Men's Suit Sizing

For some men, wearing a suit is required for their jobs, while other men simply enjoying the stylish statement of wearing a suit. Occasions will call for wearing a suit even if you aren't the type of guy whoever wants to own one, so basic suit sizing is a skill every man should have. First, knowing the formula to convert centimeters to inches - divide cm by 2.54, will be helpful.

Suits and tuxedos that are sold as a set need to be purchased carefully. Measure your chest by raising your arms and measuring just beneath the armpit. The measurement should include the broadest part of the chest and the shoulder blades. Whatever the measurement comes out to is your suit size. For example, if your chest measures 42 inches, you need a size 42 suit.

Next, measure your waist and add six inches. All suits up to size 46 come with pants that are six inches less and all suits from size 48 and up come with pants that are five inches less. For instance, a size 36 pair of pants accompany the size 42 suit.

When buying a separate suit jacket or blazer with pants, you will measure in the same way as for a suit or tuxedo. The broadest part of the chest including the shoulder blades makes up the measurement for a suit jacket. Typically, the pants are six inches smaller in the waist, but measure your waist to be sure. The inseam measurement for pants is taken by measuring from the bottom of your inner ankle to the crotch area and rounding to the closest half inch.

To buy a correctly sized shirt to go with your suit, it will depend on how the shirts are marked. If they say S-M-L, you will need to look for a conversion chart. At caglayansuit.com there are conversion charts for shirt sizing as well as other handy tips to make sure your suits fit perfectly. Either way, you need to take measurements first. The measurements are listed first by collar size and second by the length of the sleeve.

Start by measuring your collar size by going around the largest part of your neck. For a comfortable shirt fit, place a couple of fingers in between the measuring tape and your neck, then round up to the closest half inch. It is important that your shirt collar doesn't choke you, but you do not want it to look too big for you either.

Measuring your sleeve length is the next step. Place your arms at your sides and stand relaxed. The measuring tape is placed right under the collar and in the center of the back. The tape is then brought over the shoulder and down the length of the arm. The favorite length is about one or 1 ½ inches below the wrist.

Belts should be purchased as an accessory item for any suit you buy. Match the style and color to the suit and do not forget to measure before you buy. Never assume your size, measure your waist and always round up to the next largest size if your waist is an uneven measurement.