How to Measure a Man's Suit Size

My business is custom alterations for men. As an alterations expert, the biggest mistake that I see when men buy suits is that they buy the wrong size. At times this can be blamed on the salesperson, but if you know what size you wear, you can be successful with you purchase. So grab a friend and tape measure and I'll tell you how to do it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A guy
• A flexible tape measure
• Paper and pen

1. 
   John on the job!

   The first and most important measurement is the chest. Wearing only a tee shirt, run the tape measure around your chest under the armpit and across the nipples. The average American man measures 42-44". That is the size of the suit that you need to buy. If you measure 43" go up to a size 44.

2. The sleeve length is a little more tricky. You have to have help doing this step. At the base of you neck and at the top of the spine there is a protruding bone. Starting the end of the tape measure at that bone, measure across to the shoulder and down the outside of your arm. At the wrist bone add another inch and that is your sleeve measurement. The average American male measures 32-33". That means that you would buy a Regular length suit. In this case a 44 Regular would be the size to buy.

3. 
   Ready for work.

   In suit sizing, the pants are generally 8" smaller in the waist than the chest size. But, don't buy a suit by any other measurement than the chest size. The suit that fits correctly in the shoulders can be adjusted to fit correctly everywhere below. Think of it like the shoulders are the roof on the house. Everything below is none consequential.

4. An inseam measurement in pants is almost a joke. Different style pants affect the measurement. A pair of jeans fits more tightly up into the crotch than a pair of dress pants. The most accurate measurement is an outseam measurement. If you have ever been measured for a tuxedo, they are interested in your outseam not your inseam measurement.

5. 
   Working together.

   So that you know how to take the measurement for the inseam, I will tell you how to do it. Place the end of the measuring tape up into the crotch and measure down to one inch off the floor. The average American male measures 30-32" long in leg length. If you already buy casual pants at various stores you already know what length pants you buy.

6. When buying a suit, you have to know your measurements ahead of time. Salespeople are at the store to sell suits. Although most have your best interest at heart, they are there to sell the suits on their racks. Caveat emptor! Let the buyer beware. To save time and money, know your measurements before you go shopping.

7. 
   Making money!

   Of course, you can go the route of having a custom made suit. In Philadelphia I recommend "Henry A Davidsen." They are master tailors and image consultants. Ask for Brian Lipstein.

Tips & Warnings

• The most important measurement is your chest size.
• The second most important measurement is your sleeve length.
• Caveat emptor! Let the buyer beware. If you are bleeding on the emergency room floor, you have no input in your care. When purchasing a suit, you have a responsibility to know what size you should be buying.

Resources

• Custom shirts and suits. Ask for Brian Lipstein.

[ruf1950]

on 5/28/2009 Great work on this article. I was in the tuxedo business; you're right about outseam measurements. 5***** and a recommend. Check my article on How to Measure a Man for a Shirt and a Suit and give me your thoughts.

[maryellen1001]

on 2/13/2009 Great advice! This will come in handy for me, my husband needs a new suit!

[JasneJ]

on 2/10/2009 Excellent professional advice for measuring a mans suit size.Thanks.