How to Measure Yourself for the Perfect Fit: A Complete Guide for Men
When it comes to looking sharp, nothing beats a perfectly fitting suit. Whether you're attending a wedding, a gala, or any formal event, the key to confidence and style lies in how well your clothes fit. But how do you achieve that flawless fit when you're renting your menswear?
At ACS Rental, we make it easy to find a suit or tuxedo that fits you like a glove. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of measuring yourself at home to ensure a perfect fit every time.
Why the Right Fit Matters
Getting the right measurements is key to achieving that perfect fit, especially when renting a suit. With the right measurements, you can avoid common issues like tight sleeves, overly baggy trousers, or an uncomfortable jacket.
What You’ll Need to Measure Yourself
- A soft measuring tape (preferably cloth or flexible)
- A mirror (to double-check your measurements)
- A friend or family member (optional, but helpful for accurate measurements)
- A well-fitting shirt or thin layer of clothing to measure over
How to Measure:
1. Chest Measurement
Stand upright with your arms relaxed at your sides.
Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under your armpits.
Make sure the tape is snug but not tight, and keep it parallel to the ground.
Take a deep breath to ensure comfort, but don’t puff out your chest.
Record the measurement in inches (round to the nearest whole number).
Why It’s Important: Your chest measurement will help us determine the right jacket size. An accurate chest measurement ensures the jacket fits well across your shoulders and chest without feeling restrictive.
2. Waist Measurement
Find your natural waistline by bending to one side—where the skin naturally creases is your waist.
Wrap the measuring tape around your waist, making sure it sits comfortably (not too tight or loose).
Keep the tape parallel to the floor, and measure the circumference of your waist.
Take a relaxed breath and ensure the tape is not digging into your skin.
Record the measurement in inches.
Why It’s Important: The waist measurement is critical for ensuring the trousers fit perfectly. You’ll want to make sure there’s enough room for comfort without the pants being too loose or too tight.
3. Neck Measurement
Wrap the measuring tape around the base of your neck where the collar sits (right above the collarbone).
Place one finger between your neck and the tape to ensure a comfortable fit.
Record the measurement in inches.
Why It’s Important: This measurement is essential for selecting a shirt or tuxedo shirt that fits perfectly around the neck. A proper neck size ensures the collar isn’t too tight or too loose.
4. Sleeve Length Measurement
Stand up straight with your arms hanging relaxed by your sides.
Measure from the back of your neck (at the base) to the top of your shoulder, and then down to your wrist where you want the sleeve to end.
Make sure the tape follows the natural curve of your arm.
Record the sleeve length in inches.
Why It’s Important: Getting your sleeve length right ensures that your jacket’s sleeves fall perfectly at the wrist, giving you a sharp and polished look.
5. Shoulder Measurement
Stand naturally and let your arms hang loosely.
Measure from the edge of one shoulder (where your shoulder bone meets your arm) across to the other shoulder.
Ensure the measuring tape is straight and level across your back.
Record the measurement in inches.
Why It’s Important: The shoulder measurement determines the fit of your jacket or blazer. A well-fitted shoulder width prevents the jacket from feeling too tight or too loose across your shoulders, ensuring a clean and structured look.
6. Inseam Measurement
Stand upright and measure from the crotch seam down to the ankle bone.
Make sure the tape runs straight along the inside of the leg to the desired length.
Record the measurement in inches.
Why It’s Important: The inseam measurement ensures your pants are the right length, preventing them from being too short or too long. A perfect inseam ensures your trousers hit just above the shoe, creating a sharp, tailored appearance.
7. Outseam Measurement (Optional)
Stand up straight and measure from the waistband of your trousers (or where the waistband will sit) down to the ankle.
Record the measurement.
Why It’s Important: The outseam is helpful for measuring the overall length of your pants if you want a precise fit. It’s especially useful when customising your trousers for a particular look.
Additional Tips for the Perfect Fit
- Stand Naturally: Avoid flexing or tensing your muscles when measuring, as it may distort the true fit.
- Double-Check: Always measure twice to ensure accuracy.
- Fit Preferences: Consider how you like your clothes to fit—some may prefer a more fitted, slim style, while others prefer a more relaxed look.
- Really Struggling? If you’re unsure about taking measurements on your own, consider visiting a professional tailor for help, especially when renting for special occasions.
The perfect fit is within your reach, and it all starts with knowing how to measure yourself accurately. Whether you’re attending a wedding, a gala, or any formal event, the right measurements ensure you look and feel your best.
Check out our size charts
At ACS Rental, we’re here to help you find the perfect suit, with precise fitting options available through our easy rental process. If you need help measuring yourself from home, our team of experts are on standby with some mobile support. Call us on: ***
