How do I measure my chest size for a suit - mail order?

Question

I'm going to buy a suit off Ebay - as you can get some good quality suits for a reasonable price as opposed to some £99 rubbish from the high street.

Problem is they are listed in chest sizes - but how do I measure my chest size?

I am male and live in the UK.

I know I need a tape measure!

But do I go right round my back top?
How high up my chest do I measure?
Should I be wearing anything on my upper body (like a shirt) when I do the measurement?

I don't know!!!

I know I need a tape measure!

But do I go right round my back too?
How high up my chest do I measure?
Should I be wearing anything on my upper body (like a shirt) when I do the measurement?

I don't know!!!

Answer 1

get a tape measure

Answer 2

When measuring your chest, measure under your arms area (nipple area) as this is the largest part of your rib cage.

You dont really measure with clothes on, wearing a shirt when measuring shouldnt make much of a difference unless the material is extremely thick or overlaping under the tape measure.

Beware when measuring for a shirt, it is wise to measure also your neck size, some men have extremely large necks, most high quality shirts usually have this sizing provided on the packaging.

Answer 3

Stand up straight with your arms at your sides. Relax, but stand up straight. Have your friend or family member place the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest under your arms. Have the friend or family member insert a finger between the tape measure and your body to ensure a comfortable fit. This measurement will be your Chest Size. (40, 42, 44, 46, 48, etc).

To determine if you are a "Regular" or a "Long" use the following as a guide to your "Coat Length."

If your height is 5'7" - 6' Your "Coat Length" will be a Regular.

If your height is 6'1" - 6'3" Your "Coat Length" will be a Long.

Give me a shout if you need me to help.... (looks in draw for tape measure.... ) *grins*... J

Answer 4

Eaisest way to get a tape measure, and have someone else pass it around your chest at the widest point, breath in then out, average the two figures. Or look at a jacket that fits you well and see what measurement that is. Or go to a store that sells suits and ask them what size you are, feign interest in a jacket then leave without buying.
It's also worth knowing your height / arm length, many jackets come in long, medium, short lengths these days.
Good luck.

Answer 5

It's fine if you wear a shirt, measure around your chest where it is the largest. For most men this is at about nipple height. Try not to pull really tight, either. For American sizing, it is normally the same measurement in inches as the size, in even numbers. If you are say, 45", go up to a 46, and so on.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Measure the widest part of your chest, tape measure should be level around your whole upper body (back included)...no shirt is best for the proper measurement. Use the largest part of your chest ...take a few measurements to be sure. It's usually level with your nipples.

Answer 7

you need some help to do it, take a flexible tape measure, preferrable a soft waxed-cotton dress makers version.
You need to be naked up top to do it, hold the tape measure on one nipple and measure right around your chest, over your shoulder blades and back to nipple you start from, note the mesurement in inches and cm's.
That's your exact chest mesurement, remember to give yourself 2 - 3 inches extra for a suit jacket as you don't want it to be skin "Spray-on" tight! Guys chest measurements vary because guys have differing breast sizes, just like womean!

Answer 8

Go to the menswear section of a department store and try on some jackets. When you find one that fits, note its size.

Answer 9

Hey...

this should help, try it :)

http://www.mybarong.com/sizechartmen.html

Hope it works out for you...btw the UK is really really nice, I love it there! Can't wait to go back soon :D

Good luck!

Answer 10

buyer beware...