You don’t actually need to measure yourself before visiting a tailor — at We Are Suitable we take every measurement in person so your suit is drafted to your body. But if you want to understand the process, check an existing suit, or order from a distance, this guide explains the key measurements and how they’re taken. Made-to-measure suits start from $299; we’re rated 5.0 from 178 Google reviews.
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The short answer
For a proper made-to-measure suit, leave the measuring to the tailor — a trained eye also reads posture, shoulder slope and stance, which a tape alone misses. Self-measuring is useful for ballpark sizing or checking a suit you already own, but it is not a substitute for an in-person fitting.
The key suit measurements
- Chest — around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms, tape level.
- Shoulder width — across the back, from the edge of one shoulder to the other.
- Sleeve length — from the shoulder seam to the wrist bone, arm relaxed.
- Jacket length — from the base of the collar down the back.
- Waist — around the natural waist for the trousers (not where you wear jeans).
- Hip / seat — around the fullest part.
- Inseam — from the crotch to the desired trouser hem, over the shoe you’ll wear.
How to take them accurately
- Wear a thin shirt; stand relaxed and natural, not puffed up or slouched.
- Keep the tape snug but not tight — you should be able to slip a finger under it.
- Have someone help; self-measuring the back and shoulders is unreliable.
- Measure twice and write it down. Note which shoe you measured the inseam with.
Measuring from an existing suit that fits
If you have a jacket that fits well, you can measure the garment flat as a reference: shoulder seam to seam, chest across the front just under the arms (then double it), sleeve from shoulder seam to cuff, and back-collar to hem for length. Bring that suit to your appointment — a reference garment is one of the most useful things you can show a tailor.
Why a tailor’s fitting beats a tape measure
Numbers are only the start. A good fitting also accounts for posture (rounded or upright shoulders), a dominant side, stance and how you move. That’s why a made-to-measure suit drafted in person fits better than ordering to self-taken numbers — and why we refine the suit over a fitting before you collect it. See what to expect at your first fitting.
What to bring to your appointment
- The shirt and shoes you’ll wear with the suit (so length and break are right).
- A suit that fits well, if you have one, as a reference.
- Reference photos of styles you like.
- Your event date or deadline, if any.
You don’t need to prepare measurements — we handle that. See custom vs off-the-rack for why a measured fit matters.
Common measuring mistakes
- Pulling the tape too tight — inflates the fit and makes a suit feel restrictive.
- Measuring over thick clothing — adds inches that aren’t there.
- Guessing the waist from your jeans size — trouser waist sits higher; it’s usually different.
- Ignoring the shoes — inseam and break depend on the shoe you’ll actually wear.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to measure myself before seeing a tailor?
No — at We Are Suitable all measurements are taken in person. Self-measuring is only useful for rough sizing or checking a suit you already own.
What measurements are needed for a suit?
The key ones are chest, shoulder width, sleeve length, jacket length, waist, hip/seat and inseam. A tailor also reads posture and stance.
How can I measure a suit I already own?
Lay the jacket flat and measure shoulder seam-to-seam, chest across the front (then double), sleeve from shoulder seam to cuff, and collar-to-hem for length. Better still, bring it to your appointment as a reference.
Why is an in-person fitting better than self-measuring?
A tailor accounts for posture, shoulder slope and how you move — details a tape alone misses — and refines the suit over a fitting before you collect it.
What should I bring to a measurement appointment?
The shirt and shoes you’ll wear with the suit, a well-fitting suit as a reference if you have one, and any style reference photos.
How long does the whole process take?
Measurement is quick; the finished made-to-measure suit typically takes about 4–6 weeks including fittings.
More: first custom suit: what to expect · bespoke suits · book a fitting
