How to Measure Yourself for a Perfect Suit Fit at Home

Sanchit Khera

How to Measure Yourself for a Perfect Suit Fit at Home

Before buying a suit—whether online or in-store—it’s essential to know your exact measurements. A suit that fits properly can transform your entire look, giving you cleaner lines, sharper photos, and more comfort throughout the day.

This guide shows you exactly how to measure yourself at home, step by step, using only a measuring tape. No tailor needed.

1. What You Need Before You Start

To measure yourself accurately, grab:

  • A flexible measuring tape
  • A friend to help (optional but helpful)
  • A fitted shirt or t-shirt
  • A mirror

If you don’t have help, stand in front of a mirror to keep the tape straight.

2. How to Measure Your Upper Body (Suit Jacket)

A. Shoulder Width

This is one of the most important measurements for a suit.

How to measure:

  1. Stand straight.
  2. Measure from the edge of one shoulder bone to the other.
  3. Keep the tape flat and straight across the back.

Good fit: Jacket seam should sit exactly where your shoulder ends—not drooping and not tight.

B. Chest Size

Determines how well the jacket closes.

How to measure:

  1. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest.
  2. Keep the tape under your armpits and across your shoulder blades.
  3. Keep one finger under the tape for comfort.

Tip: Don't puff your chest; breathe normally.

C. Sleeve Length

Affects how much of your dress shirt cuff shows.

How to measure:

  1. Place the tape at the top of your shoulder.
  2. Measure down your arm to the wrist bone.
  3. Slight bend your arm for accuracy.

Standard fit: Sleeve ends where your wrist meets your hand.

D. Jacket Length

Controls the overall balance of the suit.

How to measure:

  1. Start at the top of your shoulder.
  2. Measure straight down to mid-thigh.

General rule:

  • Shorter length = more modern
  • Longer length = more traditional

3. How to Measure Your Lower Body (Suit Pants)

A. Waist

Where your pants normally sit.

How to measure:

  • Wrap the tape around your natural waistline (just above your belly button).
  • Avoid sucking in your stomach.
  • Keep the tape comfortable, not tight.

B. Hips

Important for comfort and movement.

How to measure:

  1. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips.
  2. Keep the tape straight and level.

C. Inseam Length

Determines where the pants fall on your shoes.

How to measure:

  1. Measure from the top of your inner thigh down to your ankle.
  2. Wear shoes to know where the hem will sit.

Pant break options:

  • No break: Clean, modern look
  • Slight break: Classic choice
  • Full break: More traditional, relaxed

D. Thigh Measurement

For comfort when walking or sitting.

How to measure:

  1. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your thigh.

Helpful for slim-fit pants.

4. Tips for the Most Accurate Measurements

✔ Stand straight, but relaxed

✔ Keep the tape parallel to the floor

✔ Use inches (most suit measurements use inches)

✔ If between sizes, choose the larger one

✔ Double-check each measurement

5. How to Choose Your Suit Fit Based on Measurements

Slim Fit

Choose if:

  • Chest size and waist size are close
  • Arms and legs are slimmer
  • You want a modern, sharp look

Regular Fit

Choose if:

  • You prefer comfort and room
  • You have a broader build
  • You want a classic silhouette

Tailored Fit

Choose if:

  • You want balance between comfort and sharpness
  • You want an all-occasion suit
  • Works for most body types

6. Do You Need Custom Tailoring?

You may want custom tailoring if:

  • Shoulders and chest measurements differ a lot
  • Pants are too tight on thighs
  • Jacket length doesn’t match your height
  • You want a wedding or reception suit

Custom-tailored suits always fit better and look more expensive.

📌 Internal Links: Custom Size Page, Premium Suits, Luxury Suits

7. Where to Get the Best Suit Fit in Canada

Fabmark offers:

  • Tailored fits
  • Slim, regular, and custom sizing
  • Premium and luxury suits
  • In-store fittings (Surrey & Brampton)
  • Same-day adjustments for many items

➤ Link to Men’s Suits Collection
➤ Link to Custom Tailoring
➤ Link to Dress Shirts

FAQ: Measuring Yourself for a Suit

1. Do I need someone to help me measure?

Helpful but not required—this guide works for solo measuring.

2. Should I measure over a hoodie or sweater?

No. Wear a fitted shirt for accuracy.

3. What if my measurements fall between two sizes?

Choose the bigger size—it's easier to tailor down.

4. How long should suit pants be?

They should rest lightly on the top of your shoes with a slight break.

5. Is slim fit right for everyone?

Not necessarily—regular or tailored fits work better for broader builds.

Back to blog