How to Measure Yourself for Bespoke Tailoring (And Get It Right)

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

A bespoke suit from Anderson & Sheppard or a commissioned coat from Liverano & Liverano is only as good as the measurements you provide. While nothing replaces an in-person fitting, many luxury houses now accept remote commissions—particularly for existing clients or straightforward pieces. The catch? You need to know how to measure yourself properly. This isn't about pulling a tape measure tight and hoping for the best. It's about understanding where each measurement sits, how much ease to include, and what your tailor actually needs to construct a garment that moves with you.

This measure bespoke tailoring guide walks through the essential points, with techniques used by tailors themselves when draping on the body.

What You'll Need

• A cloth tape measure (not retractable metal)
• A close-fitting t-shirt and trousers (wear what you'd normally wear under tailoring)
• A mirror (full-length if possible)
• Someone to help (genuinely crucial for shoulder and back measurements)
• A notepad to record everything immediately

Don't attempt this in loose loungewear. Your tailor needs to know your actual body, not your body plus three inches of fleece.

The Key Measurements

Chest

Stand naturally. Don't puff up or exhale completely. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, typically just under the armpits and across the shoulder blades. The tape should be snug but not tight—you should be able to slide a finger underneath. This is where most people go wrong: pulling the tape taut gives a measurement that's too small, resulting in a jacket that restricts movement.

Shoulders

This requires assistance. The measurement runs from the edge of one shoulder (where the slope begins, not the tip of the bone) across the back to the other. Your helper should let the tape follow the natural curve of your upper back. Neapolitan tailors often take a slightly narrower shoulder measurement than their Savile Row counterparts, so if you're commissioning from a specific house, ask how they prefer to work.

Sleeve Length

Bend your arm slightly at the elbow and rest your hand on your hip. Measure from the shoulder point (that same edge where the slope begins) down the outside of your arm to where you want the sleeve to end—usually just past the wrist bone. For shirts, measure to the base of the thumb when your arm hangs naturally.

Waist

Measure where you actually wear trousers, not where you think your waist should be. For most men, this is slightly below the navel. Don't hold your breath in. The tape should sit comfortably with enough room to tuck in a shirt without strain. This measurement determines trouser fit, jacket suppression, and whether a waistcoat will sit correctly.

Jacket Length

Stand straight. Measure from the base of your collar (where it meets your neck at the back) down to where you want the jacket to end. Traditional length has the hem covering your seat, but contemporary cuts often sit higher. If you're unsure, a safe reference point is the second knuckle of your thumb when your arms hang at your sides.

Inseam

Measure from the top of your inner thigh (where it meets the crotch seam on a well-fitting pair of trousers) down to where you want the trouser to break. Be specific about break preference: no break, quarter break, or full break. This matters enormously for proportion.

How to Use This Measure Bespoke Tailoring Guide

Once you have your measurements, photograph yourself from front, side, and back in fitted clothing. Many tailors request this alongside the numbers—it gives them context for posture, shoulder slope, and any asymmetries (most people have them). Note which side you dress on, any specific fit preferences, and what you'll be wearing underneath the garment.

Send everything in a single, clearly formatted email. Include the garment type, intended fabric weight if known, and when you'll need the piece. The more information you provide upfront, the fewer back-and-forth emails and the better your result.

Remember that this measure bespoke tailoring guide serves as a starting point. Most houses will request a basted fitting if you're a new client or commissioning anything complex. But accurate self-measurements mean your first toile is already close, saving time and ensuring the house can focus on refinement rather than correction.

Good tailoring is a conversation. Provide precise information, ask questions, and trust the process.