How to Measure Coat Sleeves

Use a tape measure correctly when measuring coat sleeves.

When measuring for coat sleeves, whether for a sport coat, jacket or dress coat, you want the sleeve cuff to stop at the wrist. A too-long sleeve may cover too much of the hand and get in the way when handling items such as keys. A too-short sleeve looks awkward, especially when your long-sleeve shirt peeks out below your coat cuff. Measure sleeves correctly for the best-fitting coat.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth tape measure

Instructions

1. Stand up straight, with your back slightly arched. Place your hand on your hip with your elbow pointing outward.

2. Place the end of the cloth tape measure at the center of the back of your neck. Stretch the tape measure across the back of the shoulder, down to the tip of the elbow. Write down the measurement.

3. Place the end of the tape measure at the tip of the elbow and run it down to the wrist. Add the two numbers to calculate your coat sleeve measurement. Repeat the process on the opposite arm, because the measurement may vary by up to half an inch.

Tips & Warnings

• For a sport coat or suit, stop the measurement just above the break in the wrist.

References

• Lands' End: How to Measure
• Men's Warehouse: How to Determine the Proper Coat Length