waist Size
28-30	34
31-33	36
34-36	38
37-39	40
40-42	42
43-45	44
46-48	46
49-51	48

Hip Measurement

To accurately measure your hips, follow these steps:

Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Locate the widest point of your hips, which is usually around the middle of your hipbone.
Wrap a measuring tape around your hips at this point.
Ensure the tape is parallel to the floor and not too tight or loose.
Read the measurement at the point where the tape overlaps.
Take the measurement three times and record the average of the three readings.

Measurement	Instruction
Actual Hip Measurement	Measure the widest part of your hips.
Standard Hip Measurement	Round the actual measurement to the nearest even number.
Suit Hip Measurement	Add 2 inches to the standard hip measurement.

Remember to take relaxed measurements. Don’t suck in your stomach or hold your breath. The suit should fit comfortably when you’re standing and moving around.

Outseam Length

The outseam length is the distance from the top of your waistband to the bottom of your pant leg. To measure your outseam length, follow these steps:

Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart.
Place the end of a measuring tape at the top of your waistband.
Run the measuring tape down the outside of your leg to the bottom of your pant leg.
Read the number on the measuring tape at the bottom of your pant leg.
Add 1-2 inches to the measurement to account for the break in your pants.

The break in your pants is the amount of fabric that falls over the top of your shoes. The amount of break you prefer is a matter of personal style. A 1-inch break is a good starting point for most people.

If you are having trouble measuring your outseam length, you can ask a tailor to help you.

Measurement	Description
Outseam Length	Distance from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the pant leg
Break	Amount of fabric that falls over the top of the shoes

Inseam Length

Measuring your inseam length is crucial for ensuring proper suit pant fit. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and have someone measure the distance from the crotch seam to the desired hem. Here are detailed steps:

Stand with a straight back: Assume a natural stance with your feet firmly planted on the floor.
Locate the crotch seam: Identify the seam where the front and back pant legs meet. This is typically found between the legs, where the fabric folds.
Find the desired hem line: Determine where you want the pants to end on the shoe. This can vary based on personal preference and suit style.
Position the tape measure: Place the end of the tape measure at the crotch seam, aligning it with the inside of the leg.
Measure to the hem line: Hold the tape measure taut and run it down the inside of the leg, following the contour of your body.
Record the measurement: Note down the measurement to the nearest eighth of an inch or centimeter.
Repeat on the other leg: Measure the inseam length on the other leg to ensure symmetry.
Consider inseam allowance: Some suits may come with an additional inseam allowance of 1-2 inches. Adjust your measurement accordingly if necessary.

The table below provides a general guide to inseam lengths based on suit styles:

Suit Style	Inseam Length
Classic	0.25-1 inch from the top of the shoe
Slim	0.5-1 inch from the top of the shoe
Skinny	0.75-1.5 inches from the top of the shoe

Rise Measurement

The rise measurement is crucial for determining the proper length of the suit trousers. It measures the distance between the crotch seam and the natural waist.

To measure your rise correctly, you’ll need a measuring tape and a pair of trousers that fit you well.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Put on the trousers and fasten them at the natural waist.
Locate the crotch seam, which is located at the intersection of the legs.
Measure from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband at the natural waist.
Record the measurement.

It’s important to note that rise measurements can vary depending on the style of the trousers and your personal preference. A higher rise will result in trousers that sit higher on the waist, while a lower rise will sit lower.

As a general guideline, the following rise measurements are considered standard:

Rise	Measurement (inches)
Low	7-8
Medium	9-10
High	11-12

Ultimately, the best way to ensure a proper fit is to have your measurements taken by a professional tailor.

Suit Jacket Length

Finding the proper suit jacket length is crucial for achieving a tailored look. Follow these steps:

Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed.
Place a measuring tape at the base of your neck.
Measure down the center of your chest to your waist.
Add 2-3 inches to the measurement.
Double-check the measurement by placing your hands at your sides and bending your elbows at 90 degrees.
The bottom of the jacket should fall just below the bend in your elbows.
If the jacket is too long, it will bunch up in the back when you move.
If the jacket is too short, it will not provide adequate coverage and will look unflattering.
It’s always better to err on the side of a slightly longer jacket than a slightly shorter one.
You can always take a jacket to a tailor to have it shortened, but it’s more difficult to have a jacket lengthened.

Jacket Length	Measurement
Short	Jacket bottom falls above the bend in the elbows
Proper	Jacket bottom falls just below the bend in the elbows
Long	Jacket bottom falls below the bend in the elbows

How to Measure Yourself for a Suit

Taking accurate measurements is crucial for ensuring a perfectly tailored suit. Here are the steps to measure yourself:

Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your armpits.
Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, where you bend to one side.
Shoulder width: Measure from the outside edge of one shoulder to the other, across the back.
Sleeve length: Bend your arm slightly at the elbow and measure from the middle of your back, over your shoulder, to the wrist bone at the base of your thumb.
Jacket length: Measure from the base of your neck, down to the desired length of the jacket.
Pant waist: Measure around your waistline where you plan to wear the pants.
Pant inseam: Measure from the crotch, along the inside leg, to the desired pant length.
Pant rise: Measure from the top of the waistband, along the front of your pants, to the crotch.

Tips:

Use a flexible tape measure.
Stand up straight and keep the tape snug but not tight.
Measure yourself in front of a mirror to ensure accuracy.