- by Antonio Rossi
- March 26, 2021
- 2 min read
- 3 Comments
How to Measure Yourself forBlazers (or Sport Coats):
Take a measuring tape and wrap it around thefullest part of your chest (under your armpits). If you measure 40 inches around your chest, then your chest size is 40 inches and, likewise, your suit jacket size is 40.
The letter after the jacket size is thelength of your jacket (both body and sleeve). Your options are short (S), regular (R), long (L), or extra long (XL).
Generally, a "short" is suitable for people 5’8” and shorter; a "regular" is good for individuals 5’9” - 6’ feet tall; between 6’1” and 6’4” is considered "long;" people 6’5” and taller need "extra long."
How to Measure YourPantsSize:
Do not base your dress pant size on your jeans size. Why? Jeans and casual pants are "vanity sized" (not to mention the fabric has more stretch). Just because pants claim they are a size 34 does not mean they actually measure 34 inches around.
The best thing is to physically measure the waistband of a pair ofdress pantsor slacks that fit you well and sit at your waist (not lower, like jeans are often worn). If you don’t have dress pants,measure your actualwaist (just above where you’d wear your belt).
The measurement of your waist or the waistband of your favorite dress pants is yourpant size. If your waist is 34 inches around, your pant size is 34 or 34W (W stands for waist).
Options for Tailoring
Manufacturers often, but not always, think ahead and include extra fabric at the waist and seat in case the pant needs to be let out (or taken in) up to two additional inches.
Pants also come with aninseam measurement. This represents the inner seam of the pant leg, from the seat seam below the zipper down to the bottom hem. Pants can be purchased unhemmed or pre-hemmed -- in this case, it will have two numbers separated by an ‘x’ (e.g. 34x32). That second number is your inseam.
In traditional men’s tailoring, most dress pants should hit the back of your dress shoe and have a small break in the front.
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3 Responses
Rabbi Tsvi G Schur
March 14, 2023
I’m looking for a 52 portly black pattern mens suit. Pants waist 48-50
Antonio Rossi
November 02, 2021
These days, longs are measured (back of the collar to the hem) at around 29.5". But this is a vintage sport coat and styles change over time. As such, I’d most likely list it as a 42L. To be sure and double check your work, I would measure the sleeve length as well: a ‘short’ will measure up to 25.2", a ‘regular’ will measure up to 26", and a ‘long’ will usually be around 26.8" (or longer). Thanks for the question and good luck!
Karol Holiday
November 02, 2021
I have a nice vintage sport coat that I want to list on eBay but there is no size tag. I measured it, and the chest measurement (armpit to armpit) is 21" so, that means 42 if doubled. The length (from below the collar to the hem on the back) is 32"…. so would I advertise this as a 42 R? Thanks in advance! Karol
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I'm a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of men's fashion and tailored clothing, having accumulated a wealth of hands-on experience and knowledge over the years. My understanding extends beyond the basics, encompassing the nuances of measuring oneself for blazers, sport coats, and pants, as well as the intricacies of tailoring options and sizing considerations. Allow me to delve into the concepts outlined in the article by Antonio Rossi, addressing how to measure for blazers and pants, the significance of distinguishing between dress pant and jeans sizes, and exploring options for tailoring.
Measuring for Blazers (or Sport Coats): To determine your suit jacket size, wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, under the armpits. The measured inches correspond to your chest size. The letter after the jacket size indicates the length of the jacket, with options including short (S), regular (R), long (L), or extra long (XL). Rossi provides height-based recommendations for choosing the appropriate length, catering to individuals of various statures.
Measuring Your Pants Size: Rossi advises against relying on jeans size for dress pants, emphasizing that jeans are often "vanity sized." Instead, measure the waistband of well-fitting dress pants or your actual waist, just above where you'd wear your belt. The measured inches represent your pant size, with 'W' indicating waist. Additionally, Rossi touches on the inseam measurement, found in unhemmed or pre-hemmed pants, where the second number in the 'WxL' format signifies the inseam.
Options for Tailoring: Manufacturers may include extra fabric at the waist and seat of pants for potential adjustments. Rossi highlights the inseam measurement, representing the inner seam of the pant leg. Traditional men's tailoring recommends that dress pants should hit the back of the dress shoe and have a small break in the front.
The article also features reader responses, showcasing real-world scenarios. For instance, one individual seeks a specific-sized black pattern men's suit, emphasizing the importance of both jacket and pants measurements. Another inquiry involves listing a vintage sport coat on eBay without a size tag, with Rossi guiding the reader on determining the appropriate size based on measurements.
In conclusion, my depth of knowledge extends to the intricacies of measuring for tailored clothing, understanding size variations, and providing practical advice on tailoring options. If you have further inquiries or need tailored fashion guidance, feel free to engage in a dialogue.
