Ever noticed how a suit can look absolutely incredible on one person, yet completely off on another? The secret often lies in the fit, and the foundation of a well-fitting suit is a properly measured shoulder. Too narrow, and you'll feel constricted. Too wide, and you'll look like you're swimming in fabric. A perfectly measured shoulder creates a clean, flattering silhouette, ensuring both comfort and confidence. It's the difference between a suit that wears you, and a suit that you wear well.
Accurate shoulder measurements are crucial for ordering a suit online, tailoring an existing one, or even understanding your body type better. Getting it right prevents costly alterations, uncomfortable fits, and the frustration of a suit that just doesn't quite work. Taking the time to learn how to measure your shoulders properly will empower you to make informed decisions about your suiting choices, ultimately leading to a wardrobe filled with clothes that flatter your physique and enhance your personal style.
What are the common pitfalls to avoid when measuring, and how do I ensure accuracy?
Where exactly on my shoulder should I start and end the measurement?
The shoulder measurement for a suit jacket should be taken from the outside edge of one shoulder bone (acromion process) to the outside edge of the other shoulder bone. This is essentially measuring the width of your back where the sleeves of the jacket will be attached.
To find the correct starting and ending points, feel for the bony protrusions at the very top of your shoulders. These are the acromion processes. The tape measure should sit flat across your upper back, following the natural curve of your shoulders. Avoid letting the tape dip down or rise up at either end, as this will result in an inaccurate measurement. It’s often helpful to have someone assist you with this measurement to ensure the tape is held straight and you're standing naturally. It's important to note that this measurement differs from the "shoulder slope," which refers to the angle of your shoulders. While shoulder slope is important for tailoring, the standard shoulder measurement focuses purely on the width between the two acromion processes. A suit jacket that fits well in the shoulders will lie flat across your upper back without pulling or bunching, and the shoulder seam should ideally end right at the point where your shoulder naturally ends.How do I measure my shoulder width by myself accurately?
The most accurate way to measure your shoulder width by yourself for a suit is to find the prominent bony points at the end of each shoulder (the acromion processes), and then measure the straight-line distance between them using a flexible measuring tape. Stand straight, relax your shoulders, and try to use a mirror or have someone mark the points for you if possible, to ensure accuracy.
While professional tailoring yields the best results, you can achieve a decent self-measurement with a few tricks. Begin by standing in front of a large mirror, ensuring you have good posture – stand tall, but relaxed, with your arms hanging naturally at your sides. Locating the correct points is key. These points are not on top of your shoulder, but slightly behind, where the shoulder starts to slope down towards your arm. It may help to feel around with your fingers to identify the bony protrusions. Once you've located these points, carefully hold one end of the measuring tape against one point. Keeping the tape taut and straight across your upper back, bring the other end to the second point. Try to keep the tape level; don't let it droop or angle. Read the measurement where the tape meets the second point. It can be challenging to do this precisely by yourself, so consider wearing a well-fitting t-shirt and marking the shoulder points with small pieces of tape. This allows you to release the tape and double-check your markings in the mirror before taking the final measurement. If possible, enlist the help of a friend or family member. Having someone else accurately identify and measure those shoulder points from behind will greatly increase the accuracy of your measurement.What's the difference between measuring with a shirt on versus bare skin?
Measuring over a shirt versus bare skin will result in a slightly larger measurement due to the added thickness of the fabric. This difference, while seemingly small, can affect the overall fit of a suit jacket, especially in the shoulders. For the most accurate shoulder measurement for a suit, it's generally recommended to measure over a thin, well-fitting dress shirt, as this best simulates the typical layering you'll have when wearing the suit.
Measuring directly against bare skin introduces the risk of the suit feeling too tight once a shirt is worn underneath. The added bulk of the shirt, even a thin one, can restrict movement and cause discomfort across the shoulders and chest. Conversely, relying solely on a shirt measurement that's too bulky (like a sweater or t-shirt) will give you a shoulder measurement that's unnecessarily generous, potentially leading to a suit jacket that appears too wide or ill-fitting. Ultimately, the goal is to replicate the typical wearing scenario. Think about when you will be wearing the suit jacket. Almost certainly it will be with a dress shirt. A well-fitting dress shirt provides a consistent and reliable base for accurate measurement. It's important to choose a shirt that fits you well; avoid baggy or oversized shirts that can distort the measurement. Make sure the shirt's shoulder seams align with your natural shoulder line before taking the measurement. By using the correct layering for taking measurements, your suit will have a comfortable and flattering fit.How does posture affect the accuracy of my shoulder measurement?
