Are you on the hunt for quality menswear that not only fits well but also complements your style? One of the most critical aspects of achieving a polished and tailored look is obtaining accurate measurements for your suits. Whether you're shopping for a dress shirt, a pair of pants, or a custom-made suit, the right measurements can make all the difference. In this guide, we explain the essential steps for taking precise measurements that ensure a perfect fit, regardless of your body type or style preferences.
Essential Measuring Equipment
Before you embark on your quest for the ideal menswear, it's crucial to gather a few tools:
- Measuring Tape: Ensure you have a flexible measuring tape on hand as it's the key tool for getting accurate measurements. Using a cloth tape measure is ideal, but if you don't have one, a standard tape measure can work as well.
- A Pair of Pants and a Dress Shirt: Choose a pair of pants and a dress shirt that fits you well to serve as a reference for style and sizing. If you don't have good-fitting clothes at hand, borrow them from a friend or family member. These will serve as a temporary reference for your measurements.
- Notepad: Recording your measurements is an essential part of the measuring process. If you don't have a pen and paper lying around, you can always keep track of your measurements using your smartphone's notes app.
Considerations before getting started with measurements
Before you begin taking your measurements for your suits, there are important considerations to keep in mind. These will help ensure that your measurements are accurate and that you select the right-sized clothing:
- Wear Proper Undergarments: When measuring, wear the type of undergarments you would typically wear with the clothing you're measuring for. This ensures that your measurements are accurate and that there's no extra bulk affecting the fit.
- Ask for Assistance: If possible, have someone assist you in taking measurements. It can be challenging to measure certain areas accurately on your own, such as the back and shoulders.
- Maintain Good Posture: Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Maintaining good posture is crucial for accurate measurements.
- Avoid Excess Clothing: Remove excess layers of clothing when taking measurements. Bulky clothing can affect the accuracy of your measurements.
- Measure in a Well-Lit Room: Make sure you're in a well-lit area so you can clearly see the measurements on the tape.
- Measure Snugly, but Not Too Tight: Keep the measuring tape snug against your body, but don't pull it too tightly. The tape should be in contact with your skin but not constricting.
- Take Multiple Measurements: For critical measurements like the chest and waist, it's a good practice to take multiple measurements to ensure consistency. Compare the measurements to ensure they match.
- Check for Level and Alignment: Ensure the measuring tape is level and aligned correctly when taking measurements. For example, when measuring the chest or shoulders, make sure the tape runs straight across your back.
- Use the Same Sizing Label: When comparing measurements to size charts or labels from different brands, be sure to use the same sizing system (e.g., inches or centimeters) for consistency.
- Consider Your Body Type and Style: Keep your body type and style preferences in mind. Some individuals may prefer a more relaxed fit, while others opt for a tailored or slim fit. Your style and comfort matter in the selection process.
- Allow for One-Finger Allowance: When measuring, leave a slight one-finger allowance to ensure comfort and ease of movement in your clothing.
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How To Take Accurate Suit Measurements
Obtaining accurate measurements is a critical step in your journey to find quality menswear at great value. Whether you're looking for classic tailoring or contemporary styles, knowing your measurements and sizing is the key to a well-fitted wardrobe.
Keep the following in mind before starting with the measurements.
- Always measure while standing straight and with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Measure the actual circumference.
- Measure snugly but not too tight, keeping a one-finger allowance for comfort.
Without further ado, let's explore how to take correct measurements:
Chest Measurement
To take the chest measurement, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under your arms. Ensure that the tape is level and not too tight or too loose. It should comfortably encircle your chest. This measurement is fundamental for selecting the correct jacket size.
Shoulder Width Measurement
Measuring shoulder width is crucial for determining the right jacket size and ensuring the jacket fits well across the shoulders. To take this measurement, measure from one shoulder seam to the other across your back. Ensure the tape measure lays flat along your shoulders, and it's not slanted.
Waist Measurement
This measurement is vital for pant sizing and helps determine your pant's waist size. Measure around your natural waist, typically around the area of your belly button. Ensure the tape is snug but not overly tight.
