How to Measure for a Suit at Home: Step-by-Step Guide
If you are wondering how to measure for a suit at home to get a baseline idea of your sizing, or if you're an out-of-state groomsman trying to figure out your numbers before a deadline, you aren't alone.
Taking your own measurements sounds intimidating, but it is a great skill to have and is actually incredibly easy if you follow a few simple rules. Here is exactly how to find your numbers (and why you won't actually need to rely on them if you live locally!).
The Golden Rules of At-Home Measuring
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Do not do it alone. It is nearly impossible to get accurate shoulder or sleeve measurements by yourself. Grab a friend, a roommate, or a spouse to help.
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Use a soft cloth measuring tape. A metal construction tape measure will not wrap around your body correctly and will give you the wrong numbers.
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Don't pull the tape too tight. You need to breathe, sit, and dance in this suit! Always keep one or two fingers between the tape measure and your body to ensure a comfortable fit.
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Empty your pockets. Keys, wallets, and phones will add bulk to your waist and thigh measurements.
1. Neck Size
Wrap the measuring tape around the base of your neck, right where your shirt collar normally sits. Place one finger between the tape measure and your neck so the collar won't choke you when it's buttoned.
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Pro-Tip: If the measurement is exactly 15.5 inches, round up to 16 just to be safe.
2. Chest
Stand naturally with your arms relaxed at your sides. Have your helper wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, right under your armpits and across your shoulder blades. Make sure the tape is parallel to the ground and not drooping in the back.
3. Sleeve Length
This one is tricky, so follow closely! Do not just measure straight down a relaxed arm. To get the perfect measurement, stand up straight and place your hand over your heart. Have your helper start the measuring tape at the exact center of the back of your neck. Run the tape across the top of your shoulder, down to the point of your elbow, and then continue down to your wrist bone.
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Pro-Tip: Putting your hand over your heart naturally creates the bend your arm needs. If you measure with your arm locked straight down at your side, your sleeves will ride up way too high the second you move!
4. Waist (Not Your Jeans Size!)
This is the most common mistake guys make. Dress pants sit higher than casual denim. Do not just look at the tag on your favorite pair of Levi's! Measure around your natural waistline, usually right around or slightly below your belly button. Keep the tape comfortably snug, but again, leave enough room to breathe.
5. Inseam (Pant Length)
Take a pair of dress pants or slacks that you know fit you perfectly in length. Lay them flat on the floor. Measure from the crotch seam straight down the inside of the leg to the bottom hem of the pants.
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If measuring on your body: Stand with your shoes off. Have your helper measure from the inner crotch seam straight down your leg to the top of your foot.
The Good News: We Fit You For Free!
Now that you know how to measure for a suit, here is the best part: if you live anywhere near Utah County, you don't actually need to stress over doing it yourself. At Jack's Choice Formalwear, we offer completely free in-store fittings with any rental or purchase! Even if you practiced measuring yourself at home, we will measure you all over again when you come into the shop to pick out your look. This guarantees that your numbers are absolutely flawless and takes all the pressure off your shoulders.
Looking for something beyond a standard rental? We can use those professional in-store measurements to help you design a stunning custom suit, tailored exactly to your body and your personal style!
š Click here to explore our Formalwear Collections and start building your look!
š Come let the pros measure you for free: 155 W 400 N, Orem, UT 84057
š Got a question about our custom suits or rentals? Call us: (801) 226-7681