WhatsAppGoogle MapsInstagramTikTok
Manchester Tailor BKK logo
Tailor taking chest measurements in the atelier

Measurement Guide

A perfect suit begins with accurate numbers. This guide walks you through measuring yourself correctly so your garment fits impeccably — whether it is for a formal occasion, a business meeting, or simply looking your best every day.

What You Need To Get Started

Selecting the perfect suit begins with accurate measurements. This guide is crafted to assist you in measuring yourself correctly, ensuring your custom suit fits impeccably. Whether it is for a formal occasion, a business meeting, or simply to look your best, these instructions will help you achieve a tailored fit.

  • A flexible measuring tape
  • A friend or family member to assist you — recommended for the best accuracy
  • A notepad or phone to record every measurement
Tailor Measurement Chart
Tailor measurement chart showing every measuring point

Detailed Breakdown of Each Measuring Step

How to measure the shoulder
1

Shoulder

Stand upright with your shoulders relaxed and have someone measure straight across your back, from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other. Keep the tape level and flat.

How to measure the sleeve
2

Sleeve

Begin at the outer edge of the shoulder and run the tape down the outside of the arm to the wrist bone. Keep the arm slightly bent for a natural, accurate length.

How to measure the chest
3

Chest

Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest — under the armpits and across the nipples — keeping it level across the back. Arms at your sides, breathe normally and keep the tape snug, never tight. Do not puff out your chest.

How to measure the waist
4

Waist

Find the narrowest part of the waist, usually just above the belly button, and measure around it with the tape level and snug. Stand naturally and never hold your stomach in.

How to measure the hips
5

Hips

With your feet together, measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat. Keep the tape level and comfortable rather than tight.

How to measure the front chest
6

Front Chest

Measure across the front of the chest from one armpit to the other, following the fullest part of the torso.

How to measure the back chest
7

Back Chest

Measure across the back from shoulder to shoulder, letting the tape follow the natural curve of the back rather than pulling it flat.

How to measure the jacket length
8

Jacket Length

Start at the base of the neck and measure straight down the back to the length you would like the jacket to finish.

How to measure the pant waist
9

Pant Waist

Measure around the natural waistline, just above the belly button, with the tape level and snug. This figure often reads larger than expected — off-the-rack trousers are usually labelled smaller than their true size.

How to measure the low hip
10

Low Hip

Measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat where the trouser sits. Keep the tape level, snug and never tight.

How to measure the thigh
11

Thigh

Measure around the fullest part of the thigh, keeping the tape level and comfortably snug.

How to measure the crotch
12

Crotch

Run the tape from the front waistline, between the legs, to the back waistline, letting it follow the natural curve of the body.

How to measure the pant length
13

Pant Length

Stand straight with your feet slightly apart and measure down the outside of the leg from the waist to the ankle bone, keeping the tape perfectly straight.

How to measure the bicep
14

Bicep

Measure around the fullest part of the upper arm, keeping the tape relaxed rather than tight.

How to measure the neck
15

Neck

Place the tape around the base of the neck so it comfortably touches the skin, then add roughly 1–2 cm of ease for comfort.

Measuring Different Body Shapes

Every build sits differently, and recognising your own shape is what turns good numbers into a flawless fit. Here is how to measure for the most common shapes and features.

Illustrations of shoulder, chest, stomach and back body shapes
Common Body Shapes

Shoulders

  • AverageTake the standard shoulder width with the tape level and straight across the back.
  • DropMeasure exactly as for average shoulders, but note the slope — sloping shoulders change how a jacket sits and usually call for extra adjustment.
  • SquareMeasure tip to tip with the tape straight across the back. Square shoulders often need refinements to the sleeve and jacket balance.

Chest

  • RegularMeasure around the fullest part of the chest with the tape level and snug.
  • MuscularWrap the tape around the fullest part without compressing the muscle, leaving natural room across the chest and back.
  • LargeMeasure the fullest point with the tape relaxed enough to sit comfortably around the full circumference.

Stomach

  • NormalMeasure the natural waistline above the belly button with the tape level and snug.
  • MediumMeasure at the widest point of the stomach, keeping the tape snug but never tight.
  • LargeMeasure around the widest point, usually above the belly button, allowing the tape to sit comfortably.

Back

  • NormalMeasure shoulder to shoulder across the back in a straight line.
  • CurvedLet the tape follow the natural curve of the back so the full dimension is captured.
  • LargeMeasure across the widest points of the back with the tape comfortably relaxed.

Tips for Accurate Measurements

  • Measure over a fitted garment or underwear only
  • Keep the tape level and snug — never tight
  • Double-check every figure before moving on
  • Write each measurement down immediately

Would you rather be measured by us?

Choose the way that suits you best — online, in our showroom, or wherever you happen to be. Every option ends with the same result: measurements taken by a master tailor.

Online Video Measurement

Book a live video call and our tailor will guide you through every measurement, step by step, from anywhere in the world.

Book a Video Session

Visit Our Showroom

Come to our Bangkok atelier and be measured in person, with fabrics and styles in front of you.

Book an Appointment

Tailoring at Your Location

Prefer to stay put? We come to your hotel, home or office with our cloth books and measure you there.

Request a Visit