How Do You Measure for a Suit? Step-by-Step Guide for the Perfect Fit

Finding the perfect suit size doesn’t need to be complicated, especially with help from the expert stylists at Tip Top. Whether you're buying your first suit or giving your wardrobe a well-deserved upgrade, understanding how to measure for a suit is the key to a sharp, confident look. This guide walks you through all the essential suit measurements—from shoulder width to trouser length—so you find a fit that looks sharp, feels comfortable, and wears like it’s made just for you.

Why Exact Measurements Matter

A well-fitted suit is more than just a fashion statement—it’s a symbol of confidence, professionalism, and comfort. The right body measurements ensure that your suit drapes naturally over your frame without excess fabric, weird creases, or discomfort.

At Tip Top, our wardrobe specialists take a personalized approach to fit—considering your body type, garment structure, and preferred style to help you find your ideal size with ease. Whether you're selecting a standard size or require extra room for tailoring, we offer a wide range of options and expert guidance to ensure a flawless fit. 

Our team goes beyond simple measurements, adjusting each piece to align with your proportions for a truly tailored feel. Because at Tip Top, it's not just about finding a suit that fits—it's about leaving with one that feels made for you in every detail.

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What Do You Need to Measure for a Suit?

While it’s always best to have your measurements taken by a professional from Tip Top, you can take accurate measurements at home with a few simple tools and some attention to detail.

You'll need:

• Cloth Tape Measure: A soft, flexible measuring tape is essential for getting accurate body measurements.
• A Mirror (Optional but Helpful): A full-length mirror can help you ensure the tape is level and correctly placed.
• A Friend or Tailoring Assistant: Some measurements—like shoulder width or jacket sleeve length—are more accurate when taken by someone else.
• Form-Fitting Clothing: Wear a lightweight T-shirt or dress shirt while measuring to avoid adding bulk and to mimic the fit of a suit.
• Pen and Paper (or Notes App): You’ll want to record your measurements clearly and keep them for reference when shopping.

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How Do You Determine Your Suit Size?

Understanding Suit Sizes

Suit sizes are typically denoted by a number and a letter, such as 40R or 42L. The number represents your chest measurement in inches, while the letter indicates the jacket’s length-Short (S), Regular (R), or Long (L). This system helps account for differences in sizing based on both your torso and height.

How to Measure Yourself

To find your correct suit size, you’ll need a measuring tape and, ideally, someone to help you. Focus on these key areas:

• Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape under your arms and across your shoulder blades.
• Waist: Find your natural waistline (usually just above your belly button) and measure around it, keeping the tape comfortably loose.
• Over Arm: Measure around the broadest part of your shoulders and upper arms.
• Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of your ankle for pants.
• Collar Seam: For the jacket, measure from the collar seam down to the shoulder seam to ensure proper shoulder fit.

Using a Size Chart

Once you have your measurements, consult a suit size chart to find your corresponding size. Size charts will list chest, waist, and sometimes height ranges for each size, helping you match your numbers to the manufacturer’s sizing. If your measurements fall between two sizes, it’s generally best to opt for the larger size for comfort and ease of tailoring

How to Take a Complete Suit Measurement at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process below covers all the critical measurements you’ll need to determine your correct jacket size, pant size, and overall fit.

1. Chest Measurement 

Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest—just beneath the arms and across the shoulder blades. This measurement determines your jacket chest size, so accuracy is key. Keep the tape level, snug against the body, but not tight. You want a natural, comfortable measurement that reflects your true chest size—free from bulky layers or misaligned tape placement. The goal is a fit that allows ease of movement without excess room.

2. Waist Measurement 

Measure around your natural waist, located just above the belly button and below the ribcage. This gives you your true pant waist size—a crucial detail for both suit pants and shaping the jacket waist. Avoid confusing this with where your jeans sit, which is typically lower on the hips. An accurate waist measurement prevents excess fabric or uncomfortable tightness around the midsection, ensuring a sleek, tailored fit.

3. Hip Measurement

Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips, typically over the hip bones and across the fullest point of your seat. This is an essential trouser measurement for achieving a smooth, clean drape with no pulling or bunching. A proper hip measurement ensures your suit pants fit comfortably and move naturally with your body.

4. Inseam Length

Measure from the crotch seam—where the front and back of the pants meet—down to your ankle bone along the inside of your leg. This is your inseam length, which determines how your suit pants will break over your shoes. For accuracy, use the measure-garment method by referencing a pair of trousers that already fit well.

