How to Take Your Own Measurements for a Made-to-Measure Suit
15 September 2026 · Updated 24 October 2026 · By Tajmilkha P.
Short answer: Use a soft tape and ideally a helper to take nine measurements: chest, waist, hips, shoulder width, sleeve, jacket length, trouser outseam, inseam and neck. Keep the tape level and snug, round up between numbers, and measure twice.
Short answer: to measure for a suit you need a soft tape measure and, ideally, a helper. Take nine measurements: chest, waist, hips, shoulder width, sleeve length, jacket length, trouser outseam, inseam and neck. Keep the tape level and snug, measure over light clothing, and round up if you fall between two numbers.
Because a Vane Kensington suit is cut to the measurements you provide, getting them right matters more than it would with an off-the-rack size. Here's how to take each one accurately before you order.
This article covers the practical side of measuring yourself at home. For the complete chart of every measurement we ask for, with front and back diagrams, use our made-to-measure suit measurement guide.
What you'll need
A soft fabric tape measure, a mirror, and ideally a second person to help — self-measuring works, but a second pair of hands makes the shoulder and back measurements considerably more accurate.
The nine measurements
- Chest — around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms, tape held level and snug but not tight.
- Waist — around your natural waistline, where your torso bends side to side, not where your trousers currently sit.
- Hips — around the fullest part of your seat.
- Shoulder width — from the edge of one shoulder bone to the other, across the back.
- Sleeve length — from the shoulder edge to the wrist bone, with your arm slightly bent.
- Jacket length — from the base of the collar at the back of the neck down to where you want the jacket hem to sit.
- Trouser outseam — from the waistband down the outside of the leg to where you want the trouser hem.
- Inseam — from the crotch seam down the inside of the leg to the ankle.
- Neck / collar — around the base of the neck where a shirt collar sits, with a finger's width of ease.
Suit measurements at a glance
| Measurement | Where to measure | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Chest | Fullest part, under the arms | Jacket and waistcoat |
| Waist | Natural waistline | Waistcoat and trousers |
| Hips | Fullest part of the seat | Trousers and jacket skirt |
| Shoulder width | Shoulder bone to shoulder bone, across the back | Jacket |
| Sleeve length | Shoulder edge to wrist bone | Jacket |
| Jacket length | Base of collar to desired hem | Jacket |
| Outseam | Waistband to desired hem, outside leg | Trousers |
| Inseam | Crotch seam to ankle, inside leg | Trousers |
| Neck | Base of the neck, plus a finger of ease | Collar and fit reference |
How to measure for a suit jacket
A suit jacket depends on four measurements: chest, shoulder width, sleeve length and jacket length. Chest is the most important: in the UK, an off-the-rack jacket size is usually your chest measurement in inches (a 40-inch chest is a size 40). Shoulder width decides whether the jacket sits cleanly or collapses at the shoulder seam, and sleeve length should show about a centimetre of shirt cuff. For a made-to-measure jacket you give us the measurements themselves rather than a size.
How to measure blazer size
A blazer is measured exactly like a suit jacket: chest, shoulders, sleeve and length. If you already own a blazer that fits well, lay it flat and measure it as a cross-check, but always take your body measurements too, since a worn jacket may have stretched.
How to measure a man for a suit (if you're helping)
- Ask him to stand straight and relaxed, arms by his sides, in a thin shirt.
- Take chest and waist with the tape level all the way round; check it hasn't dipped at the back.
- Measure shoulder width across the back, bone to bone.
- Take sleeve length with his arm slightly bent, from the shoulder edge to the wrist bone.
- Measure jacket length from the base of the collar at the back.
- Finish with hips, outseam and inseam, then measure everything a second time.
Tips for accuracy
Measure in your normal indoor clothing, not bulky layers. Keep the tape level and snug against the body rather than pulled tight. If a measurement falls between two numbers, round up rather than down. Measure twice and use the consistent figure.
Choosing your fit
Alongside your measurements, you'll choose a fit preference — slim, regular or loose — which tells us how much ease to build into the cut around those numbers. See our guide to choosing your fit: slim, regular or loose if you're not sure which suits you.
What happens after you submit them
You'll review your measurements and confirm the acknowledgment checkbox on the product page before checkout — this isn't a waiver of your rights, it's simply confirming the garment is custom-made to the specification you've entered, so it's worth double-checking the numbers before you tick it. Your exact measurements are then preserved on your order confirmation for our records and yours.
Ready when you are: shop made-to-measure suits.
Shop this guide
Pieces that fit the advice above: Black Beaded Shawl Lapel 3 Piece Suit, Navy Beaded Shoulder Tuxedo 3 Piece Suit, Black & Gold Floral Tuxedo 3 Piece Suit.
