Men’s Size Guide: How to measure your size?

By Melissa Slavick, Taelor Head of Styling

If you're wondering how to measure your inseam or other body parts for clothes, start with six basic men’s measurements: inseam, chest, sleeve length, shoulder width, waist, and neck. Your inseam measurement is especially important when choosing trousers, while chest, shoulder, and sleeve measurements help determine how shirts, jackets, and other garments will fit. It’s pretty simple. All you need is a soft measuring tape, a mirror, and about 10 minutes. As a broad body measurement guide, make sure you measure while standing naturally, keep the tape snug but not tight, and record each measurement in both inches and centimetres.

Knowing how to measure yourself for clothes gets you close to the right size, but as I tell my clients, the number on a size label is only a starting point. Different brands and garments can fit differently, which is why knowing your measurements is more useful than relying on the size you usually buy. If you're learning how to measure yourself for clothes, use the steps below to build a reliable set of numbers, then use those measurements when choosing garments.

For more on fit, you can also learn how a knit should sit through the chest when comparing your measurements with a garment's intended fit.

What you need before you start

You don't need special equipment to take your measurements. A soft measuring tape is ideal because it can follow the contours of your body. A rigid hardware tape measure is difficult to use accurately around your chest, waist, or neck.

If you need a measuring tape, feel free to request one from your Taelor stylist; we are happy to send it to you. 

You might also need:

• A mirror so you can check that the tape is level.

• A well-fitting shirt or jacket for comparison if you're measuring yourself alone.

• A well-fitting pair of trousers if you need to estimate your inseam from a garment.

• A place where you can stand naturally without changing your posture.

For the most consistent results, wear lightweight clothing or measure over a thin layer. Keep the tape flat against your body, but don't pull it tight enough to compress the measurement.

What is inseam

The inseam is the length of the inside leg, measured from the point where the legs meet at the crotch down to the bottom of the trouser leg. When you see a trouser size such as 32 x 32, the first number is usually the waist and the second number is the inseam: a 32-inch waist and a 32-inch inseam, or approximately 81 cm x 81 cm.

If you've searched for inseam meaning, or what is an inseam on pants, this is the key distinction to remember: your inseam measures the inside length of the leg, not the total length of the trousers.

The inseam is different from the outseam. The outseam runs from the top of the waistband down the outside of the leg to the hem. For choosing trousers, the inseam is usually the more useful measurement because it tells you how long the trouser leg is through the inside leg.

There's a difference between body inseam and garment inseam. Your body inseam measures your leg. A garment inseam measures an existing pair of trousers from the crotch seam to the bottom hem. These numbers can be close, but they don't always match exactly because trousers can have different rises, fits, and intended breaks.

The same basic measurement applies to jeans, chinos, dress trousers, and many other pants. Shorts too have an inseam measurement, but the number describes the shorter distance from the crotch seam to the shorts’ hem.

How do I measure my inseam

Your inseam is one of the most useful measurements to get right when you’re figuring out how to measure yourself for pants because a difference of even an inch can change where trousers sit on your shoe. Here's how to measure inseam length accurately.

The standing method

Stand upright with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart. Keep your posture natural rather than standing unusually straight or spreading your legs is important while figuring out how to measure pants inseam accurately.

Place the end of the measuring tape at the point where the inside of your leg meets your groin. Run the tape from the crotch point straight down the inside of your leg, following the contour of the inner leg, to the floor or to the point where you want your trousers to end.

Keep the tape following the inside leg rather than pulling it diagonally across your body. Record the measurement in inches and centimetres.

For example, if the measurement is 32 inches, record 32 inches (81 cm). If it measures 30 inches, record 30 inches (76 cm).

The easiest way to improve accuracy is to have another person hold the tape in place while you stand naturally. But you can measure your inseam by yourself as well.

How to measure your inseam by yourself

If nobody is available to help, use a wall and a book.

Stand with your back against the wall and your feet in a natural position. Place a hardcover book between your legs and gently raise it until its top edge reaches the point where your trousers would normally sit at the crotch.

Keep the book level and pressed against the wall. Mark the point where the top of the book meets the wall, then measure from the floor to that mark.

For example, a measurement of 31 inches is approximately 79 cm, while 33 inches is approximately 84 cm.

This method gives you a practical estimate, but measuring an existing pair of trousers that fits you well can be even easier when you're measuring alone.

What your inseam number should be for different trousers

Your inseam number is based on a combination of your.height, proportions and trouser style.

The right length also depends on the type of trousers. Your inseam will differ across jeans, chinos, dress trousers and shorts. That’s because the rise, the fit, the length and the amount of break you prefer all affect the final length. Is it a high-rise or low-rise? Where does it break above the shoe? Jeans and chinos can be worn with different amounts of break, while dress trousers are often selected with a more specific relationship to the shoe.