5. Jacket Sleeve Length

Start measuring at the top of your shoulder seam and extend down to your wrist bone. A properly fitted jacket sleeve length allows about ¼ to ½ inch of shirt cuff to show beneath the jacket. This creates a polished, balanced look and highlights attention to detail in your overall outfit.

6. Overarm Measurement

Wrap the measuring tape around your chest and upper arms at their widest point. This overarm measurement is used alongside your chest size, especially if you have a muscular build or broader shoulders, to ensure the jacket offers comfort and range of motion without tightness.

7. Shoulder to Shoulder

Measure straight across your back, from the edge of one shoulder bone to the other. This shoulder-to-shoulder measurement plays a crucial role in jacket fit. Too wide, and the jacket will look boxy; too narrow, and it may pull or restrict movement through the upper body.

8. Shirt Collar & Shirt Sleeve

For your shirt collar size, wrap the tape around the base of your neck where the collar would naturally sit—snug but with enough room for comfort. To measure your shirt sleeve length, start at the center of the back collar, run the tape over the shoulder, and down the arm to the wrist bone.

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Size Guide for Suits

Fit Types

Understanding the different fit types helps match the suit to your body shape and style:

• Slim Fit: Tapered through chest and waist; ideal for lean or athletic builds.
• Regular Fit: Balanced cut; suitable for most body types.
• Relaxed Fit / Classic Fit: Extra room in chest and arms; preferred by those who value comfort or have a broader frame.

Body Shape & Shoulders

Choosing a suit that complements your shape:

• Straight/Athletic Build: Slim or regular fits work well. For super-athletic builds (e.g. broad chest, narrow waist), size up the jacket and tailor the waist.
• Rounder Midsection: Opt for regular or relaxed fits. Avoid tight jackets around the midriff.
• Relaxed Shoulders: Jackets should hug the shoulders without tightness or sagging. Padding should align with your natural shoulder line.

Common Measurements

Most suit sizes are in the format: [Chest Size] + [Fit Type] (e.g., 40R, 42L, 38S)

Jacket Body Length

• Short (S): For height under 5’7” (170 cm)
• Regular (R): For height 5’8”–6’0” (173–183 cm)
• Long (L): For height over 6’1” (185 cm)

Make sure the jacket covers your seat and the sleeves end at your wrist bone with about ¼” of shirt cuff showing.

Sizing Recommendation & Selection Tips

• Try on multiple sizes in between fits—tailoring is better than a poor base fit.
• If you have a super-athletic build, choose a jacket that fits your chest and shoulders, then have the waist adjusted.
• The jacket should button comfortably without pulling or gaping.
• For more relaxed styles, opt for a looser fit across the chest and arms.
• Personal preference matters—some prefer structured and sharp, others go for casual and fluid.

Tip Top: More Than Just a Suit

When it comes to looking your best, fit isn’t a detail—it’s everything. At Tip Top, we take the guesswork out of suit shopping by offering a complete in-store tailoring experience designed to give every man a custom-made feel without the custom price tag.

Our stores aren’t just places to browse—they’re places to be fitted, guided, and styled by professionals who understand how a suit should move with your body and match your lifestyle. Whether you're choosing a standard size, preparing for a special occasion, or refreshing your everyday wardrobe, our experts ensure your suit fits with the precision and comfort of a custom-made piece.

What You Can Expect:

• In-Store Tailoring Services: From sleeve and jacket length adjustments to tapering pant seams, our in-store tailors handle the fine details so you walk away with a polished, well-fitted suit.
• Guidance You Can Trust: Our specialists help you find the correct size, using your actual body measurements to create the right silhouette for your body type.
• Quality You Can Feel: Every suit at Tip Top is made with top-notch fabrics and attention to construction. That means less pulling, no awkward creasing, and a smoother, more confident fit.
• Styles for Every Man: Whether you prefer classic cuts, contemporary styles, or something in between, we offer a range of styles and sizes that suit your taste and the occasion.
• Proven Heritage: With over 100 years of experience in Canadian menswear, Tip Top brings generations of fit expertise into every consultation and stitch.

Don’t settle for “close enough.” Visit Tip Top to explore your options in person, and let our experts tailor your suit to perfectly reflect both your fit and your personal style.

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Tip Top: Where Style Finds Its Fit

At Tip Top, we believe every man deserves to look and feel his best in a suit that fits just right. That’s why we offer in-store tailoring services and a wide selection of styles—from modern cuts to timeless classics—all crafted with quality fabrics and attention to detail. 

Whether you're suiting up for a big event or building your everyday wardrobe, we're here to make the process easy, comfortable, and personal. With over a century of experience in Canadian menswear, we know how to bring confidence to every fit.

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