If you're looking for a new tuxedo, or you're just supplying sizes to rent a tuxedo, taking the right measurements can save you time with a tailor. Learning to provide basic information and providing a little explanation of how these measurements are used will help ensure you get the right fit and the most comfortable tuxedo for your big day.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Basic Size
Step 1. Measure your height
For sewing and rental purposes, or even if you are planning to buy your own suit, it is important to provide your height and weight measurements before taking a more specific size. Take off your shoes and stand with your back to the wall, and measure yourself with a tape measure to get an accurate number for your height. Place the measuring tape on the sole of your foot and measure it to the highest point of your head.
Step 2. Weigh yourself
While this is not the most important number for a suit to be made or measured, your weight can help the tailor to fit the pants on the jacket better, by determining your "drop" number (the number that differs from your bust or over-the-sleeve size to your trouser size). If you send the figures to the store to rent a tux, your weight can make the process a lot easier.
Do not cheat. You'll look slimmer if you wear a suit that fits better than your dream suit with the size you expect
Step 3. Provide your shoe size
If shoes will be provided, provide a shoe size that fits your feet. In addition to your shoe size, in some places, it would be better if you also provide a measurement of your foot width and tell what type of shoe you want. Many places use the following terms to match shoe widths:
- B: Narrow
- D: Regular, or medium width
- E: Very wide
- EEE: Very, very wide
Part 2 of 4: Measuring for Pants
Step 1. Measure your waist
Since tuxedos are worn more up around the waist than jeans or trousers, which sit around your hips, you will need to take a different measurement than your usual trouser size. Using a tape measure, measure the top of your pelvis and past your belly button to determine an accurate waist measurement for a tuxedo.
Step 2. Measure your hips
To make sure your pants fit comfortably, do this step correctly. You can do this by wearing your pants. Place the tape measure around your hips, where the hipbones protrude at their greatest point. Then, continue to circle the largest part of your buttocks. This will help ensure that your trousers are not too tight and comfortable.
Step 3. Measure the outline of your foot
The outline of your foot refers to the line that runs along the outside of your foot. You should take this measurement when wearing shoes. Measure from the outer arch of your shoe, pulling the tape measure up to your foot, past your pelvic bone and until it is level with your belly button. This size helps determine the length of pants you need.
Make sure the shoes you use when measuring are similar to those you would wear with a tuxedo, in terms of height. You should not do this barefoot, or wearing cowboy boots that are slightly soled
Step 4. Measure the inner line of your foot
This is usually easiest to measure on the pants you already have, rather than when you're trying to wear them. Fold the pants that fit you in half to the sides, so that the inside lines are the same. Fold one leg up and out, then measure a straight line from the crotch to the bottom hem of the pants.
Depending on the tailor or the place of rental, some shops will ask you for the inside and outside of your foot, while others will only ask for one. Make sure you know what they are looking for, so you don't provide the wrong size
Part 3 of 4: Measuring a Suit
Step 1. Measure your chest
Extend your arms out to the sides and bring the tape measure around your shoulder blades, under your arms and around the fullest part of your chest. Lower your arm and check the size. Make the size comfortable, but not tight.
Step 2. Take your shoulder measurement
Place your arms by your sides and place the tape measure around your chest and shoulders, just where your collarbone ends. Feel with your finger to find the core of your collarbone and take a measurement just below that point.
Step 3. Measure your neck
Measure your neck by wrapping a tape measure around your neck and note the size. You should place the tape measure down as close to your collar line as possible, just above your collarbone, not above around your throat. This will ensure that you receive an accurate dress size.
Step 4. Measure your arm
Let one of your arms hang straight by your side. Place the tape measure close under the back of your neck. Measure with a tape measure from the top of your shoulder and then down your straight arm to a point of approximately 2.5 cm before you reach your wrist.
You may also need to provide the inner sleeve size of your suit. Place the tape measure on the inside of your arm, slightly below your wrist. Pull the tape over your underarms for a complete measure
Part 4 of 4: Getting the Right Suit
Step 1. Determine your “drop” size
Learning the terms used at tuxedo rentals will help you better fit the type of suit on your body. This will also make the whole process less confusing. “Drop” refers to the different sizes of coats and pants, and there are a variety of different types, you will probably fall into the type of size in your “drop” size.
- The usual “drop” has a difference of 15 cm.
- The athletic “drop” had a difference of more than 20 cm.
- “Drop” fat has a difference of 5 cm.
Step 2. Learn how the length of a suit is determined
The length of the coat depends on your height, so you will be able to tell which size suit you need if you know your shirt size and height.
- Short coats are usually worn on people less than 170 cm tall, with sleeves up to 81 cm.
- Regular suits are for people between 172.5 to 180 cm tall, with sleeves 81-83 cm.
- Long coats are for people between 183 to 188 cm tall, with sleeves from 86 to 91 cm.
- Very long coats are for people over 188 cm tall with sleeves longer than 91 cm.
Step 3. Make sure the armhole is not narrow
When you try on a suit, you need to make sure the armholes are loose enough to move freely and you don't run the risk of tearing the inside of the suit if you move improperly. If you feel a pinch in your armpits, your suit may need to be changed, or you may need a different suit.
Step 4. Make sure the suit hangs along your back snugly
The coat should not stand out or sag at any point along your shoulders to your back. A suit that has the right fit will have straight lines and lie perfectly flat against your back. Otherwise, the suit may be too small, or poorly sewn.
Step 5. Make sure the sleeves are the right length
Let your arms hang freely by your sides. On a well-fitted suit, the hem of the sleeves will reach your knuckle when your arms hang like this.
You should also check with your shirt on to see if the sleeves below are long enough. The sleeves of the coat should show the hem of the shirt sleeve about 1.3 cm
Step 6. Make sure your pants are the right length
Put on your shoes and look at the length of the trousers. Trousers should be hemmed flat with the heel of your shoe at the back, falling slightly above the front of your shoe. Pants should not hang too much and too far above the shoes, but right in line with the bottom and top.
Tips
- When measuring your waist, chest and neck, place a finger or two between your body and the tape measure. This extra space will keep your tuxedo comfortable rather than too tight.
- To get a more accurate measurement when measuring for a tuxedo, ask someone to help you.
Warning
- Don't puff out your chest while you're measuring, or you'll get an inaccurate tuxedo size.
- When calculating body measurements, do not pull the measuring tape taut. However, make sure the tape measure fits comfortably on the part of the body you are measuring. Pulling the tape measure too tight will result in a tuxedo that is too tight.
