How to Measure
Use this guide to take accurate measurements for your bespoke garment. For best results, have a friend help you and wear well-fitted clothing (not bulky outerwear).
Complete Guide
12 Key Measurements
These 12 measurements cover everything needed for a suit, jacket, shirt, trousers and coat. Send these to us with your order.
1. Chest
Why we need it
The most critical measurement for upper garments.
How to measure
Measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your armpits, keeping the tape horizontal and snug but not tight. Keep arms relaxed at your sides.
Tip: Add 1 inch for a comfortable fit, or tell us your preferred fit style (slim/regular/relaxed).
2. Waist
Why we need it
Determines the waist suppression of the jacket and trouser waistband.
How to measure
Measure around your natural waist — the narrowest point of your torso, usually around 2 inches above your navel. Keep the tape comfortably snug.
Tip: Do not hold your breath or suck in while measuring.
3. Seat / Hips
Why we need it
Critical for trouser fit and jacket skirt length.
How to measure
Measure around the fullest part of your seat/hips, typically 8–9 inches below your natural waist. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.
Tip: This is often the widest point — don't be shy, accuracy is more important than vanity!
4. Shoulders
Why we need it
Determines the jacket shoulder width — the single most important fit point.
How to measure
Measure across the back from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other, crossing the shoulder blades. Have a helper do this from behind.
Tip: The jacket shoulder seam should sit precisely at the edge of your natural shoulder, neither hanging over nor pulling inward.
5. Back Length
Why we need it
Sets the overall jacket length and proportion.
How to measure
Measure from the base of the neck (where the collar sits) straight down the spine to just below the seat. This is for jacket length — we'll advise on the right cut-off point for your style.
Tip: A jacket should cover your seat and end roughly at the knuckles of your relaxed hand.
6. Sleeve Length
Why we need it
Sets the sleeve length for both jacket and shirts.
How to measure
Bend your arm slightly at the elbow. Measure from the top of the shoulder (where the seam would sit) down over the elbow to the wrist bone. For shirts, include an extra half inch.
Tip: A suit jacket sleeve should reveal about half an inch of shirt cuff below it.
7. Neck
Why we need it
Essential for shirt and collar construction.
How to measure
Measure around the base of your neck where the collar normally sits. Insert one finger under the tape for ease — shirts need approximately half an inch of ease at the collar.
Tip: Measure in the morning, as necks tend to swell slightly during the day.
8. Wrist
Why we need it
Used for shirt cuff sizing.
How to measure
Measure around your wrist just below the wrist bone. For buttoned cuffs, we add approximately ¾ inch ease.
Tip: Let us know if you prefer a loose or snug cuff fit.
9. Trouser Inseam
Why we need it
Sets the trouser length.
How to measure
Measure from the crotch seam down the inside of the leg to where you want the trouser to end (typically the top of the shoe). For break preference, tell us: no break, slight break, or full break.
Tip: Most men prefer a slight break — where the trouser just touches the top of the shoe with a small fold.
10. Trouser Outseam
Why we need it
Alternative to inseam — measures the full trouser length.
How to measure
Measure from your natural waist down the outside of your leg to where you want the hem. This is useful as a cross-check measurement.
Tip: Provide both inseam and outseam for maximum accuracy.
11. Rise
Why we need it
Determines the trouser rise (crotch depth).
How to measure
Sit on a hard chair. Measure from your waist at the front, down and between your legs to the chair seat. This gives the total rise.
Tip: Rise preferences vary widely. Tell us if you prefer a mid-rise, low-rise or high-rise style.
12. Thigh
Why we need it
Critical for trouser fit around the upper leg.
How to measure
Measure around the fullest part of your thigh, typically a few inches below the crotch. Keep the tape comfortably snug, not tight.
Tip: Thigh measurement is especially important if you have athletic legs or prefer a slimmer trouser cut.
Send Us Your Measurements
Email your measurements directly to us or include them with your online order.
Size Conversion Chart
Use this chart to cross-reference standard sizing between UK, US, EU and Asian sizing.
S = Short, R = Regular, L = Long. For bespoke garments, these are only guidelines — your exact measurements are always used.
Expert Measurement Tips
Use the Right Tape
Always use a flexible fabric measuring tape, not a metal ruler or rigid tape. Fabric tapes conform to body curves for accuracy.
Wear the Right Clothing
Measure over a fitted shirt or lightweight clothing. Never measure over a heavy jumper, jacket or coat.
Stand Naturally
Stand with feet together, arms relaxed at your sides, and maintain your natural posture. Don't puff your chest or suck your stomach in.
Get Help
Have a trusted friend or tailor take measurements for you. Self-measurements are less accurate, especially for back measurements.
Measure Twice
Always measure each point twice and take the average. Small inconsistencies are normal, but large variations mean you should re-measure.
When in Doubt, Ask
If you're unsure about any measurement, email us at shanieltailor@gmail.com or call us at (852) 27301251. We're happy to guide you through the process.
Not Sure About Your Measurements?
Book an appointment at our Hong Kong studio or meet us during a city tour near you. Our tailor will take all measurements professionally.