No tailor's shop required. A soft tape measure (or a belt and a ruler), a t-shirt, and two minutes — that's the whole fitting room.
Stand relaxed, arms down. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms, flat across the shoulder blades. Breathe normally — don't puff up, don't suck in. That number, in inches, is your jacket size.
Under 5'8" → Short. 5'8" to 6'0" → Regular. Over 6'0" → Long. A Regular jacket's back should cover your seat; the sleeve should show about half an inch of shirt cuff.
Measure where your dress pants will actually sit — usually at the navel, over your shirt, tape snug but not tight. That's your pant waist. Suit pants are cut about 6 inches below the jacket size (a 40 jacket pairs with a ~34 waist).
When the jacket's on: shoulder seams should end where your shoulders end. If they droop past, size down; if the chest pulls when you button, size up. The shoulder is the one thing tailors can't cheaply change.
| Jacket size | Chest (in) | Usual pant waist | Short | Regular | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 34–36 | 30 | under 5'8" | 5'8"–6'0" | over 6'0" |
| 38 | 36–38 | 32 | under 5'8" | 5'8"–6'0" | over 6'0" |
| 40 | 38–40 | 34 | under 5'8" | 5'8"–6'0" | over 6'0" |
| 42 | 40–42 | 36 | under 5'8" | 5'8"–6'0" | over 6'0" |
| 44 | 42–44 | 38 | under 5'8" | 5'8"–6'0" | over 6'0" |
| 46 | 44–46 | 40 | under 5'8" | 5'8"–6'0" | over 6'0" |
| 48 | 46–48 | 42 | under 5'8" | 5'8"–6'0" | over 6'0" |
| 50–54 | 48–54 | 44–48 | All lengths stocked — call for the current run | ||
A tailor can take a jacket in through the waist and shorten sleeves easily and cheaply. Letting a jacket out is limited by the small seam allowance — and shoulders can't move at all. If your chest measures 41, order the 42 and spend your included $25 tailor credit on the nip-in.
Wedding in under two weeks? Size up and tell us — exchanges are free, but a planned tailor visit beats a rushed swap.
Slim sits close through the chest and leg — order your true size, or one up if you're between. Modern is shaped but forgiving — the wedding-party default. Classic gives the roomiest drape; true size is comfortable from the first wear.
Same chest number, three silhouettes. The size is the tape's answer; the fit is your taste.
Boys' suits are sized by the number on the tag, which tracks age roughly — but height is the better guide. When in doubt for a growing boy, one size up with the hem let down by your tailor.
| Boys' size | Typical age | Height | Chest (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 40–42" | 23 |
| 6 | 5–6 | 44–46" | 24–25 |
| 8 | 7–8 | 48–50" | 26 |
| 10 | 9–10 | 52–54" | 27–28 |
| 12 | 11–12 | 56–58" | 29–30 |
| 14 | 12–13 | 60–62" | 31 |
| 16–20 | 13–16 | 63–68" | 32–36 |
Shop Suits With My Size Open the Party Fitting Page
Still unsure? Ask The Haberdasher (bottom right) or call (310) 622-2830 — a two-minute call beats a wrong box.