How to Take Measurements for a Tuxedo or Suit

Most gentlemen will need to rent or purchase a tuxedo at some point in their lives for a formal occasion. This quick guide is designed to help you learn to take accurate tuxedo measurements which most tuxedo rental businesses require. These tips are most appropriate for men who are not accessible to where the tuxedos are being rented, as is the instance with groomsmen or family members that live out of town. If possible, it is advised to visit the business where the tuxes are being rented to get a precise measurement by a trained employee.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• flexible tape measurer
• flat, solid surface
• wear clothing that is not bulky that may skew measurements
• shoes with a typical heel, to get an accurate outseam measurement.

1. First, we should get acquainted with the measurements that we will need to determine the appropriate tux fit. You should contact the particular establishment where you will be renting the tux to make sure you will be getting all the measurements they need. In general, most companies will need the following measurements:
   Neck and sleeve, to determine shirt size and also length of coat
   Chest and overarm, to calculate coat size
   Waist and outseam, to order pants
   Shoe, if necessary

2. 
   THis type of tape is best for measuring for tuxes or suits

   For all measurements you will need the clothing tape measurer, similar to that shown in the photo.
   Begin by measuring the neck. Do not wrap the measurer too tightly around the neck. Leave enough room for a finger or two to fit between the tape and the neck. Typical neck sizes and corresponding shirt sizes are as follows:
   
   IN Inches:
   small=14 to 14 1/2
   medium=15 to 15 1/2
   large= 16 to 16 1/2
   XL=17 to 17 1/2
   2xl=18 to 18 1/2
   3xl=19 to 19 1/2
   4xl=20 to 20 1/2
   
   Now measure the sleeve length. The easiest way to measure sleeves is to place the tape at the base of the neck at the man's back, it should be positioned on the spine. Then, run the tape over the broadest part of the shoulder and down the arm to about 1 inch beyond the wrist bone. Round to the nearest inch.
   Some basic guidelines are as follows in regards to sleeve lengths:
   32 inches or less is equivalent to a short
   33 to 34 inches is a regular
   35 to 36 is long/tall
   37 or more is extra long
   
   These two measurements comprise the shirt measurement and should be submitted to the tuxedo rental business.

3. Next, take the measurements to determine coat size.
   
   Begin by measuring the chest. Make sure the person isn't wearing bulky garments, or has items in their front pocket, as this will skew the measurement.
   Now, with the man facing straight ahead, have him raise his arms to his sides. Then wrap the tape around the fullest part of his chest, just under the armpit. The man should lower his arms then you should put one or two fingers between the tape and the back to get a comfortable and tailored fit. Record this measurement. Smaller chest sizes are in the 32 to40 range, medium from to 44, Large 46-50 and so on.
   
   The overarm measurement is done in the same fashion as the chest except, as the name implies, the tape goes over the arms at the largest part of the chest and bicep. Typically, the overarm is about 6-8 inches larger than the chest measurement but may differ with varying body types.
   
   Overarm and chest sizes, with sleeve length, will be used to determine coat or jacket size

4. 

   The last measurements we need are for the tuxedo or suit pants. You will note that most companies now use outseam, rather than inseam measurements for pants.
   
   To measure the waist, wrap tape around the natural waist area to a snug, not tight, fit. Keep is mind tux pants are to be worn at the natural waist, not below the belly! THis may mean that the size pants you need for a suit are not the same size you buy in jeans. Typically, pants should be worn about 1 to 3 inches below the belly button.
   
   To determine the length measure from the top of the waistband to about 1 inch above the floor, while the man has his feet together and is looking straight ahead.

Tips & Warnings

• If a shoe sizer isn't available, it is a general rule of thumb to add a half size to your normal shoe size for formal dress shoe rentals. These shoes typically have narrow toe boxes and slim widths so a little extra space is typically needed.
• Don't get too distraught by your waist size, remember most tux pants adjust 3 inches so there will be some flexibility.
• Some people may find the fit of a tux uncomfortable if they are prone to wearing loose or baggy clothing. Remember, this is a formal dress, it is to be worn tailored and form fitting to the body which for some, may be uncomfortable. Loose or baggy tuxedos are inappropriate.