Guide on How to measure a Men's Suit

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***Photos Updated with Explanations*** Size is a common question I receive. The tagged size (i.e. 46R or 42L) gives you a good idea of how it will fit, but the true measurements vary across brands, styles, years and alterations. If you want to save yourself money on tailoring and returns, try the following measurements in the pictures above on your best fitting jacket. Measurement techniques vary from seller to seller, but these are the ones we follow

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Men

Suits & Blazers

Sport Coats & Blazers

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heyde_lisa and 25 others like this

17 Comments

kirkavenue Chest: Lay jacket flat on a table, lift arms and measure across from armpit to armpit. Typically 2-4" greater than the tagged size (Slim fits usually are between 1-2" greater) In photo the Jacket is tagged 46R, but has a 48" Chest (24" x2).

Apr 29Reply

kirkavenue Length: Either on a hanger, or flat on a table, measure from the point where the lining meets the shell fabric (usually right under the Made in ____) tag. For Classic Fit S - usually around 29-30", R - 31-32" L- 33-34", Slim or Modern S - 27-28 R - 29-30 L - 31-32

Apr 29Reply

kirkavenue Sleeve: Either on a hanger or flat on a table measure from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff. Typically for Classic fit S - 22-23 R - 24-25 L - 26-27. Slim or Modern - S - 24-25 R - 26-27 L - 28-29 (though there are a number of Modern/Slim fit L's in the 27's)

Apr 29Reply

kirkavenue Shoulders: From shoulder seam to shoulder seam. Classic fits are usually broader in the shoulders, Modern & Slim more narrow

Apr 29Reply

kirkavenue Waist: Flat on a table, measure from straight across on the two narrowest points on the jacket. More times than not this is directly through the top button. *** Note: we do not take measurements on the waist unless asked simply because we hand measure every jacket we sell and bending over that many times would be pretty rough on the back

Apr 29Reply

kirkavenue Happy Poshing!

Apr 29Reply

unocalswar @kirkatkirkave excellent resource! Thank you. Now that I’ve got measurements let’s see what I can find that fits!

Jun 25Reply

ftlalex This is very helpful. How would a tailor take my measurements which then could me used to find suit jackets online?

Aug 02Reply

kirkavenue @ftlalex The measurements a tailor gives you won't translate directly to the physical product. If you have a 42" chest for instance the jacket they actually give you will be 2-4" bigger than what your chest measurement was (since the coat has to go around you) and it's a bit of a judgement call on what type of fit they're going for from there. It's best to take the physical jacket that fits you best and take the measurements off of it.

Aug 02Reply

kirkavenue @ftlalex Make sure you ask the seller how they take their measurements because everyone does them a bit different. This is how we do ours though

Aug 02Reply

jsnell7 @kirkatkirkave Thank you very much for doing this. Just so I'm clear on the concept, if someone has a 46" chest, they should buy a 46 jacket (even tho it measures 48) so there it has a 2-4 allowance to get in? And if we are then looking at measurements a seller has posted, should we be looking something 2-4" bigger than what the buyer's actual measurements are? Appreciate your response. Thank you in advance.

Oct 27Reply

kirkavenue @jsnell7 this might help. my chest is approx 39", usually I shoot for 41", often settle for 42". So larger 37 - smaller 40 have a chance of fitting. Some people like a bit more room and go for 4" varieties some like the slim look and go for 1". If you have a 46" chest and the actual measurement is 46" it will not fit you.

Oct 28Reply

kirkavenue Larger size 37 - smaller size 40*

Oct 28Reply

jsnell7 That does help. My husband has 2- 48 suits that hang on his frame, the sleeves come half way down his hands. His chest is 43" (and it seems It seems what you are saying is a size 44 will offer 2 inches extra =46" correct?), shoulder 20", waist 45", and sleeve 23" which makes him hard to fit. He is also 6'2". I'm looking at 44 & 46 R & S, because of the sleeves. Do you think those jackets at 30" length look too short on him? I really appreciate all your help and expertise.

Oct 28Reply

kirkavenue @bern685

Nov 07Reply