A Comprehensive Guide to Measuring Suits
The Art of the Perfect Fit
Dressing well is an art, and like any art form, it requires a certain level of mastery. The foundation of a well-curated wardrobe is, undoubtedly, the perfect fit. Whether it's a crisp shirt, a sleek suit, or comfortable trousers, the right fit can elevate your style and boost your confidence. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the techniques and nuances of measuring shirts, suits, and trousers to achieve that impeccable fit.
The Basics of Measuring
Before diving into specifics, you'll need some essential tools:
- A soft measuring tape
- A full-length mirror (optional)
- A helping hand for more accurate measurements (optional)
Tips:
Always measure your body, not your clothes. Garments can stretch or shrink over time, leading to incorrect measurements.
Neck:
Measure around the base of your neck emulating the shape of a fastened collar, where a shirt collar would sit. Place 1 finger inside the tape to give it some room to breathe.
Chest:
- Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, underneath your arms.
- Measure your nomal breathing, do not make your chest bigger
- Tight but not too much, usually the line is right acorss your nipples
Upper Chest & Lower Chest (Over Bust & Lower Bust)
The upper Chest is located just below the Armpit. The Lower Chest is below the nipple line.
Abdomen
To accurately measure the stomach circumference for tailoring, position the tape measure around the widest part of your stomach, typically slightly below your belly button. Make sure the tape is level all around and is neither too tight nor too loose. Make sure the tape is parallel to the floor and is not twisted.
Wrap the tape measure around your upper abdomen, going around the back and meeting at the starting point. Ensure that the tape is snug but not too tight; you should be able to fit a finger under the tape.
Waist
Measure around your natural waistline. Follow the pants line all the way around, this is where you usually put your belt.
Hips:
Measure around the fullest part of your hip.
Thigh:
Measure around the widest part of your thigh
Knee:
Measure around the widest part of your knee. (Reference)
Leg Opening:
Use a reference, measure around the hem of one of the trouser legs (Reference)
Style is lightly tapered from the bottom opening to where it widens at your thighs. If you want a straight cut or have specific request, please mention it in the notes section.
Around the Arm Hole
Shoulder Edge to Elbow Lenght
Shoulder to Breast Point
Shoulder to Waist point
Shoulders
- Measure across the back from one shoulder seam to the other right following the natural curvature of your body .
Biceps
With your arm relaxed, measure around the largest part of your upper arm.
Wrists
Measure just above the wrist bone. Make sure that your measurement is thight just about 1 to 2 fingers beneath the measuring tape. Your suit opening will be cut exactly on this measurement. If you want to adjust this opening, please provide the correct measurement and provide the changes on the note section.
Outseam / Trouser Lenght:
Measure from the top of the waistband down to the floor without shoes
Inseam:
Using a soft measuring tape, measure from that point (crotch) straight down to the bottom of your ankle or where you want your pants to end. Ensure the tape is taut and straight.
Pants Break Length
Distance from the floor (without shoes) to your leg opening
Jacket Lenght (Measuring in Front):
Starting Point: Begin by locating the highest shoulder point. This is the point where the shoulder seam meets the collar seam.
Ending Point: Determine where you want the jacket to end. It should cover your belt line or the waist of your trousers.
Typically it ends on the thumb’s knuckle (IP Joint) while resting your hand on the side.
Method:
- Stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides.
- Use a soft measuring tape.
- Start the measuring tape at the highest shoulder point.
- Run the tape vertically down the front of your body, following the contours of your torso, to the determined ending point.
Shirt Length:
Measure from the top of the shoulder to the point where the shirt will end, typically past the waistline or on the bottom of your zipper. Select your preferred length.
If you have a reference shirt then you can use its lenght instead.
Vest Length:
Measure from the top of the shoulder to the desired lenght. Typically slight pass the belt line. (Reference)
Sleeve Length:
Place the measuring tape at the top edge of the shoulder where the shoulder seam meets the armhole seam, a well-fitting shirt is a good guide to where to start. This is your starting point., all the way down to the wrist. The measure ends about 1 inch past the wrist bone (Reference)
It's important that you provide an accurate measurement where your measure ends 1 inch past your "wrist bone". Your suit sleeve cut will be measured about 0.3 inches below your wrist bone.
If your shirt extends 1 inch past your wrist bone, you should be showing around 3/4 inch of shirt cuff. if you want to cusomize where the jacket suit lenght will end, please mention this on your notes provided submitting your order.
Trouser Rise / U Crotch:
Measure from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband.
Waist to Knee Length
