To measure for a jacket, shirt, pants, or a suit, it is best to have someone help take your measurements. For consistency, take all measurements from the same side of the body. Stand straight, with feet about six inches apart.
Some apparel brands use European or U.K. sizes. Be sure to check the brand’s size chart for the U.S. size equivalent before ordering. European clothing sizes are typically 10 higher than the U.S. size. For example, if you wear a size 46 jacket, the European size would be a 56.
Sleeve
Start with measuring your sleeve length. With your arm slightly bent, start from your neck bone, measure over your shoulder and elbow points, and end at the wrist bone. This is also called Center Back (CB) Sleeve length.
Chest
Next measure your chest. You will want the total circumference of your chest at it’s largest point. Stand straight with your arms out, and measure under your arm pits, across the breast bone with arms relaxed. Make sure the tape measure is parallel with the floor.
Waist
Stand in a mirror and bend to one side. Where your body creases is your natural waist. Measure around your natural waist line while keeping the tape measure parallel with the floor. Relax when taking the measurement.
Hip
The hip measurement is the total circumference at your hip’s largest point. Keep tape measure parallel to the floor, and relax when taking measurement.
Inseam
The inseam is the total length of the inside seam from your crotch to your ankle. Stand straight, but relax when taking measurement.
Outseam
The outseam is the length of the outside seam from your waist to your ankle.
Center Back (CB) Length
The Center Back Length is the measurement from your neck bone, down your spine to your waist. |