Women’s Guide to Taking Your Own Suit Measurements
Whilst there are lots of options for tailoring and sizing with men’s suits, its one of the few areas of fashion women may struggle to find help with compared to men. This is pretty surprising given that women arguably have more body shape variation than men, and are equally passionate about well fitting clothes. I have spoken to many women that “just can’t find clothes that fit” be it due to big hips, small bust, whatever it may be. Just like with our men’s range, our goal is to make made to measure accessible for all, whether you’re after a truly bespoke unparalleled quality dress for a wedding or a more affordable first made to measure suit. The good news is it’s super easy to take your own suit measurements, simply follow the guide below and the possibilities are endless.
First things first
Before you begin you will need a flexible / cloth measuring tape and a pen or some way of noting down your measurements. Wear a typical bra that you might wear with the garment, and if you have a jacket, shirt and trousers you know fit you well, you may want to have them handy as this can help you judge certain measurements. If you have a friend handy this can also help, but its not necessary.
Made to Measure for Her Pleasure
Once you are ready to start taking your measurements you should go through the list below. This is not an exhaustive list but it usually gives us all we need, whilst still being simple to do yourself. You should follow the instructions below as illustrated, using a relaxed but firm hand, you should never pull the tape measure tight. Perform each measurement three times to ensure accuracy and round all final measurements up the nearest half inch. First record your height (in metres) and weight (in kg), this can help with overall sizing.
Bust / Chest
Wearing a typical bra for you (or the bra you intend to wear if its specific), measure the circumference of your bust at its fullest point. Do not pull the tape measure tight and try to relax your arms by your sides. The value should basically be your bra size (i.e 36DD) but always measure never assume.
Under Bust
Again, whilst wearing a properly fitted bra, measure the circumference of your chest, directly underneath your breasts. Ensure the tape measure is level and not twisted. The value should be the band size of your bra if it were properly fit.
Shoulder Seam to Bust
Measure from the where the shoulder seam would sit on a well fitted shirt/jacket, down to the fullest part of the breast. The position along the shoulder seam will vary depending on the individuals bust and the bra, which is why it is important to wear a properly fitted/typical bra for you. Ensure the tape measure is straight and not at an angle.
Neck / Collar
Measure the circumference of your neck at the height where your collar would sit. If you wish to be sure you of the height you can wear a shirt that fits you well.
Bicep
Flex your arm to 90 degrees to find the widest point of your bicep then relax your arm and measure the circumference of at its widest point.
Wrist
Measure around the circumference of your wrist at the point where the jacket sleeve would end, keep the tape measure snug but not tight.
Sleeve Length
With your arm relaxed at your side, measure from where shoulder seam meets the crown down to your desired length, generally at the base of the thumb where it meets your wrist.
Shoulder Width
Measure across the top of the back from the tip of one shoulder to the other, its not necessarily a straight line but rather follow your natural curvature of the upper back. If you struggle to identify the tip of the shoulder and have a shirt / jacket that fits well, you can simply measure between the shoulder seams.
Natural Waist
Stand relaxed with your feet hip width apart and measure around your natural waist, i.e. the narrowest part of the body. Make sure the tape measure is snug but not tight, level to the floor and not twisted.
Nape to Natural Waist
Measure vertically from the base of your neck (collar seam) down to where your body / waist is smallest. This should be the height at which you just previously measured your natural waist.
Rear Jacket Length
Measure vertically from the base of the neck (collar seam) to the desired length of the jacket. If you wear a jacket you know fits you well first lift up the collar to ensure you measure from the seam.
Trouser Waist
Measure around your waist at the height where you would like to wear your trousers, not your natural waist. Do not pull the tape measure too tight. If you are not sure and have an existing pair of trousers that fit as you would like, wear them, and measure around the waist band where they sit.
Hips / Seat
Measure around the fullest part of your hips AND seat (tailor term for bum). Stand feet hip width apart, making sure your pockets are empty and the tape is level and untwisted. You should just barely feel the tape against your body, do not pull it too tight.
Out-seam / Trouser Length
Measure vertically from the top of where you want the trouser waist to sit down along the side pant seam, to the desired trouser length. This is typically around 1-2″ from the floor, but will vary depending on your style. If you are not sure you can wear a pair of trousers you know fit you well, and/or wear shoes similar to those you intend to wear with the suit.
Thigh Circumference
Measure the circumference of your thigh at its widest point, this is usually near the top of the inseam but may be slightly lower depending on your physique.
Knee Circumference
Similar to the previous measurement, but take the circumference of your knee. We do not typically need these last two measurements, so only include them if you feel these are problem areas for you in traditional fitting trousers.
It’s that easy.
Once you have all your measurements you can order your very own Women’s Made to Measure Tweed Three Piece suit or something from our Bespoke range.
