How to Measure Oneself for a Sport Coat
Vestis virum facet. Clothes make the man. The ancient Romans had it right even back then. Today, how a man dresses says volumes about the personal pride he takes in his appearance. A sports coat that fits properly is the result of carefully measuring the male body. While measuring yourself for a sports coat isn't ideal way to go, you can do it with a little effort and attention to your body's measurements. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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How to Measure Oneself for a Sport Coat
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Stand in front of a full-length body mirror. Wear the same or similar shoes you would wear with a sports coat. Keep in mind that heel height can change your body length measurement. Wear an undershirt and the type of shirt you would normally wear with a sports coat. Whether the shirt is a trim-fit or a roomier fit affects the coat's fit.
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Use a body measuring tape to get the exact measurements Measure the arms first with a body tape measure. Place the end of the tape on the area at the top of your shoulder where you want the coat seam to rest. Position the tape on the very point of the shoulder, where your arm and shoulder tie in, for a standard fit. Tack the end in place with a straight pin. Use your opposite hand and arm to extend the tape down the outside of the arm to the point where the arm meets the hand, just below the wrist. Mark this with your arm and hand fully extended. Record the measurement. Remove the pin and repeat for your other arm.
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Measure the chest next. Bring the tape up under your armpits. Be sure it stretches across your shoulder blades in the back. Take the measurement at the thickest, widest part of the upper torso. Position the tape at, or just above, the nipples.
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Chest measurement is important for best fit Relax both arms completely while using the fingers of one hand to hold the tape in place. Breathe deeply, letting the tape expand as you breathe. Be sure the tape is straight around your upper body. Record the measure that's most comfortable. Decide if you want to add one-half to one inch for more comfort of movement. Give yourself enough room to cross your arms in front of your chest comfortably.
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Use the mirror to pin the tape to your shirt collar at the base of the neck. Extend the tape down the middle of your back to the bottom of the buttocks. Put your finger on the tape at this point and record the measurement. Measure from the bottom of the buttocks to the floor. Check the difference of the two measurements to make sure they're within two inches of each other. Re-measure, stopping higher on the buttocks, if the difference is more than two inches. Record this measurement. Your coat measurements are complete.
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Tips & Warnings
Your height determines your coat length: Short--5' 2" to 5' 6"; Regular--5' 7" to 5' 11"; or Long--6' to 6' 5".
Double check your measurements. Have the tailor confirm them when you buy your next sports coat.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit mirror image by Lars Christensen from Fotolia.com Glass with measuring tape. image by mashe from Fotolia.com body builder image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
