How to measure

Before you begin you will need a flexible measuring tape and a pen or some way of noting down your measurements.

Top Tips —
If you have a jacket, shirt and trousers you know fit you well, you may want to wear them as well this will help you judge certain measurements.

Perform each measurement three times for accuracy and round all final measurements to the nearest half inch.

Ladies

  • Wearing a typical bra for you, measure the circumference of your bust at its fullest point. Do not pull the tape measure tight and try to relax your arms by your sides. The value should basically be your bra size (i.e 36DD) but always measure never assume.

  • Measure across the top of the back from the tip of one shoulder to the other, it's not necessarily a straight line but rather follow your natural curvature of the upper back. If you struggle to identify the tip of the shoulder and have a shirt / jacket that fits well, you can simply measure between the shoulder seams.

  • Measure vertically from the base of the neck (collar seam) to the desired length of the jacket. If you wear a jacket you know fits you well first lift up the collar to ensure you measure from the seam.

  • Measure around your waist at the height where you would like to wear your trousers, not your natural waist. Do not pull the tape measure too tight. If you are not sure and have an existing pair of trousers that fit as you would like, wear them, and measure around the waist band where they sit.

  • Measure the circumference of your thigh at its widest point, this is usually near the top of the inseam but may be slightly lower depending on your physique.

  • Measure vertically from the top of where you want the trouser waist to sit down along the side pant seam, to the desired trouser length. This is typically around 1-2″ from the floor, but will vary depending on your style.

Mens

  • Measure horizontally around the largest part of the chest, under the armpits and over the back shoulder blades, then record the measurement once the arms are put down into a resting position. Ensure the measuring tape is snug against the body, but not too tight.

  • Measure around the waist roughly at the level of the navel. This measurement may correspond to either the narrowest or the widest point of the waist, depending on build.

  • Measure the distance from one shoulder seam to the other, with a jacket on.

  • Measure from the bottom of the collar, straight down the back centre seam, to where the required length of the jacket will end. The jacket should ideally be just long enough to completely cover your rear, though this will vary depending on the style required.

  • Decide where you would like your trouser waist to be, and then measure horizontally around the waist. For suits, it tends to be just below the navel.

  • Measure from the lowest part of the crotch of your trousers, keeping the measure tape down to where you wish the bottom of the trousers to end. Bear in mind the fit you want over the shoe, as this will affect the height of the trouser crotch.