How to Measure Pants for Tuxedo Rental

It's pretty common to have at least a couple of groomsmen who live out of town and therefore cannot have their measurements taken in person. If you are one of these guys and must do it yourself, follow these steps to properly measure yourself for tuxedo pants.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Assistant
• Tape measure
• Dress pants
• Shoes (similar to those you are to wear for the event)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tips & Warnings

• Stick two fingers under the measuring tape when you do the waist measurements in order to add a little breathing room for a long day.
• Some tuxedo pants are adjustable. These pants accommodate a three-size range, which gives you a little peace of mind should your measurements change a little between now and the event date.