How to Measure yourself for a suit

How to select your suit size

Getting the measurement right is important
Getting the measurement right is important

There are few images more enduringly attractive than a man in new suit. But the desired effect will quickly be lost if the suit doesn’t fit right. Fortunately, you can use a suit you already own that fits well to help guide you in choosing a new suit that is the correct size.

A suit is measured by its two main parts, i.e. the jacket and the trousers. It is important to carefully measure each of the elements of each part to ensure a proper, total fit.

Measuring the jacket

Chest

The chest should always be measured at the fullest part, about three inches underneath the arms. Take the measuring tape and wrap it behind you, pulling it snugly (but not tightly) around to the front.

Arms (Length)

Measuring the arms will determine both the length of sleeve and the jacket. Place the end of the measuring tape at just where the seam of the sleeve meets the jacket and measure all the way to end of the sleeve.

Back

Measuring the back of the jacket is as important as measuring the chest. For the most accurate size reading, begin by folding the collar of the suit jacket up. Place the end of the measuring directly below the seam of the collar and measure in a straight line down to the end of the jacket.

Measuring the trousers

Waist

To measure your waist size, simply take a pair of suit pants that already fit you comfortably and lay them down, fly side up, on a flat surface such as a table or counter (it’s ok if the legs dangle). Button or zip the fly and square the pants as if you were wearing them. Take the measuring tape and measure from one side to the other.

Inside Leg

Measure the inside leg by taking a pair of suit pants with a good length and setting it on a flat surface such as a surface or countertop. Fold the pant legs so that they are sitting atop one another and lift the top leg so that it is straight above the bottom leg (forming one long vertical line). Place the tape measure at the seam of the crotch and measure all the way down to the hem of the pant leg.

See our Mens Suits section for a wide range of suits for all occasions.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *