Ever tried buying a suit online only to receive something that looks like it was tailored for a completely different person? We've all been there! The perfect suit can elevate your style and boost your confidence, but an ill-fitting one can do the exact opposite. Getting the right measurements is the cornerstone of a well-fitting suit, whether you're buying off-the-rack, ordering online, or even having one custom-made.
Knowing how to accurately measure yourself (or a friend!) for a suit empowers you to make informed decisions and ensures you get the best possible fit. This skill saves you time, money, and frustration by minimizing returns and alterations. From understanding crucial points like chest circumference and sleeve length to mastering the art of measuring inseam, this guide will break down the entire process into simple, manageable steps.
What areas should I measure and how do I ensure accurate results?
Where exactly should I place the measuring tape for the most accurate chest measurement?
For the most accurate chest measurement, position the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, typically right across your nipples. Ensure the tape is level all the way around your torso, parallel to the ground, and snug but not tight. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides during the measurement.
Taking an accurate chest measurement is crucial for a well-fitting suit. A tape measure that is too high or too low will result in an inaccurate reading, leading to a suit that is either too tight across the chest and shoulders or too baggy. It's also important to ensure the tape is level – if it's sloping downwards at the back, the measurement will be larger than your actual chest size. This is why looking in a mirror or having someone else take the measurement for you is recommended. Another key factor is the tension of the measuring tape. You want the tape to be snug against your body, but not so tight that it compresses your chest. The tape should be able to move slightly, but not droop or sag. After taking the measurement, exhale and inhale normally to ensure the tape doesn't restrict your breathing. This will give you a more realistic idea of how the suit will feel when you're wearing it. Finally, it is recommended to take the measurement a few times to ensure consistency and accuracy. If the measurements differ slightly, take the average of the readings. This process will help to minimize any potential errors and provide you with the most reliable chest measurement for selecting the correct suit size.How do I measure the suit jacket length correctly, from shoulder to hem?
To accurately measure suit jacket length, lay the jacket flat, face up, on a smooth surface. Then, using a flexible measuring tape, measure straight down from the highest point of the shoulder seam (where the shoulder seam meets the collar) to the bottom hem of the jacket. Ensure the measuring tape follows a straight line and doesn't sag or pull taut.
It's important to note that the "highest point of the shoulder seam" refers to where the shoulder seam connects to the collar, not the very edge of the shoulder pad. This is the most consistent and reliable point of reference for measuring jacket length. Taking the measurement with the jacket laid flat ensures a more accurate reading than attempting to measure while the jacket is hanging.
A properly measured jacket length is crucial for determining the overall fit and appearance of your suit. Most men's suit jackets fall between 28 and 32 inches, depending on height and body type. Knowing your accurate jacket length will help you select the right size when purchasing a suit, either in person or online, and will also be useful if you ever need to have the jacket altered.
What's the best way to measure the inseam of suit pants?
The best way to measure the inseam of suit pants is to lay them flat on a hard surface, smooth out any wrinkles, and measure the distance from the crotch seam (where the front and back legs meet) to the bottom of the pant leg, following the natural crease along the inside of the leg.
Accuracy is key when measuring inseams, as it directly impacts the fit and overall appearance of the suit. Avoid stretching the fabric during the measurement process, as this can lead to an inaccurate reading. It's also helpful to use a flexible measuring tape that conforms to the shape of the pant leg. Make sure the starting point of your measurement is exactly at the base of the crotch seam, where all the seams converge. This is a common area for errors, so pay close attention.
If you're measuring pants that are already hemmed, ensure the leg is lying flat and not bunched up near the hem. If you're measuring for tailoring purposes (i.e., to have the pants hemmed), consider the type of shoes you'll typically wear with the suit. A slight break (a small crease where the pants meet the shoe) is a common and generally accepted style, but preferences vary. For a more modern, no-break look, the pants should just barely touch the top of the shoe.
How do I account for shoulder slope when measuring the suit jacket?
Shoulder slope is not directly measured on a suit jacket like sleeve length or chest width. Instead, the fit of the jacket across your shoulders is visually assessed. A well-fitting jacket should lie flat across your shoulders without any pulling, bunching, or excessive padding extending beyond your natural shoulder line. The goal is to find a jacket whose shoulder construction closely mirrors your natural shoulder slope.
To properly account for shoulder slope when determining the correct size, try on several jackets in your approximate size. While wearing the jacket, stand in front of a mirror and observe how the shoulder seam lies in relation to your natural shoulder. If the seam extends significantly beyond your shoulder bone, the jacket is too large in the shoulders. Conversely, if the seam pulls inwards, creating wrinkles or tightness, the jacket is too small. The ideal fit will see the seam sitting directly on the edge of your shoulder bone, creating a smooth, clean line. Consider the jacket's padding as well. Some jackets have more padding than others, which can alter the perceived slope and width. A lightly padded or unpadded jacket will more closely follow your natural shoulder line. When in doubt, err on the side of a slightly smaller shoulder, as a tailor can often let out the chest or waist more easily than they can significantly alter the shoulder construction. Focus on finding a jacket that, at the very least, closely matches your shoulder width and slope before considering other alterations.How tightly should I pull the measuring tape when measuring my waist for suit pants?
Pull the measuring tape snug but not tight. You want it to be comfortably encompassing your natural waist without digging into your skin or restricting your breathing. Think of it as a gentle hug, not a constricting belt.
When measuring your waist, it's crucial to find the sweet spot between accuracy and comfort. A too-tight measurement will result in suit pants that feel restrictive and uncomfortable, especially when sitting. Conversely, a too-loose measurement will give you pants that are baggy and ill-fitting, defeating the purpose of a tailored look. Aim for the tape to lie flat against your skin, without creating any indentations. Breathe normally as you measure, ensuring the tape isn't impacting your ability to inhale and exhale. It's always preferable to err on the side of slightly looser rather than tighter, as a tailor can easily take in the waist but letting it out is often more difficult, or even impossible depending on the seam allowance. Remember, you're aiming for the waist of the pants to sit comfortably at your natural waistline, which is typically located about an inch or two above your navel. To double check your measurement, try sliding two fingers between the tape measure and your waist. If you can do this comfortably, you've likely achieved the correct tension. Also, consider the type of shirt you typically wear tucked in. If you generally wear thicker shirts, allow a little extra room to accommodate them comfortably.Should I wear shoes when measuring the outseam of suit pants?
Yes, you absolutely should wear shoes when measuring the outseam of your suit pants. The outseam, which runs from the top of the waistband down to the bottom of the pant leg, determines the overall length, including where the pants will break (or not break) over your shoes. Measuring without shoes will result in pants that are likely too short once you put your shoes on.
The type of shoes you wear during the measurement is also important. Ideally, wear the type of shoes you plan to wear most often with the suit. Dress shoes with a heel will require a longer outseam than flat shoes or sneakers. Failing that, choose a shoe with a heel height that's fairly representative of your typical dress shoes. Measuring with bare feet or socks will completely throw off the measurement, and your suit pants will almost certainly appear too short.
Remember that the goal is to achieve the desired break – the slight fold or crease in the pant leg as it rests on your shoe. A full break is more traditional, while a no-break or slight break is more modern. Wearing the correct shoes during measurement ensures that the outseam is tailored to achieve the break you prefer and results in a well-fitting, stylish suit.
How do I measure the sleeve length accurately, accounting for arm bend?
To accurately measure suit sleeve length while accounting for arm bend, slightly bend the elbow to a comfortable angle, then measure from the shoulder seam down the outside of the arm, past the wrist bone (ulnar styloid process) to where you desire the sleeve to end – typically about ½ inch to show a bit of shirt cuff.
Accurately accounting for the natural bend in the arm is crucial for a comfortable and functional suit sleeve. Measuring with a completely straight arm will result in a sleeve that feels too short when the arm is bent. The slight bend mimics the natural posture and allows the sleeve to drape properly without pulling or restricting movement. Remember that you're aiming for a length that allows approximately ½ inch of your shirt cuff to be visible when your arms are relaxed. It's helpful to have someone else take this measurement. It is difficult to maintain both the arm bend and the measuring tape accurately yourself. Ensure the person measuring holds the tape measure taut but not tight against your arm. If you're measuring yourself, stand in front of a mirror and carefully follow the same procedure, being mindful to keep the elbow bent at the same angle throughout the measurement. Don’t forget that tailors can make adjustments if the measurement isn't perfect.And that's all there is to it! Hopefully, you're now armed with the knowledge you need to measure a suit with confidence. Thanks for reading, and we hope this helps you find the perfect fit. Come back soon for more style tips and tricks!