How to Measure Yourself for a Suit at Home

You don't need a tailor to get your suit size right — just a tape measure and five quiet minutes. Take these six measurements correctly, match them to the chart below, and you can order online knowing it'll fit.

Quick Answer

To measure yourself for a suit at home, use a soft tape and a fitted shirt, then record six numbers: chest, shoulders, sleeve length, jacket length, waist, and inseam. Your chest decides your jacket size (a 40-inch chest is a size 40), and your height decides whether you choose Short, Regular, or Long. If you land between sizes, size up it's easier to take a suit in than let it out.

Table of Contents

• 1. What You'll Need
• 2. How to Take Your Measurements
• 3. Find Your Suit Size
• 4. Common Measuring Mistakes
• 5. Shop Your Size
• 6. Final Thoughts
• 7. FAQs

What You'll Need

• A soft fabric measuring tape (not a stiff metal one).
• A thin t-shirt or dress shirt — what you'd actually wear under a suit. Skip bulky layers.
• A full-length mirror, and a friend to help with your shoulders and back if you can.
• Your phone or a notepad to write the numbers down.

Stand naturally the whole time — don't puff out your chest or suck in your stomach.

How to Take Your Measurements

1. Chest (sets your size): Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under your arms. Keep it level and snug with room for one finger. This number is your suit size.
2. Shoulders: Measure straight across your back, from the bony edge of one shoulder to the other. This is the hardest to do alone, so ask a friend.
3. Sleeve length: Start at the edge of your shoulder and run the tape down a slightly bent arm to about an inch past your wrist bone, so a little shirt cuff shows.
4. Jacket length: From the base of your neck, just below the collar, straight down to where your fingers rest with your arms relaxed at your sides.
5. Waist: Around your natural waist, just above your belly button. Keep it snug but breathe normally — suit trousers sit a little higher than jeans.
6. Inseam: From the crotch down to the ankle bone. The easiest way is to lay a pair of trousers that already fit you flat and measure the inside leg.

Measure twice and round up to the nearest size. For a closer look at each step, our jacket measuring guide breaks it all down further.

Find Your Suit Size

Your chest decides your jacket size — a 40-inch chest is a size 40. Find your chest measurement in the chart below.

Then choose Short, Regular, or Long based on your height. The size stays the same — this just keeps your sleeves and jacket length in proportion.

For the full shoulder, sleeve, and back-length numbers by size, check the size chart on each product page or see our suiting guide.

Common Measuring Mistakes

• Measuring over a sweater, jacket, or belt — bulky layers add inches.
• Pulling the tape too tight, or letting it sag too loose.
• Puffing out your chest or sucking in your stomach.
• Guessing your size from your jeans or an old suit instead of measuring.
• Ignoring the shoulders — they're the hardest area to alter, so get that fit right first.

Your Size, Your Suit — Shop Now

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Final Thoughts

Getting your size right comes down to a few honest measurements and a level tape. Lead with your chest for the size, use your height for Short, Regular, or Long, and size up if you're on the line. Do that, and a suit ordered from your living room can fit as sharply as one off the rack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What measurement do I need to find my suit size?

Your chest. Suit sizing is based on it, so a 40-inch chest is a size 40. Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keep the tape snug and level, and round up if you're between sizes.

Should I measure over my clothes?

Wear a thin t-shirt or dress shirt — what you'd actually wear under a suit. Avoid measuring over sweaters, jackets, or a belt, since bulky layers add inches and throw off your size.

What if I'm between two sizes?

Size up. It's much easier and cheaper for a tailor to take a suit in at the waist, sleeves, or hem than to let it out, so the larger size is the safer choice.

How do I choose between Short, Regular, and Long?

By your height. Short fits roughly 5'4" to 5'8", Regular 5'9" to 6'0", and Long 6'1" to 6'4". Your chest size stays the same — the fit just adjusts the sleeve and jacket length to match your height.

Can I measure myself, or do I need help?

You can do most of it alone with a mirror, but your shoulders, jacket length, and inseam are easier and more accurate with a friend's help. Measuring twice is the best way to be sure.