5 Essential Tips for Taking Suit Measurements

Person taking suit measurements

Taking accurate suit measurements is crucial for ensuring a well-tailored fit that enhances your appearance and exudes confidence. Whether you’re a professional tailor or an individual seeking the perfect suit, understanding the measurement process is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of suit measurements, empowering you with the knowledge and techniques to achieve a suit that fits like a second skin.

Before embarking on the measurement journey, it is imperative to note that precision is paramount. A suit that is too loose or too tight will not only compromise your comfort but also detract from your overall presentation. Therefore, the use of a flexible measuring tape and the assistance of a knowledgeable assistant is highly recommended. Additionally, take your measurements in a relaxed and upright posture, ensuring that you are standing straight and your body is not contorted in any unnatural way. This will provide the most accurate representation of your body’s dimensions.

Commencing the measurement process, we will first focus on the jacket. The initial measurement involves determining the jacket length, which is measured from the nape of the neck, where the collar meets the neck, to the desired hemline. The chest measurement is equally important, taken around the fullest part of the chest, ensuring that the tape measure is parallel to the floor. The waist measurement, on the other hand, is taken at the natural waistline, where the body naturally bends when you lean to the side. It is crucial to keep the tape measure snug but not overly tight, as a too-tight measurement will result in a suit that is uncomfortable to wear.

Measuring Your Trousers

Accurate suit measurements are crucial for a garment that fits perfectly and enhances your overall appearance. Measuring your trousers requires precision and attention to detail. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get the right measurements:

Waist Circumference

To measure your waist circumference, stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. Wrap a measuring tape around your natural waist, where your body bends at the sides. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.

Inside Leg Length

This measurement determines the length of your trousers from the crotch to the hem. Stand upright and straight. Measure from the crotch seam of your trousers to the spot on the ground where you want the hem to fall. Round down to the nearest whole or half inch. If you have a pair of trousers that fit well, you can measure the inside leg length of those trousers instead.

Measurement	How to Measure
Waist Circumference	Measure around your natural waist where your body bends at the sides
Inside Leg Length	Measure from the crotch seam to the desired hem length

Hip Circumference

To measure your hip circumference, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips, typically around 7-8 inches below your natural waist. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.

Sleeve Length Measurement

Determining the correct sleeve length is pivotal for a flattering fit. Follow these steps to ensure an accurate measurement:

**1. Measure from the collar seam:** Place the measuring tape at the center of the collar seam where it meets the shoulder seam.

2. Follow the shoulder: Run the tape along the top of the shoulder, following its natural curve.

**3. Measure to:

Regular jacket: The wrist bone, with the arm extended and relaxed.
Sports jacket: The thumb knuckle, with the arm slightly bent at the elbow.
Cuffed jacket: Just beyond the wrist, where the cuff will end.

**4. Add extra length for adjustments:**

Jacket Type	Extra Length
Regular Jacket	1/2 inch to 1 inch
Sports Jacket	1/4 inch to 1/2 inch
Cuffed Jacket	None

This extra length allows for the sleeve to be extended or adjusted to account for shirt cuffs or personal preference.

Collar Size Measurement

1. Determine the Neck Circumference

Wrap a measuring tape snugly around your neck at the base, ensuring it’s parallel to the floor. Read the measurement in inches or centimeters.

2. Add Ease Allowance

For a comfortable fit, add the following amounts to the neck circumference:

* 0.5-1 inch (1.25-2.5 cm) for a standard collar
* 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.75 cm) for a wider collar

3. Find the Nearest Collar Size

Consult a suit collar size chart to determine the nearest collar size that corresponds to your measurement with the ease allowance.

4. Check the Shirt Collar Size

If possible, check the collar size of a shirt that fits you well. This can provide a good reference point for your suit collar measurement.

5. Consider Special Cases

Curved Necklines: For curved or narrow necklines, it may be necessary to measure the neck circumference at the widest and narrowest points and average the two measurements.

Protruding Larynx: If you have a protruding larynx (Adam’s apple), measure the neck circumference at the point where it’s most prominent and add 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.75 cm) for ease.

Previous Collar Measurements: If you’ve had a suit tailored before, check the measurements of the previous collar to get an idea of what size works best for you.

Waist Measurement

An accurate waist measurement is crucial for ensuring a well-fitted suit. To take a precise measurement, follow these steps:

1. Preparation

Wear undergarments that you would typically wear with a suit, such as briefs or boxer briefs for men and a bra for women. Ensure the waistband of your undergarments is not restraining your waistline.

2. Find Your Natural Waist

Locate your natural waist, which is the narrowest part of your torso, typically around the level of your belly button.

