Instructions for Measuring Yourself for a 3-Piece Suit

Accurate measurements are crucial for ensuring a well-fitting 3-piece suit. Use a flexible tape measure and, if possible, ask someone to help you for the most accurate results.

1. Chest Measurement

• What to do:

  • Stand upright with your arms relaxed at your sides.

  • Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, just under your armpits and across your shoulder blades.

  • Keep the tape snug but not tight.

• Tip: Ensure the tape is parallel to the ground.

• Record: Chest size in inches or centimeters.

2. Waist Measurement

• What to do:

  • Measure around your natural waistline, which is usually about an inch above your belly button.

  • Stand naturally without holding your breath or sucking in your stomach.

• Tip: This measurement is not the same as your pants size.

• Record: Waist size in inches or centimeters.

3. Hip Measurement

• What to do:

  • Stand with your feet together.

  • Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks.

• Tip: Ensure the tape is straight and parallel to the ground.

• Record: Hip size in inches or centimeters.

4. Jacket Length

• What to do:

  • Stand upright with your arms at your sides.

  • Measure from the base of your neck (where the shoulder meets the neck) down to the desired jacket length.

  • For most suits, this length will end mid-thigh.

• Tip: Use a mirror or ask someone to help ensure accuracy.

• Record: Jacket length in inches or centimeters.

5. Sleeve Length

• What to do:

  • Bend your arm slightly.

  • Measure from the top of your shoulder (where it meets the arm) down to your wrist bone.

  • Ensure the tape follows the curve of your arm.

• Tip: Add about a half inch for the cuff to show under the jacket sleeve.

• Record: Sleeve length in inches or centimeters.

6. Shoulder Width

• What to do:

  • Measure straight across the back, from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other.

• Tip: The tape should rest on the back of the shoulders, not on your upper arms.

• Record: Shoulder width in inches or centimeters.

7. Neck Measurement

• What to do:

  • Wrap the tape measure around the base of your neck where a shirt collar would sit.

  • Insert one or two fingers between the tape and your neck for comfort.

• Tip: This is crucial for shirts and vests.

• Record: Neck size in inches or centimeters.

8. Inseam Measurement

• What to do:

  • Measure from the top of your inner thigh to the bottom of your ankle.

  • Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.

• Tip: Wear shoes to ensure the pants break correctly over them.

• Record: Inseam length in inches or centimeters.

9. Outseam Measurement

• What to do:

  • Measure from your natural waist (where the pants will sit) down to the desired length (usually the top of your shoe heel).

• Tip: Include any additional length needed for cuffed trousers.

• Record: Outseam length in inches or centimeters.

10. Vest Measurements

• Front Length:

  • Measure from the base of your neck (where the collarbone meets the neck) to the point where you want the vest to end (usually just below the waistband).

• Back Width:

  • Measure across the back from one armhole to the other.

Final Notes

• Double-check all measurements for accuracy.

• Wear snug-fitting clothing or measure over bare skin for best results.

• Provide measurements in the unit preferred by your tailor or suit maker.

With these measurements, a tailor can craft a perfectly fitting 3-piece suit tailored to your exact proportions.