How Do I Find My Size?
We’ve all been there – you buy new clothes, only to realize they don’t fit at all! You’re definitely not alone, but the good news is that you can avoid bad fits and wrong sizes simply by measuring yourself before you buy.
One thing to remember is that clothing rarely fits perfectly straight off the rack – especially when it comes to suits. The reality is that it’s just how it is for most men. So, if you find yourself between two sizes, it’s usually better to go for the larger one. A tailor can easily take a suit in, but letting it out is a whole different story. And trust us, a well-fitted suit makes all the difference!
It’s also important to remember, that when it comes to suit sizes, you won’t see the usual "Medium" (M) or "Large" (L). Instead, sizes are marked with numbers like 48, 50, or 52.
The key takeaway?
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to measure yourself so you get the most accurate size. And if you already own a suit that fits you well, you can also measure it and compare it to our size guide further down. That way, you can quickly find the best size for you.
How to Measure Your Upper Body
A: Chest Measurement
When measuring your chest, stand in a relaxed position with your arms hanging loosely at your sides. Breathe normally and wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of your chest and back – just under your armpits. Keep the tape level and snug, but not too tight.
B: Waist Measurement
For the best waist measurement, stand up straight and relaxed. Wrap the tape around your natural waistline – the narrowest part of your torso. Make sure it’s parallel to the floor and snug, but not tight.
C: Jacket Length
To measure jacket length, it’s best to have someone help you. Stand naturally upright and measure from the base of your neck down to where you want your jacket to end. A good rule of thumb is that your jacket should cover your backside for the best fit.
D: Sleeve Length
For sleeve length, keep your arm relaxed at your side. Start at the point where your shoulder meets your arm (which would be where the shoulder seam is), then measure down to your wrist. Your jacket sleeve should end just above the base of your thumb for the best look.
How to Measure Your Lower Body
E: Waist Measurement
Your trouser waist measurement is very important to right so you can get a well-fitting suit. To get the correct size, measure around the widest part of your lower torso, usually just below your navel. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and avoid sucking in your stomach – you want a natural fit!
F: Inseam (Leg Length)
For the perfect leg length, measure from the inside of your leg, starting at the top of your thigh down to the floor. For the most accurate result, wear shoes and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Want a shortcut? Take a pair of well-fitting trousers, lay them flat, and measure from the crotch to the bottom of the leg. Keep in mind that inseam length affects the overall look – a longer inseam gives a more classic style, while a slightly shorter inseam creates a more modern, cropped look.
Find the Perfect Suit Size
Now that you have your measurements, it’s time to translate them into suit sizes. One key thing to remember: some size charts show body measurements, while others show garment measurements.
In the below size guide, the measurements refer to the suit itself, not your body size. This means you should look for measurements that are slightly larger than your actual body measurements – unless you prefer a very tight-fitting suit.
How Should a Suit Fit?
A well-fitted suit makes all the difference. Here’s how to get it just right:
Jacket Fit: Your jacket should sit close to your body without feeling too tight. The shoulder seam should align with the edge of your shoulders, and the sleeves should be just long enough to show about half a centimeter of your shirt cuff. When buttoned, the jacket should allow for natural movement but still define your silhouette.
Trouser Fit: Suit trousers should sit comfortably on your waist and fall naturally over your hips. They should reach the top of your shoes with a slight break, without being overly tight or baggy.
At the end of the day, a great suit should not just look good but also feel great to wear. When you feel comfortable and confident, you know you’ve found the right fit!