Men’s Tailoring · UK, US & EU Conversions
Men’s Suit Size Guide.
Compare men’s UK, US and European suit sizes, understand jacket and trouser measurements, and use our current Made-to-Order charts to choose with greater confidence.
Before Using the Tables
Three Measurements. Three Different Jobs.
Men’s clothing sizes become much clearer once jacket chest, trouser waist and garment length are treated separately. A complete suit does not require the jacket and trousers to carry the same number.
Chest Size
A men’s jacket size such as 40 normally refers to the chest measurement in inches. For TBTC Made to Order, measure the body itself and do not add extra room.
Trouser Waist
Measure where the trouser waistband will actually sit. This is often lower than the natural waist used as a reference for the jacket block.
Finished Length
Jacket and trouser lengths describe garment dimensions or adjustments. They are not circumference sizes and should be selected using the product’s stated options.
International Conversion Guide
Men’s Suit and Jacket Sizes: UK, US & EU.
UK and US men’s tailored-jacket labels commonly use the chest measurement in inches. European ready-to-wear jackets generally use a different numerical system. The equivalents below are a useful conversion guide, but individual brands and garment blocks can vary.
Men’s Jacket Size Conversion
Use this table when converting a labelled men’s suit jacket, blazer or tailored coat size.
| UK Size | US Size | Australian Size | European Size | Approx. Chest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 34 | 34 | 44 | 34″ (86 cm) |
| 36 | 36 | 36 | 46 | 36″ (91 cm) |
| 38 | 38 | 38 | 48 | 38″ (97 cm) |
| 40 | 40 | 40 | 50 | 40″ (102 cm) |
| 42 | 42 | 42 | 52 | 42″ (107 cm) |
| 44 | 44 | 44 | 54 | 44″ (112 cm) |
| 46 | 46 | 46 | 56 | 46″ (117 cm) |
| 48 | 48 | 48 | 58 | 48″ (122 cm) |
| 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 | 50″ (127 cm) |
| 52 | 52 | 52 | 62 | 52″ (132 cm) |
| 54 | 54 | 54 | 64 | 54″ (137 cm) |
| 56 | 56 | 56 | 66 | 56″ (142 cm) |
| 58 | 58 | 58 | 68 | 58″ (147 cm) |
| 60 | 60 | 60 | 70 | 60″ (152 cm) |
On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.
What is European size 44 in UK men’s clothing?
For a men’s tailored jacket, European size 44 commonly corresponds to UK or US size 34. For men’s trousers, European size 44 commonly corresponds to an approximate 28-inch UK/US waist. The garment type matters, so check the relevant table rather than converting the number in isolation.
International Trouser Conversion
Men’s Trouser Sizes: UK, US & EU.
UK and US men’s trouser sizes are commonly expressed as the waist in inches. European ready-to-wear trousers use a separate numerical scale, so the same European number does not mean the same thing for a jacket and a pair of trousers.
Men’s Trouser Size Conversion
These are approximate ready-to-wear equivalents. Measure the body and check the individual product before ordering.
| UK / US Waist | European Size | Approx. Waist in cm |
|---|---|---|
| 28″ | 44 | 71 cm |
| 30″ | 46 | 76 cm |
| 32″ | 48 | 81 cm |
| 34″ | 50 | 86 cm |
| 36″ | 52 | 91 cm |
| 38″ | 54 | 97 cm |
| 40″ | 56 | 102 cm |
| 42″ | 58 | 107 cm |
| 44″ | 60 | 112 cm |
| 46″ | 62 | 117 cm |
| 48″ | 64 | 122 cm |
| 50″ | 66 | 127 cm |
| 52″ | 68 | 132 cm |
| 54″ | 70 | 137 cm |
| 56″ | 72 | 142 cm |
On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.
That British Tweed Company
Men’s Made-to-Order Size Charts.
These tables reflect our current Made-to-Order ordering system. Select actual body measurements unless a field specifically asks for a finished length. The jacket and waistcoat use the chest-size system, while trousers are selected independently by waist.
