Things You'll Need:
- Assistant
- Tape measure
- Dress pants
- Shoes (similar to those you are to wear for the event)
-
Step 1
Find a stand-in seamstress or tailor. Don't worry—no sewing experience necessary. Since it's impossible to measure your own legs properly, ask someone to help you hold the tape measure while you give them these instructions. The only requirement is that she or he holds the tape measure straight and taut.
-
Step 2
Print a copy of the form that the tuxedo rental company uses. This gives you an exact list of what measurements they require. If no form is available, you can measure your inseam, outseam, hips and waist for starters.
-
Step 3
Use a pair of your own dress pants to get the best inseam measurement. Simply lay them on a flat surface, fold them in half at the inseam and then measure from the crotch to the hem.
-
Step 4
Measure the outseam. Stand up straight and wear similar shoes to those you are to wear for the event. From the outer arch of your shoe, pull the tape up level with your belly button. This measurement is used for both the pant and coat length.
-
Step 5
Stand in a straight, natural position to measure the hips. Lay the measuring tape across one hip, bring it around the back and over the largest part of your rear end and then bring it forward and around to the opposite hip.
-
Step 6
Save the best for last: the dreaded waist measurement. Since tuxedo pants are designed to sit at the natural waistline—higher than jeans or casual pants—don't rely on your normal waist size. Measure at hip level with the tape across the belly button.
