How to Measure for a Custom Suit | Perfect Fit Guide

How to Measure for a Custom Suit: Complete Guide

Getting your measurements right is the most important step in ordering a custom suit. With WIAI's video guide and this step-by-step tutorial, you can capture professional-grade measurements at home — in just 15 minutes.

What You'll Need

A soft measuring tape (tailor's tape)
Help from a friend (recommended for best accuracy)
Our free video measurement guide
A notepad or our printable measurement sheet

Step-by-Step Measurements

1. Height & Weight

Stand straight against a wall without shoes. Measure from the floor to the top of your head. Weigh yourself on a scale. These are your baseline measurements.

2. Shoulder Width

Place the tape at the edge of one shoulder (where the shoulder bone meets the neck) and measure across your back to the other shoulder edge. Keep the tape straight — not drooping.

3. Chest Circumference

Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal and snug (but not tight). Breathe normally — don't hold your breath.

4. Waist

Measure around the natural waistline (approximately 2 inches above the belly button). Don't hold your stomach in — measure your true waist.

5. Hip Circumference

Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. This is usually 7-9 inches below the waist for most men.

6. Sleeve Length

Start at the shoulder seam, measure down the outer arm to the wrist bone. For suits, we add 1-1.5cm for shirt cuff showing.

7. Arm Circumference (Bicep)

Measure around the largest part of your upper arm with arm relaxed. This helps us tailor the sleeve width.

8. Jacket Length

Measure from the base of the neck (where a collar would sit) down to where you want the jacket to end. Standard length falls at the thumb knuckle.

9. Trouser Waist

Measure around where you normally wear trousers — at the waistband level. Add 1-2cm for comfort.

10. Outseam & Inseam

Outseam: Measure from the waistband to the bottom of the foot along the outer leg.
Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the pant leg along the inner leg.

Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid

Measuring over bulky clothing: Wear thin or no shirt for best accuracy
Holding your breath: This tightens the chest and waist
Guessing your size: Most men overestimate chest and underestimate waist
Using a metal ruler: Only use a soft measuring tape for body measurements

Can't Measure Yourself?

Visit any local tailor — most charge $10-30 for measurements. Bring our video guide as reference and they'll know exactly what we need.

WIAI's Complimentary Alteration Promise

Every WIAI suit includes 365 days of complimentary alterations. If your measurements are slightly off, we'll fix it at no charge. That's our fit guarantee.