Jacket & Waistcoat Chest Size
Choose the chest size that matches the wearer’s actual chest measurement. The natural-waist and seat figures show reference proportions for the standard block; they are not trouser sizes.
| Chest Size | Reference Natural Waist | Reference Seat Measurement | Regular Jacket Length | Regular Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34″ (86 cm) | 30″ (76 cm) | 35″ (89 cm) | 30″ (76 cm) | 24¼″ (62 cm) |
| 36″ (91 cm) | 32″ (81 cm) | 37″ (94 cm) | 30¼″ (77 cm) | 24½″ (62 cm) |
| 38″ (97 cm) | 34″ (86 cm) | 39″ (99 cm) | 30½″ (77 cm) | 24¾″ (63 cm) |
| 40″ (102 cm) | 36″ (91 cm) | 41″ (104 cm) | 30¾″ (78 cm) | 25″ (64 cm) |
| 42″ (107 cm) | 38″ (97 cm) | 43″ (109 cm) | 31″ (79 cm) | 25¼″ (64 cm) |
| 44″ (112 cm) | 40″ (102 cm) | 45″ (114 cm) | 31¼″ (79 cm) | 25½″ (65 cm) |
| 46″ (117 cm) | 42″ (107 cm) | 47″ (119 cm) | 31½″ (80 cm) | 25¾″ (65 cm) |
| 48″ (122 cm) | 44″ (112 cm) | 49″ (124 cm) | 31¾″ (81 cm) | 26″ (66 cm) |
| 50″ (127 cm) | 46″ (117 cm) | 51″ (130 cm) | 32″ (81 cm) | 26¼″ (67 cm) |
| 52″ (132 cm) | 48″ (122 cm) | 53″ (135 cm) | 32⅛″ (82 cm) | 26⅜″ (67 cm) |
| 54″ (137 cm) | 50″ (127 cm) | 55″ (140 cm) | 32¼″ (82 cm) | 26½″ (67 cm) |
| 56″ (142 cm) | 52″ (132 cm) | 57″ (145 cm) | 32⅜″ (82 cm) | 26⅝″ (68 cm) |
| 58″ (147 cm) | 54″ (137 cm) | 59″ (150 cm) | 32½″ (83 cm) | 26¾″ (68 cm) |
| 60″ (152 cm) | 56″ (142 cm) | 61″ (155 cm) | 32⅝″ (83 cm) | 26⅞″ (68 cm) |
On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.
Trouser Waist Size
Choose the wearer’s actual waist measurement where the trouser waistband will sit. This is selected independently from the jacket chest size.
| Trouser Waist to Fit | Reference Seat Measurement |
|---|---|
| 29″ (74 cm) | 35″ (89 cm) |
| 31″ (79 cm) | 37″ (94 cm) |
| 33″ (84 cm) | 39″ (99 cm) |
| 35″ (89 cm) | 41″ (104 cm) |
| 37″ (94 cm) | 43″ (109 cm) |
| 39″ (99 cm) | 45″ (114 cm) |
| 41″ (104 cm) | 47″ (119 cm) |
| 43″ (109 cm) | 49″ (124 cm) |
| 45″ (114 cm) | 51″ (130 cm) |
| 47″ (119 cm) | 53″ (135 cm) |
| 49″ (124 cm) | 55″ (140 cm) |
| 51″ (130 cm) | 57″ (145 cm) |
| 53″ (135 cm) | 59″ (150 cm) |
| 55″ (140 cm) | 61″ (155 cm) |
On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.
What if the chest, waist and seat point to different sizes?
Choose the actual chest and trouser-waist measurements first. Where the natural waist, stomach or seat differs substantially from the reference proportions, use the Special Requests or Order Notes field or contact us before ordering. Do not guess by simply moving every garment up or down one size.
Proportion and Silhouette
Choose the Size First. Then Choose Length and Fit.
Length and overall fit alter proportion and silhouette; they are not substitutes for selecting the correct body measurement.
Jacket Length Grade
The men’s five-length selector changes jacket body and sleeve length together, relative to the Regular measurements in the chest chart.
- Shorter2″ (5 cm) shorter than Regular
- Short1″ (2.5 cm) shorter than Regular
- RegularThe measurements shown in the size chart
- Long1″ (2.5 cm) longer than Regular
- Longer2″ (5 cm) longer than Regular
Trouser Inside Leg
Choose the required finished inside-leg measurement. Measuring a well-fitting pair of formal trousers is often the clearest method.
- Shorter27″ (69 cm)
- Short29″ (74 cm)
- Regular31″ (79 cm)
- Long33″ (84 cm)
- Longer35″ (89 cm)
Overall Fit
Slim, Regular or Relaxed.
Choose the correct body size first. The fit selection changes shaping and wearing allowance without changing the chest or trouser-waist measurement you selected.
Slim
Closer shaping through the jacket body, waistcoat, seat and thigh. Select the correct body measurement rather than sizing down.
