Purchasing a really great suit takes a little bit more preparation and planning than just strolling into a store and grabbing the first one you see off of the rack. One of the things that is important to do first, before shopping, is to take your jacket and trouser measurements. If you have these measurements ahead of time, it can be a great time saver for you when you are selecting suit fits and sizes.
In order to take your measurements, you will need a soft plastic or cloth measuring tape, and perhaps the assistance of a friend or a significant other. You can also take measurements by yourself, but since you need to be standing up straight, it is helpful to have the assistance of another person. (Plus, when it comes to fashion, often it is helpful to have someone that you trust so that he or she can give you a second opinion on shirt patterns, tie knots, belt color...)
Here are the 7 steps to measuring yourself for a suit:
Height - Begin by getting your total height measurement from the very top of your head to the soles of your feet. Measure without shoes on, and try to stand naturally without slouching or tensing.
Chest - Working from the top down, measure the width of your chest next. This should be taken at the widest part of your chest, right underneath your armpits. Raise your arms so that the measuring tape may be placed all the way around your upper torso, then lower your arms again and stand naturally. Ask your friend not to pull the measuring tape too tightly around you; you should be able to slide a finger underneath the measuring tape. This measurement, in inches, is your basic jacket size. The jacket itself will measure 2 inches larger than your size. For example, if your chest is 44 inches, this is your jacket size. The jacket itself will measure 46 inches.
Shoulder - Hold the end of the measuring tape at the top of your shoulder, where you will feel a bone, and where the shoulder seam of your shirt sits. Then run it straight across to the other shoulder seam. This is your shoulder measurement.
Torso - To determine the jacket length that you need, hold the end of the measuring tape at your shoulder seam, at the same spot where you just started for the shoulder measurement, and run the measuring tape slightly diagonally down your chest. Measure the length from this shoulder point to the bottom of your pants zipper. If this is between 29 and 30 inches, you will need a short jacket length; between 30 and 32 inches is regular; between 33 and 34 inches is long.
Waist - Because of the popularity of low rise pants, we often think of the waistline as being about 3 inches below the belly button. However, this is actually a hip measurement, which comes next. The natural waistline is located about 2 inches above your bellybutton. Again, have your friend pass the measuring tape around your torso, and don't pull it too tight. Stand in a relaxed manner (don't suck in your stomach) to get an accurate waist measurement.
Hips - The hip measurement should be taken around the widest part of the buttocks. Again, you should be able to slide a finger underneath the measuring tape if it is being held at the correct tension.
Inseam - To measure an inseam accurately, wear a pair of good fitting (not too baggy) trousers. Stand naturally with your legs slightly apart. Hold the end of the measuring tape at your crotch, at the point of your pants where all the seams come together. Have your friend take the other end of the measuring tape and run it to the bottom of your leg, where you will want your trousers to end. This is your inside leg, or inseam, measurement.
With these 7 easy and quick measurements, you have the basic information necessary to begin shopping for a suit. Remember, though, that when it comes to proper fit, you will still want to defer to the professionals and find a good tailor.
Author: Michael Taylor is a Marketing Manager at TIE SNUG. TIE SNUG eliminates continuous adjusting and makes wearing a tie more comfortable. Being concealed within your tie knot makes it perfect to wear to an interview. A slipping tie knot looks unprofessional, so be confident that you look your best with TIE SNUG. For more information or to make a purchase, please visit http://www.tiesnug.com.
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