How to Measure for a Tuxedo
When buying a Tuxedo it is important to accurately determine your measurements to get the best fit.
If you are purchasing in our store you will have the ability to try everything on and it is not necessary to take measurements. If you are purchasing online this guide will help you to ensure that you are choosing your sizes based on your measurements.
When in doubt please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.
When possible we recommend that you visit a men's formal wear store in your area and request a courtesy measurement to ensure accuracy of measurements. For your convenience we have also provide these measuring guidelines that you can follow to determine your sizes.
Please keep in mind Tuxedo fit may vary slightly from one Designer to another and styles that are Classic Fit, Modern Fit or Slim Fit will also vary. Please be advised we use the guidelines everyday to correctly fit tuxedos. Occasionally alterations will be necessary to get a more tailored fit.
- All measurements should be taken in inches.
- For accuracy, please have someone else take your measurements
- Hold the tape measure straight and tight
Determining your Jacket Size & Length:
Chest Size:
Place measuring tape under arms and measure around the broadest part of the chest just under the underarm.
Arms should be relaxed at the side. Add 2 to this number and you will have your Jacket size.
For example a 38" chest measurement would require a 40 Jacket.
Overarm:
With arms down to the side, place measuring tape around the broadest part of the chest and shoulders.
This especially necessary to determine jacket size for someone who is particularly broad shouldered.
Subtract 7 from this number to assist in determining Jacket size.
For example 47" Overarm minus 7 is a size 40 Jacket.
For a broad shouldered man use the Overarm measurement first in determining Jacket size.
Jacket Length
Jacket lengths range from Short, Regular, Long, and Extra Long.
The following list shows height ranges that generally coincide with the appropriate length jacket. Keep in mind some people have longer waists, and others have longer legs. These may cause variations in the necessary jacket length. Also, be aware that some jacket lengths may vary depending on style and designer.
Short | 5'0 - 5'7 |
Regular | 5'8 - 6'0 |
Long | 6'1 - 6'4 |
Extra Long | 6'4 + |
Neck Size
Measure around the neck where a shirt's collar would be buttoned.
Measure with two fingers between the tape measure and the neck to determine the neck size for the tuxedo shirt or you can measure as we have without any fingers in between the neck and tape measure and add 1" to the measured size. The Shirt size for the example shown would be 16 1/2"
Small fits a 14" - 14 1/2" Neck Size
Medium fits 15" - 15 1/2" Neck Size
Large fits 16" - 16 1/2" Neck Size
X-Large fits 17" - 17 1/2" Neck Size
2XL fits 18" - 18 1/2" Neck Size
Sleeve Length
Place the tape measure at the base of the neck centered on the spine.
Tape measure must go from the center back over the top of the shoulder, down to the point of the elbow and then down the arm to an inch and a half past the wrist bone. It is best to measure a little longer than shorter if you are between sizes.
Sleeve Lengths come in sizes 30/31, 32/33, 34/35, 36/37 and 38/39. The taller the person the longer the sleeve will likely be.
Determining your Waist Size
Wrap a tape measure over a shirt around your waist at the height you usually wear dress slacks. Tuxedo pants are made to be worn at the natural waist (your navel). Keep one finger between tape and body. You do not want these pants to be baggy in the waist or length.
FYI: Many of the tuxedo pants that we offer are adjustable in the waist between 3 sizes at set intervals (27"-29", 30"-32", 33"-35", 36" - 38", etc.)
Please be aware that not all styles offer adjustable waist pants. This information will be specified in the description for each item.
Pant Length
Measure your Outseam from the top of the waist band on a pair of dress slacks or pants that fit you well to the floor.
You will be looking for the length that allows for a slight break on the top of the shoe and for the pants to stop just above the heel in the back. As you can see the measurement here is 42 inches.
Keep in mind all of our New Tuxedos and Suits come with long, unhemmed pant lengths. Tuxedos that are previously rented may also require alterations or hemming to take up or let out the hem of the pants.
If you have any questions about taking measurements please use the contact form below. You should receive a response within 24 to 48 hours.
Urgent questions can be answered by phone at 919-644-8243 Monday - Friday 10am to 5pm Eastern Time.