Regular
A balanced tailored shape with comfortable movement and conventional wearing allowance. Recommended for most customers.
Relaxed
Additional room through the body, seat and leg without changing the selected chest or trouser-waist measurement.
Do not size up for a more relaxed fit or size down for a slimmer fit. Choose the correct body size, then use the dedicated fit selector.
Around the fullest part, under the arms and across the shoulder blades.
At the exact height where you want the waistband to sit.
Around the fullest part of the hips and seat, keeping the tape level.
From the top of the inside leg to the intended finished hem.
Animated Step-by-Step Instructions
Not Sure How to Take the Measurements?
Use our complete men’s measurement guide for illustrated and animated instructions covering the chest, stomach, shoulders, sleeves, jacket, waistcoat and trousers. Measure the body itself and do not add tailoring allowance.
Choose the Right Starting Point
Made to Order or Made to Measure?
Both services provide individually produced tailoring. The principal sizing difference is whether the order begins with an established size or a complete set of individual body measurements.
Made to Order
Begins with the listed chest, trouser-waist and length options, followed by the fit and styling choices offered on the product.
- Established chest and trouser sizes
- Slim, Regular or Relaxed fit
- Five jacket-length grades
- Five finished inside-leg choices
- Height and weight used as proportion checks
Made to Measure
Uses the wearer’s individual body measurements and provides greater control where proportions do not follow a standard size chart.
- Individual upper- and lower-body measurements
- Greater proportion control
- Expanded fit and styling choices
- Useful for unusual or significantly mixed proportions
- Full measurement form completed for the wearer
Men’s Sizing Questions
Answers Before You Choose.
Common questions about men’s UK sizes, European conversions, chest measurements, trouser sizing and choosing between Made to Order and Made to Measure.
How do men’s suit sizes work?
In UK and US tailoring, a men’s jacket size such as 40 commonly refers to the chest measurement in inches. Trouser sizing is selected separately using the waist where the waistband will sit. Jacket and trouser lengths are separate choices and should not be inferred from the circumference size alone.
Is a UK men’s suit size the same as a US size?
UK and US men’s tailored-jacket labels commonly use the same chest number, so UK 40 and US 40 are usually close equivalents. This is a general convention rather than a guarantee across every manufacturer, so compare actual body or garment measurements wherever possible.
What is European size 44 in UK men’s clothing?
For a men’s tailored jacket, European size 44 commonly corresponds to UK or US size 34. For trousers, European size 44 commonly corresponds to approximately a 28-inch UK/US waist. Jacket and trouser conversions use different relationships, so always identify the garment type first.
What is European size 50 in UK men’s clothing?
For a men’s tailored jacket, European size 50 commonly corresponds to UK or US size 40. For trousers, European size 50 commonly corresponds to approximately a 34-inch UK/US waist. These remain general ready-to-wear equivalents.
Should I choose a larger size for a Slim-fit suit?
No. Choose the correct actual chest and trouser-waist measurements, then select Slim as the overall fit. Slim changes the shaping and wearing allowance; increasing the size would also change other proportions and may create a poorer fit.
Do my jacket and trouser sizes need to match?
No. The jacket and waistcoat use the chest-size system, while the trousers are chosen independently using the waist measurement where the waistband will sit. Mixing upper- and lower-body sizes is normal and expected.
What is the difference between natural waist and trouser waist?
The natural waist is generally the narrowest part of the torso and is used as a reference proportion for the jacket block. The trouser waist is the circumference at the exact height where the waistband will sit, which is often lower. Use the trouser-waist measurement when selecting trousers.
Should I add extra room to my chest or waist measurement?
No. Supply the actual body measurement and do not add ease. The factory applies the appropriate production allowance through the selected size and fit.
What if I am between sizes or have unusual proportions?
Contact us before ordering or provide the actual measurements in the Special Requests or Order Notes field. Height and weight are also collected as supporting proportion checks. Made to Measure may be appropriate where several measurements differ substantially from the standard block.
How accurate are international men’s size conversions?
They are useful general equivalents, but sizing can vary between countries, brands, garment types and manufacturing blocks. A conversion table should help interpret an existing label; actual body measurements and the specific product chart should determine a new TBTC order.
Your Size. Your Fit. Your Style.
Choose Your Tweed Suit with Greater Confidence.
Use the tables above, follow the measurement guide or contact our West Yorkshire team for personal guidance before placing your order.