Suitmade

Bespoke tailoring system

Perfect fit,starts at home

By following these simple guide, you can record accurate body measurements that ensure a custom drape tailored exclusively to you.

Mannequin showing the body measurement points

Before you start

Preparation checklist

Recording precise numbers avoids fitting delays. Prepare a quiet space, get a high-quality flexible tailor's tape, and spend 10 minutes setting your personalized size baseline.

  • Tailor's tape measure

    Use a standard soft fiberglass or cloth tape measure. Avoid metal tapes.

  • Ask help from partner

    If possible, ask a companion to read and hold the tape. It guarantees horizontal accuracy.

  • Keep natural posture

    Stand naturally upright with heels together. Do not tense or drop your shoulders.

  • Lightweight clothing

    Wear a well-fitting, lightweight shirt and trousers for the most faithful contours.

Step 1/7

Neck Circumference

Measure around the base of your neck where a collared shirt would naturally sit.

  1. 1

    Place the tape measure around your neck, starting from the back.

  2. 2

    Bring the tape to the front, resting it just below your Adam's apple.

  3. 3

    Keep one finger between your neck and the tape to ensure a comfortable breathing allowance.

Pro tailor tip

Stand naturally and look straight ahead. Do not tilt your chin up or down.

How to measure: Neck Circumference

Step 2/7

Shoulder Width

Measure across the top of your back from the outer edge of one shoulder bone to the other.

  1. 1

    Locate the bony prominent points on the outer edge of each shoulder (acromion process).

  2. 2

    Run the tape straight across the natural curve of your upper back.

  3. 3

    Ensure the tape follows the contour of your shoulders without dropping or pulling tight.

Pro tailor tip

It is best to wear a well-fitting shirt to help reference the shoulder seam points.

How to measure: Shoulder Width

Step 3/7

Chest Circumference

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal under your arms.

  1. 1

    Raise your arms and wrap the tape around your back at shoulder blade level.

  2. 2

    Bring the tape to the front, crossing the fullest part of your chest.

  3. 3

    Lower your arms naturally to your sides to take the final measurement.

Pro tailor tip

Take a deep breath in and exhale naturally. Do not puff out your chest or hold your breath.

How to measure: Chest Circumference

Step 4/7

Sleeve Length

Measure from the shoulder joint point down to your wrist bone.

  1. 1

    Place the tape at the same shoulder bone point used for the shoulder width.

  2. 2

    Run the tape down the outer side of your arm following a slightly bent elbow.

  3. 3

    End the measurement exactly where your wrist bone meets your hand.

Pro tailor tip

Keep a natural, slight bend in your elbow. Do not lock your arm straight.

How to measure: Sleeve Length

Step 5/7

Waist Circumference

Measure around your natural waistline, typically located inline with your navel.

  1. 1

    Locate your natural waistline, which sits slightly above your hip bones.

  2. 2

    Wrap the tape horizontally around your waist, keeping it flat and level.

  3. 3

    Keep one finger behind the tape to prevent over-tightening.

Pro tailor tip

Stand relaxed. Do not pull your stomach in. This determines your trousers' baseline comfort.

How to measure: Waist Circumference

Step 6/7

Hips Circumference

Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat.

  1. 1

    Stand with your heels together on a flat surface.

  2. 2

    Wrap the tape horizontally around your hips, ensuring it goes over the fullest part of your buttocks.

  3. 3

    Keep the tape parallel to the floor for an accurate reading.

Pro tailor tip

Empty your pockets of any phones, wallets, or key rings before measuring.

How to measure: Hips Circumference

Step 7/7

Back Length

Measure from the prominent bone at the base of your neck straight down to your desired jacket length.

  1. 1

    Locate the prominent spinal bone at the base of your neck (C7 vertebra).

  2. 2

    Run the tape straight down the center line of your spine.

  3. 3

    Stop where you want the bottom of your jacket to rest (usually middle of your seat).

Pro tailor tip

Consider your preference: shorter cuts look modern, while traditional cuts sit slightly lower.

How to measure: Back Length

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