Posture significantly affects the accuracy of your shoulder measurement. Slouching forward, standing too rigidly, or having uneven shoulders can all distort the measurement, leading to a suit that doesn't fit properly. Aim for a natural, relaxed, and upright posture with your arms hanging loosely at your sides to obtain the most accurate shoulder width.
Ideally, you want your body to be in its neutral position. When you slouch, your shoulders round forward, effectively shortening the distance between the shoulder points and resulting in a measurement that's too small. Conversely, if you stand at attention with your shoulders pushed back, you artificially broaden your shoulder width, leading to an oversized measurement. Even subtle variations, like favoring one side or tilting your head, can introduce inaccuracies, especially if the person taking the measurement isn't experienced. To minimize postural effects, take a few moments before the measurement to consciously relax your shoulders. Gently roll them back and down, then let them fall naturally. Ensure your head is level and your weight is evenly distributed. A mirror can be helpful to self-assess and correct any noticeable postural imbalances. Remember, consistent, relaxed posture during measurement is key to a well-fitting suit.Should I measure straight across or follow the curve of my back?
Measure straight across your back for the most accurate shoulder measurement when buying a suit. Do not follow the curve of your back.
A straight measurement provides the correct width needed for the suit jacket to sit properly across your shoulders. Measuring along the curve will inevitably add extra length, resulting in a jacket that's too wide and looks ill-fitting. The goal is to find the point where your shoulder bone ends on one side and measure directly to the corresponding point on the other side. This straight line represents the actual width your jacket needs to accommodate. When measuring, it's helpful to have a friend assist you. Stand with your arms relaxed at your sides. Have your helper locate the bony protrusions at the end of each shoulder. These are the points you should measure between, keeping the measuring tape taut but not overly tight. A slight dip in the tape in the middle of your back is normal as long as it maintains a straight line from shoulder point to shoulder point. The final measurement represents the ideal shoulder width for your suit jacket.What if my shoulders are uneven; how do I decide on a single measurement?
If your shoulders are uneven, don't simply average the two measurements. Instead, focus on the measurement of the *higher* shoulder. This is because a tailor can always take fabric *in* on the lower side, but adding fabric to accommodate the wider shoulder can be more difficult and compromise the overall fit and structure of the suit.
When dealing with uneven shoulders, the key is to prioritize the fit on the dominant or higher side. Measuring both shoulders individually is still important; note the difference. When providing these measurements to a tailor or choosing a suit size, select the size that corresponds most closely to the larger shoulder measurement. Communicate clearly with the tailor about the shoulder discrepancy. They can then make alterations to pad the lower shoulder or adjust the jacket's structure to create a more balanced and symmetrical appearance. Ignoring the higher shoulder can lead to pulling, tightness, and an ill-fitting silhouette, especially when moving your arms. Ultimately, the tailor will assess your posture and physique to make the most appropriate adjustments. Be prepared to try on the suit and discuss the fit in detail. Minor differences in shoulder height can often be subtly corrected, but more significant discrepancies may require more extensive alterations or even a custom-made garment for the best possible result. A good tailor will understand how to address the imbalance while maintaining the suit's intended design and drape.How tight should the measuring tape be when measuring my shoulders?
The measuring tape should be held comfortably against your body when measuring your shoulders. It shouldn't be so tight that it digs into your skin or restricts movement, nor should it be so loose that it sags or creates slack. Aim for a snug, but natural, fit.
When measuring your shoulder width, the goal is to capture your true shoulder breadth without adding extra fabric allowance or compressing your form. A tape measure that's too tight will artificially reduce the measurement, leading to a suit that feels restrictive across the back and shoulders. Conversely, a tape measure that's too loose will result in a measurement that's larger than your actual shoulder width, leading to a suit that looks ill-fitting and droopy. Imagine the tape measure is gently "kissing" your body. It should lie flat against your shoulder line, following its natural curve from one shoulder point to the other. Maintain your normal posture—stand straight but relaxed, with your arms hanging loosely at your sides. Have someone else take the measurement for you, as trying to measure yourself can lead to inaccuracies due to contorted positions.And that's it! Measuring your shoulders for a suit might seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, you'll be a pro in no time. Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide helps you find the perfectly fitted suit. Come back soon for more style tips and tricks!