GuidesMeasurements
How to take measurements properly.
Good clothes start with numbers that are right. With a tape measure and a few calm minutes you’ll know which size you need – and what the tailor has to alter. It’s most accurate when someone else measures.
You need
- A soft measuring tape
- A mirror or a second person
- A shirt and a pair of trousers that fit well
Shirt
Three measurements count for shirts. In Germany the neck size is also the shirt size – “41” means a collar of 41 centimeters (16 in).
Neck
Wrap the tape once around the neck where the collar sits – just below the Adam's apple. Slip one finger between tape and neck so the collar won't press later.
Common mistakes
- Measured too tight: the collar then closes, but it chokes.
- The tape held at an angle, higher at the back than at the front.
Chest
Under the armpits over the widest part of the chest, the tape level all the way around. Arms hang loosely, breathe out normally.
Common mistakes
- Held your breath or pushed your chest out.
- The tape slips down at the back – then centimeters (inches) are missing.
Sleeve length
From the edge of the shoulder, where the shoulder seam sits, over the slightly bent elbow to the wrist bone. Some manufacturers measure from the center of the neck – it's worth checking their size chart.
Common mistakes
- Measured with the arm straight: the sleeve rides up too far when you reach.
- Measured to the back of the hand instead of to the wrist.
Trousers
Trouser measurements are best taken on a pair that fits well: lay it flat on a table, smooth it out, measure. On the body only the waist can be measured really precisely.
Waist
Measure where the waistband of the trousers should sit – with dress trousers usually at the waist, with jeans somewhat lower. On the trousers: lay the closed waistband flat, measure across and double it.
Common mistakes
- Measured over a belt or shirt.
- Sucked in your stomach – the trousers then fit only while you stand.
- Measured on the body at a different spot than where the trousers will sit.
Front and back rise
From the crotch seam along the center seam to the top edge of the waistband – once at the front, once at the back. The back is longer so the trousers don't pull down when you sit.
Common mistakes
- Measured straight up instead of along the seam.
- Measured only at the front: front and back together determine where and how the trousers sit.
Inseam
On the inside of the leg from the crotch seam to the hem edge. On the body: without shoes from the crotch to just above the floor, with the tape placed right at the top.
Common mistakes
- Confused with the full length, which is measured on the outside from the waistband.
- Measured with shoes on.
- The tape not placed all the way up into the crotch.
Thigh
Measure across the trouser leg just below the crotch and double it. On the body: all the way around the fullest part of the thigh, muscles relaxed.
Common mistakes
- Measured too far down, where the leg is already narrower.
- Standing with the leg tensed.
Leg opening
Lay the hem flat and measure across from edge to edge. Manufacturers sometimes give this half width, sometimes the full circumference – check which one is meant.
Common mistakes
- Confused half width and circumference.
- Measured on trousers with a cuff without smoothing the cuff flat.
Sport coat
On a sport coat the shoulder decides. It can hardly be altered; so you measure it first and accept the other measurements if the shoulder fits.
Shoulder width
Across the back from one shoulder edge to the other, following the curve of the shoulders. On the jacket: from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
Common mistakes
- Measured down onto the upper arm – then every jacket looks too narrow.
- The tape pulled straight instead of following the curve.
Back length
From the collar seam at the center of the neck straight down to the hem. Traditionally the jacket just covers the seat.
Common mistakes
- Measured with the head tilted forward.
- Measured from the top edge of the collar instead of from the collar seam.
Sleeve length
From the shoulder seam along the outside of the arm to the sleeve hem, the arm hanging loosely. A good centimeter (½ in) of shirt cuff should show below it.
Common mistakes
- Measured without a shirt – then the reference to the cuff is missing.
- With the arm bent.
Height and build
You enter height and build once; they help with off-the-rack sizes and make the figure in the image match you.
Height
Barefoot, heels, seat and back of the head against the wall, looking straight ahead. Lay a book flat on your head, mark the wall and measure.
Common mistakes
- Measured with shoes on.
- Head lowered or tilted back.
Build
Not a measurement but an honest look in the mirror: are the shoulders clearly wider than the waist, about the same width or narrower? From that you get slim, athletic, regular or heavy.
Common mistakes
- Chose how you would like to be instead of how you are.
- Looked only at weight instead of shoulders and waist.