3. Use a Measuring Tape

Position a flexible measuring tape around your natural waist, ensuring it is parallel to the floor. The tape should lay snugly but not tightly against your body.

4. Keep the Tape Level

Hold the measuring tape steady and horizontally around your waist. Avoid tilting it up or down.

5. Note the Reading

Read the measurement where the tape meets its zero point. Record this number in inches or centimeters.

6. Take Multiple Measurements

Take several measurements around your natural waist and average them out to get a more accurate result.

7. Additional Considerations

When taking a waist measurement, pay attention to the following tips:

– If you have a belt loops: Run the measuring tape through the center loop to ensure the measurement is taken at your natural waist.

– For women with a curvy figure: Take measurements both at your natural waist and at the widest part of your hips. This will help account for your body’s shape.

– For a dress or skirt: Measure around your waist where you would like the garment to sit.

Inseam Measurement

Measuring the inseam is essential for determining the correct pant length. It refers to the distance from the crotch seam to the hem of the pants.

Method 1: Standing

Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Use a soft measuring tape to measure from the crotch seam to the point where you want the pants to end.
Keep the tape perpendicular to the ground throughout the measurement.

Method 2: Sitting

Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
Use a measuring tape to measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of your heel.
Subtract 2-3 inches from the measurement to account for the fabric that will extend over the shoe.

Bonus Tips for Inseam Measurement

Measure multiple times to ensure accuracy.
If you are unsure about the inseam length, it’s better to err on the side of longer pants.
Consider the type of shoes you will be wearing most often with the pants when choosing the inseam length.
For a more precise measurement, have someone else take the inseam while you are standing or sitting.
Refer to the table below for average inseam lengths based on height:

Height	Average Inseam
5’5″ – 5’8″	29″ – 31″
5’9″ – 6’0″	30″ – 32″
6’1″ – 6’4″	31″ – 33″
6’5″ – 6’8″	32″ – 34″

Seat Measurement

The seat measurement determines the width of the suit trousers at the hips. To take this measurement, follow these steps:

Have the person stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and their back straight.
Place the measuring tape around the widest part of the hips, about 7-9 inches below the waist.
Ensure that the tape is parallel to the floor and not too tight or too loose.
Read the measurement at the point where the tape meets itself.
Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.
If the person has a pronounced curve in their buttocks, take a second measurement at the widest point of the curve.
If the two measurements are significantly different, average them out to determine the seat measurement.
Add 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) to the seat measurement for ease of movement.
Round the final measurement to the nearest inch or centimeter.

It is important to note that the seat measurement is different from the hip measurement, which is taken around the narrowest part of the hips. The seat measurement is typically 2-3 inches larger than the hip measurement.

For a more accurate measurement, it is recommended to have a professional tailor take the seat measurement.

Thigh Measurement

Measuring the thigh circumference for a suit is crucial to ensure a comfortable and well-fitting pair of pants. Follow these steps to obtain an accurate measurement:

Preparation: Wear comfortable pants or underwear that won’t hinder your movement.
Positioning: Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart.
Measuring Point: Locate the fullest part of your thigh, usually a few inches below the crotch seam.
Measuring Technique: Use a flexible measuring tape and wrap it snugly but not tightly around the thigh.
Hold in Place: Ensure that the measuring tape stays parallel to the ground and perpendicular to your leg.
Reading: Note the measurement on the tape to the nearest quarter inch.
Accuracy: Stand upright and refrain from moving while measuring.
Multiple Measurements: Take several measurements and record the average.
Circumference vs. Diameter: Remember that the measurement you obtain is the circumference, not the diameter.
Professional Assistance: If you experience any difficulty, consider seeking assistance from a tailor or a professional who specializes in suit measurements.

Note: It’s common to measure both thighs and use the larger measurement for consistency. For seamless transitions, consider adding a few extra inches to the final measurement.

How to Take Suit Measurements

Taking accurate suit measurements is essential for achieving a perfect fit. Follow these steps to ensure your suit fits you like a glove:

Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, just under your armpits. Keep the tape measure parallel to the floor.
Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, where your body naturally curves inward. Do not tighten the tape measure.
Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips, approximately 7-8 inches below your natural waistline.
Shoulder: Measure from the point where your shoulder meets your neck, to the end of your shoulder bone.
Sleeve: Measure from the center of the back of your neck, along the outside of your arm, to the desired length. Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle for the most accurate measurement.
Jacket Length: Measure from the point where your shoulder meets your neck, down the center of your back to the bottom of the jacket.
Pant Length: Measure from the top of your waistband, along the outside of your leg, to the bottom of the pant leg.
Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam, along the inside of your leg, to the bottom of the pant leg.
Collar: Measure around your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. Keep the tape measure slightly loose.