SuitedNoir
Measurement Guide
The perfect fit starts here
Your Measurement Guide
A great suit isn't adjusted from a standard size. It's built from scratch for your body. These are the measurements that make that possible — and how to take them accurately at home in under 20 minutes.
40+ measurements
Every detail covered
Measure at home
No tailor visit needed
Expert review
Before anything is cut
Before you start
What you'll need
Soft measuring tape
A fabric tape measure, not a rigid ruler. Available at any pharmacy or fabric store.
Fitted shirt or light clothes
Measure over a fitted shirt — not a heavy jumper or suit jacket. Minimal layers for accuracy.
A helper or mirror
A second pair of hands improves accuracy. A full-length mirror works well for solo measuring.
Step by step
The 12 core measurements
Click any measurement to learn how to take it
1
Neck
Wrap the tape around the base of your neck, where the collar would sit. Keep one finger between the tape and your neck for comfort.
💡 Tip: Measure at the widest part of your neck, not too tight or too loose.
2
Chest
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms and across the widest point of your back. Keep it level and horizontal.
💡 Tip: Don't puff your chest out or pull the tape tight. Breathe normally.
3
Shoulders
Measure from the tip of one shoulder across the back to the tip of the other shoulder. This is the most critical measurement for jacket fit.
💡 Tip: A helper is strongly recommended here. The shoulder point is where the shoulder seam should sit — not the edge of the bone.
4
Sleeve Length
From the top of the shoulder down the outside of the arm to the wrist bone, with your arm slightly bent at the elbow.
💡 Tip: Bend your arm at 45 degrees. The sleeve should end just at the wrist bone, allowing 0.5–1cm of shirt cuff to show below.
5
Waist
Measure around your natural waist — typically 2–3cm above your belly button. Keep the tape horizontal and allow normal breathing room.
💡 Tip: Don't suck in. The waist measurement determines how your jacket tapers — we'll build in the right amount of suppression.
6
Seat / Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your seat — typically 18–20cm below your natural waist. Keep the tape horizontal across both hips.
💡 Tip: Stand straight with feet together. This measurement affects how your jacket and trousers drape below the waist.
7
Jacket Length
From the highest point of your shoulder (base of neck) straight down your back to where you'd like the jacket to end. Typically at the base of the thumb.
💡 Tip: The classic rule: when your arms hang naturally, the jacket should end level with the base of your thumb knuckle.
8
Back Length
From the base of the neck (the prominent vertebra) straight down the centre of the back to the natural waist.
💡 Tip: Stand straight and look forward. Find the prominent bone at the base of your neck — that's the starting point.
9
Inseam
From the crotch seam down the inside of the leg to the floor. Measure while wearing shoes if you plan to wear the trousers with heels.
💡 Tip: A helper is essential here. Measure while wearing your usual dress shoes for accurate trouser length.
10
Thigh
Measure around the fullest part of your thigh, typically at the top of the leg just below the crotch. Keep the tape snug but not tight.
💡 Tip: Allow a comfortable amount of ease — you need to be able to sit, walk, and climb stairs without restriction.
11
Trouser Width at Hem
Your preferred trouser opening width at the ankle. Classic is 18–20cm, slim is 15–17cm, modern taper sits at 16–18cm.
💡 Tip: If in doubt, go slightly wider — it's easier to take in than let out. We'll note your preference and build accordingly.
12
Height & Weight
Your height in cm or feet/inches, and your weight in kg or lbs. Used alongside all other measurements to cross-check proportions before cutting.
💡 Tip: Be accurate, not aspirational. Our tailors use this to verify your other measurements make sense together.
Get it right first time
Accuracy tips from our tailors
Wear the right clothesMeasure over a fitted shirt. A thick jumper or suit jacket adds 2–4cm and throws off the entire pattern.
Stand naturallyDon't puff your chest, suck in your stomach, or tense your shoulders. Stand as you normally would.
Keep the tape horizontalEvery circumference measurement — chest, waist, hips, thigh — must be perfectly level all the way around.
Measure twiceTake each measurement twice and use the average. A 1cm error in the chest becomes a 2cm error in the finished suit.
Don't pull tightThe tape should be snug against your body but not compressing it. You should be able to slide one finger underneath.
Use metricCentimetres are more precise than inches for tailoring. If you only have imperial, we'll convert — just be consistent throughout.
What happens next
From measurements to your door
1
You submit your measurements at checkout
Enter all measurements into our checkout form. If anything is unclear, our customer service team is available at info@suitednoir.com.
2
A master tailor reviews every measurement set
Before a single cut is made, an experienced tailor reviews your measurements for consistency and proportion. If anything looks unusual, we contact you directly before proceeding.
3
Your pattern is drafted from scratch
A unique pattern is created for your specific measurements — not a standard block adjusted, but a new pattern built for your body.
4
Your suit is cut, sewn, and inspected
The fabric is cut to your pattern, hand-assembled, and quality checked before packing. Production takes 2–3 weeks.
5
Ships tracked and insured to your door
Fully tracked, fully insured, delivered in 3–4 weeks total. If anything isn't exactly right on arrival, our free alterations guarantee covers adjustments at a local tailor anywhere in the US.
Ready? Let's build your suit.
75 colours. 10 fabrics. Built to your exact measurements.
Free worldwide shipping. Free alterations guarantee.