How to Measure for a Bespoke Garment
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a perfectly fitted garment. This guide walks you through every measurement for both men and women — with diagrams, technique notes, and expert tips.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
In bespoke tailoring, every pattern is created from scratch for your body. Unlike off-the-rack clothing that is built around a standard size block, a bespoke garment from Kenny & Gita Tailor is shaped around your individual proportions — your chest width, your posture, your particular shoulder slope.
The quality of your measurements determines the quality of your first fitting. When measurements are precise, adjustments at the fitting stage are minor refinements. When they are off, more significant corrections are required — and in rare cases, additional time in the shop. Coming to your consultation with a set of measurements, or having measured yourself beforehand, also helps our tailors understand your body quickly and ask the right questions.
This guide covers every key measurement for both men's and women's bespoke garments, with reference ranges and the techniques our tailors use in-house.
What You'll Need
Flexible tape measure
A soft, flexible cloth or vinyl tape — not a metal builder's tape. Available at any fabric or haberdashery shop.
Full-length mirror
Allows you to see that the tape is horizontal and positioned correctly, especially for chest, hip, and waist measurements.
A helper
Essential for measurements like shoulders and sleeve length. Your helper should hold the tape in place behind you so it stays level and accurate.
Notepad and pen
Record each measurement immediately. Take each measurement twice and note both readings — if they differ, take a third.
General Accuracy Tips
Maintain good posture
Stand naturally upright — the way you would normally stand. Do not straighten your back artificially, and do not slouch. Your garment will be built around your natural posture.
Breathe normally
Take measurements during a normal, relaxed exhale. Do not hold your breath or puff your chest. Garments built on inflated measurements will fit poorly at rest.
Keep the tape snug, not tight
The tape should lie flat against the body without compressing the flesh. You should be able to slip a finger underneath. Too loose gives a baggy garment; too tight gives one you cannot button.
Measure twice
Repeat each measurement and compare the results. A discrepancy of more than 1 cm (or ½ inch) means you should measure a third time and use the average.
Step-by-Step Measurements
Use the toggle below to switch between inches and centimetres. Reference ranges are shown for each measurement.
Men's Measurements
Numbers correspond to the measurement list below
Women's Measurements
Numbers correspond to the measurement list below
Which Measurements Are Required?
A quick reference showing the measurements needed for each garment type.
| Garment | Measurements Required |
|---|---|
| Suit Jacket | ChestWaistHips / SeatShouldersSleeve LengthBack Length (Nape to Waist) |
| Custom Shirt | NeckChestWaistShouldersSleeve Length |
| Trousers | Trouser WaistHips / SeatInseam |
| Dress / Frock | BustUnderbustNatural WaistHipsShoulder WidthBack Length (Nape to Waist)Arm Length |
Common Measurement Mistakes
Measuring over bulky clothing
Wear fitted, thin underlayers — a light T-shirt or vest for the upper body, close-fitting underwear for lower measurements. Never measure over a jacket or jumper.
Wrong waist location
The natural waist is above the hips and navel, not where trousers typically sit. Bend sideways to find it. For trouser waist, measure where your waistband actually rests.
Looking down while measuring
Looking down compresses the neck and chest measurements. Keep your eyes level — look straight ahead into a mirror. This is especially important for neck and chest.
Flexing or sucking in
Garments are worn at rest, not during a breath-hold. Tense muscles or sucked-in stomachs produce measurements the garment cannot adapt to. Relax completely.
Ready for Your Consultation?
Our tailors at Kenny & Gita Tailor will take all measurements in-house during your complimentary consultation. You do not need to arrive with measurements — but having read this guide, you will know exactly what to expect.