How to Measure Yourself
With Precision
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a garment that fits. This guide walks you through each measurement — what to measure, how to measure it, and what to avoid.
A Few Things to Know First
Measurements taken by yourself are a good starting point — but we always retake them in person. The smallest asymmetries, posture quirks, and movement patterns require a trained eye.
Use a fabric measuring tape (not a steel ruler). Have a helper where possible — shoulder width and back length are especially difficult to self-measure accurately.
Wear close-fitting underwear or thin inner layers. Outdoor clothing, jumpers, and thick shirts will distort measurements by several centimetres.
Studio note: If you are unsure about any measurement, book a complimentary consultation. We would rather start correctly than adjust later.
Chest
Measure around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.
Breathe normally — do not expand or compress the chest. Add 2–4cm for comfort.
Waist
Find your natural waistline — the narrowest point of the torso, typically 2–3cm above the navel. Measure around this point.
Stand naturally. Do not suck in or push out.
Hips / Seat
Stand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat — typically 20–23cm below the natural waist.
Keep the tape horizontal. This is often the most misjudged measurement.
Shoulders
Measure from the outer edge of one shoulder, across the back, to the outer edge of the other. This determines the base of the jacket.
Best done with a helper. Incorrect shoulder measurement is the hardest alteration to fix.
Sleeve Length
From the outer shoulder seam, bend the arm slightly at the elbow, and measure to the wrist bone.
A 1–2cm bend in the arm is standard. Shirt sleeves should show 1.5cm below the jacket.
Back Length
From the prominent vertebra at the base of the neck, straight down the back to the natural waist.
Stand straight. This affects the jacket's balance and where the back vent falls.
Trouser Length
From the natural waist to the floor while standing in dress shoes (or the shoes you plan to wear).
Note the shoe heel height. A slight break on the trouser front is the most common preference.
Neck
Measure around the base of the neck, where the collar would rest. Allow one finger of ease.
The standard ease is one inserted finger. Collars that feel tight on day one will always feel tight.
Inseam
From the crotch seam to the desired trouser hem length, along the inner leg.
Best measured against trousers that already fit well. Or measured by your tailor.
Posture Affects Every Garment
Requires extra room at the back and reshaping of the shoulder seam angle.
Common asymmetry — requires padding adjustment on the lower shoulder.
Affects the jacket back panel — a long back seam adjustment is typically needed.
Extra ease is required across the upper back to avoid pulling.
Affects collar sit and may require adjustment to the collar gorge line.
Need Help With Measurements?
Book a measurement appointment at our studio. We take every measurement ourselves — with precision and without any obligation.
Book a Measurement Appointment