Hip Measurement
The hip measurement is essential for pants, ensuring a comfortable fit in the hip region. Measure around the hip bones, usually the widest part of your lower body. Ensuring that your pants will fit comfortably allows for ease of movement, a more flattering silhouette, and the right amount of room in the hip region.
Sleeve Measurement
This measurement is crucial for determining the length of the jacket sleeves. Measure from the shoulder seam, where the sleeve meets the jacket body, down to your wrist bone. This ensures the sleeves are the right length and don't leave your wrists exposed.
Inseam Measurement
The inseam measurement is important for determining the length of the pant legs. Measure from the crotch seam, where the four parts of the pant meet, down to the bottom of the pant leg. This measurement ensures the pants are the right length and not too long or too short.
Jacket Length
Measuring the jacket length helps ensure the jacket ends at the desired point on your body. Measure from the base of your neck, near your collarbone, down to where you'd like your jacket to end. This point may vary depending on your style preference, but it's typically around mid-thigh.
Collar Measurement
The collar measurement is essential for dress shirt sizing, ensuring the shirt fits comfortably around your neck. Measure around your neck where the collar of a dress shirt would sit comfortably. Ensure that the tape measure is not too tight or too loose.
Choosing the Right Suit Option
Once you've gathered exact measurements, implementing this information effectively is crucial for ensuring your clothing fits well and complements your style. Here's how to put the gathered measurements to good use:
- Selecting the Right Size: When shopping for suits, refer to the sizing chart provided by the brand or retailer. Compare your measurements to the size chart to determine which size suits you best. Be sure to choose the size that aligns with your largest measurement (e.g., chest or waist).
- Consider Your Style and Fit Preferences: Keep in mind your preferred style and fit. Whether you like a more tailored, slim fit or a relaxed, classic fit, your measurements should help you find suits that match your desired style.
- Check Garment Details: Examine the specific measurements and sizing details provided for individual garments. This includes details like jacket length, sleeve length, and pant inseam. Ensure they align with your measurements and style requirements.
- Trial and Fitting: When you receive your suit or garments, try them on. Pay close attention to how the suit fits in the shoulders, chest, waist, hips, and sleeves. It should feel comfortable and allow for ease of movement.
- Evaluate the Overall Look: Assess the overall look in the mirror. Make sure the suit complements your body shape and enhances your style. Consider factors like lapel style, button placement, and jacket length.
- Accessorize Accordingly: Complete your look with appropriate accessories, including ties, pocket squares, dress shoes, and belts. These elements can enhance your style and elevate your suit's appearance.
- Maintenance and Care: After implementing your suit measurements, it's crucial to maintain and care for your suits properly. Follow care instructions for cleaning and storage to ensure your suits remain in good condition.
Ready To Find the Perfect Suit? Take Our Fit Quiz!
Getting the perfect fit is now easier than ever. Our personalized style guidance takes the guesswork out of the equation, so you can confidently choose clothing that matches your body type and lifestyle. By taking our fit quiz, you'll receive exclusive style insights and gain access to special offers and discounts, making your journey to impeccable style not only enjoyable but also cost-effective.
Shop for Suits
At Tip Top, we're dedicated to helping every man look and feel great. With a legacy spanning over a century, we've been the go-to destination for quality menswear at an exceptional value. Gone are the days of stiff suits; today, our tailored sensibility blends seamlessly with the flexibility of activewear, giving you a wide range of fits and styles to choose from. Your journey to a perfectly tailored wardrobe begins at Tip Top, where looking great is a tradition that stands the test of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the right suit size for my height?
Your height can be a factor in selecting the perfect suit size. We recommend considering your overall body measurements alongside your height to find the ideal fit.
What if I need a larger size due to personal preference or a more relaxed fit?
Your personal preference matters, and we offer a range of sizes and styles to accommodate different tastes. If you prefer a larger size or a more relaxed fit, we've got you covered.
