A Comprehensive Guide to Measuring Men's Shirts, Suits, and Trousers

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 men's shirts, suits, and trousers to achieve that impeccable fit.

 

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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.

 

How to Measure a Men's Shirt

Tools Needed:

  • Measuring tape
  • A well-fitting shirt (for reference)

Steps:

    1. Neck (Collar):
        • 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. (Reference)
    2. Shoulder Width:
        • Measure across the back from one shoulder seam to the other right following the natural curvature of your body .
  1. 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. (Reference) 
    • If you have a reference shirt then you can use its lenght instead.
  2. 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.

  3. Biceps

    • With your arm relaxed, measure around the largest part of your upper arm.

  4. 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. 
  5. 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
  6. Lower Chest / Upper Abdomen
    • The upper abdomen is located just below the ribcage and above the navel. You may lightly press to feel your lower ribcage to identify the starting point for this measurement. (Reference)
  7. Abdomen, Tummy (Slightly below Belly Button):
    • 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. (Reference)
    • The cut will follow your chest, lower chest and abdomen measurement throughout. Depending the shape of your body, this will be made slighly relaxed or fitted through. If you have larger stomach, this will be adjusted to a classic look. If you have specific request of fit, please mention this on the notes section.
  8. Hips:
    • Measure around the fullest part of your hip. (Reference)

 

 

How to Measure a Men's Suit

Tools Needed:

  • Measuring tape
  • A well-fitting suit jacket (for reference)

 

Steps: 

  1.  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.

     

  2. Vest Length:

    • Measure from the top of the shoulder to the desired lenght. Typically slight pass the belt line. (Reference)

 

 

How to Measure Men's Trousers

Tools Needed:

  • Measuring tape
  • A pair of well-fitting trousers (for reference)

  1. Waist:
    • Measure around your natural waistline. Follow the pants line all the way around, this is where you usually put your belt. (Reference)
  2. Hip:
    • Measure around the widest part of your hips. (Reference)
  3. Thigh:
    • Measure around the widest part of your thigh (Reference)
  4. Knee:
    • Measure around the widest part of your knee. (Reference)
  5. 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. (Reference)
  6. Outseam / Trouser Lenght:
    • Measure from the top of the waistband down to the floor without shoes. (Reference)
  7. 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.
  8. Trouser Rise / U Crotch:
    • Measure from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband.

  

 

Additional Information

To ensure we tailor the perfect fit for you, we kindly request you to provide us with some more specific details. Here are the options:

Option 1: Upload Photos for Tailoring Insights

Please upload four full-body photographs capturing different angles: front, back, left side, and right side. These photos will assist our tailor in understanding several key attributes:9

  • Body Type: Rectangle, oval, triangle, inverted triangle, and trapezoid? (Link)
  • Shoulder Type: Do you have square, normal, or slanted shoulders?
  • Abdomen: Is your abdomen plain, slightly convex, or more of a beer belly?

Option 2: Written Details

If you're uncomfortable uploading images, you can alternatively provide the above details in writing. This information is crucial for our tailor to make the necessary adjustments to your clothing.

 

Tips:

Choosing the right leg opening for your trousers can greatly impact your overall look, especially in relation to the shoes you plan to wear. Here are some guidelines on how to make the right choice:

  1. Formal Shoes (Oxford, Derby, Brogues):

    • Recommended Leg Opening: Slim to moderate, generally around 13-15 inches.
    • Why: These types of shoes are sleek and refined, so a narrower leg opening complements them well.

  2. Loafers:

    • Recommended Leg Opening: Moderate, around 14-16 inches.
    • Why: Loafers are versatile and can work with a variety of leg openings, but a moderate size usually works best to balance the casual feel of the loafers.

  3. Boots (Chelsea, Chukka, Combat):

    • Recommended Leg Opening: Wider, around 16-18 inches.
    • Why: Boots generally need a bit more room, especially if you're planning on tucking the trousers into the boots.

  4. Sneakers:

    • Recommended Leg Opening: Slim to moderate, generally around 13-15 inches.
    • Why: Sneakers are casual and often slim in profile, so a slimmer leg opening can create a coherent look.

  5. Sandals and Flip-flops:

    • Recommended Leg Opening: Wider, around 16-18 inches.
    • Why: These are very casual options, and a wider leg opening adds to the relaxed, easy-going vibe.

 

 

For Accurate Measurements:

  1. Always use a flexible measuring tape.
  2. Measurements should be taken while wearing light or no clothing to get the most accurate numbers.
  3. For best results, have someone else do the measuring, as doing it yourself may result in less accurate measurements.
  4. Using the soft measuring tape we expect that you started from zero "0". 

 

Significance of Each Measurement

  1. Collar: Ensures comfort and aesthetics for ties or bowties.
  2. Chest: Affects the drape and look of both shirts and suits.
  3. Sleeve Length: Impacts arm mobility and appearance inclduing the amount of cuff you are showing.
  4. Waist: Influences comfort level and the "tucked-in" look.

Common Pitfalls

  1. Overcompensation: Adding too much extra room, causing clothes to look baggy.

  2. Too Tight: Measuring too tightly, resulting in an uncomfortable fit.

Fine-Tuning for a Custom Fit

Even with perfect measurements, you may need minor adjustments. That's where tailoring comes in. For instance, you might taper the waist of a shirt or adjust the break of a trouser.

Achieving the perfect fit is both a science and an art. With careful measurements and an eye for detail, you can ensure that your wardrobe not only enhances your appearance but also elevates your comfort and confidence. So go ahead, master the art of the perfect fit and step out in style!