Measuring For A Suit!

[EllieJP]

Looking to buy my partner his first suit.. I've seen a lovely one in next but when measuring for the suit jacket, the sizes are for example 32S, 32R, 32L.. Even though it's for the jacket, do I use the waist measurements?? As that's what they seem like to me?? Or is that around the chest? Confused!!

[factor-fiction]

chest

[tonyav]

Chest size for a suit jacket.

[BlackadderV]

I am 40 chest, 36 waist and 29 leg. Oh, for the days of bespoke tailors!

[Pete65]

I am sure those are trouser measurements?
32 inch waist in Short, Regular, Long..

[boxtops]

I'd identify that as the trouser measurements, too. For the jacket - you definitely need the chest size.

[Mamyalynne]

Having just looked on the Next website at Suits, they do some suit jackets in three lengths - I don't see a 32" though (In jackets).

[boxtops]

It would be worth going into Next anyway, just to try on before you consider buying - sizing (as with women's clothes) can vary between one manufacturer and the next one.

[gingejbee]

I have to agree with boxy...I'd always want to try a suit on before buying. There are so many ways to get the sizing wrong...and, even if the size is "right", a suit can feel "wrong" in lots of different places.

[jon1968]

Those sound like trouser measurements. With suits, you're always better to try before you buy unless you know what a manufacturer or brand considers standard. I'm an awkward size,46L chest, 34L trouser and most brands only have a 6" or so difference between chest and waist so I have to go for the lines that have a mix and match option and buy seperates from the same choice of suit rather rather than a one off set, most brands can accommodate that. If you want to treat him though then I can recommend King And Allen, they do everything from entry level to top notch.