For chinos in particular, your inseam should work with the amount of break you want at the ankle. Learn more about how chinos should break at the shoe before deciding whether you want a cleaner, shorter finish or more fabric at the shoe.

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How to measure chest for shirts

Your chest measurement is the circumference around your chest and upper back. Knowing where to measure chest and how to measure chest width accurately is one of the most useful inputs to help find the right size in shirts, sweaters, jackets, and other tops.

Stand naturally with your arms relaxed. Raise your arms slightly and place the measuring tape under your arms. Measure around your body. Be sure to measure across your shoulder blades and the fullest/widest part of your chest. Make sure the measuring tape is parallel to the ground.

Breathe normally. Don't inflate your chest or hold your breath, since either can make the measurement larger than your natural fit.

Keep the tape snug without pulling it tight. If your measurement is 40 inches, record 40 inches (102 cm).

Chest circumference is not the same as chest width

Don't confuse your chest measurement with the chest width of a shirt.

In understanding how to measure a man’s chest, remember your body measurement goes around your entire chest. A garment's chest width is usually measured across the shirt from one side to the other. If a shirt measures 20 inches (51 cm) across the chest when laid flat, that corresponds to approximately 40 inches (102 cm) around the garment.

The exact fit will vary depending on whether the garment is slim, regular, or relaxed. For example, a shirt designed for a closer fit may have less additional room than a relaxed shirt designed to sit farther from the body.

When comparing your measurement with an existing garment, pay attention to the intended fit as well as the number. You can also compare your measurements with how a knit should sit through the chest to understand how much ease a garment should have.

How to get your measurements from clothes that already fit

Measuring yourself isn't always easy, especially when you're trying to measure your shoulders, sleeve length, or inseam without help. Measuring from a garment that’s well-fitting can give you another useful reference.

Lay the garment completely flat and smooth out wrinkles before measuring.

How to measure inseam of pants

For the trouser inseam, measure from the crotch seam straight down the inside leg to the bottom hem.

For the waist, button or zip the trousers and measure straight across the waistband. Double that measurement.

For example, a waistband measuring 17 inches (43 cm) across corresponds to approximately 34 inches (86 cm) around.

How to measure a shirt

Lay the shirt flat.

Measure across the chest from one armpit to the other, then double the result. A pit-to-pit measurement of 20 inches (51 cm) corresponds to approximately 40 inches (102 cm) around.

For measuring a dress shirt sleeve length, start from the center back of the collar or neck seam, then go over the shoulder and down to the cuff, depending on the garment's construction.

How to measure jackets

Lay the jacket flat and measure from one shoulder seam to the other.

This garment-based method is especially useful if you're measuring yourself alone. It also lets you compare the measurements of a garment you already know fits with a new garment you're considering.

What your numbers mean

Taking your measurements is only half the process. The next step is understanding how those numbers relate to clothing sizes.

If you’re pondering what size shirt am I, the table below provides a starting point for common men's sizes. But, as we advise Taelor clients time and again, these are size ranges, not universal rules. Brands use different sizing systems, and some garments are intentionally cut larger or smaller than others. This is called vanity sizing and it’s real. Our stylists fit men across the whole brand roster every week and we all know that every brand fits differently. For example, comparing chest measurement across brands,  we find that the chest in R2 Amsterdam shirts is smaller than Eterna shirts in most sizes. R2 Amsterdam fits slightly closer in the mid-range and gets roomier in larger sizes, while Eterna is more consistent with bigger jumps between sizes. Similarly, in chinos, we find that Bonobos Classic has a straight, roomy leg that drapes over shoes, while a Projek Raw Classic is closer to a slim-taper silhouette, despite both being labelled ‘Classic’ fit. So, we view the table below solely as ballpark measurements.

Modern Fit Chest Comparison: R2 Amsterdam vs. 1863 by Eterna

R2 Amsterdam

1863 by Eterna

• In most sizes, R2's chest is 0 to 2.4" smaller than Eterna's

• R2 grows smoothly with each size, while Eterna pairs neck sizes (15.5/15.75 and 16/16.5 share the same chest), so it has fewer distinct fits

• R2 fits slightly closer in the mid-range and gets roomier in larger sizes, while Eterna is more consistent with bigger jumps between sizes

Classic Fit Chino Comparison: Bonobos vs. Projek Raw

Bonobos

Projek Raw

• Projek Raw's leg opening is 3.25" narrower, giving a much more tapered ankle.

• Bonobos Classic is a straight, roomy leg that drapes over shoes.

• Projek Raw Classic is closer to a slim-taper silhouette, even though it's labeled "Classic."

• Despite both being labeled "Classic," Projek Raw fits closer to a slim-taper.

What does your jean size mean?

If you’re wondering how to measure for jeans, here’s how to decode the numbers: a jeans size such as 32 x 34 generally refers to a 32-inch waist (81 cm) and a 34-inch inseam (86 cm).

That doesn't necessarily mean every pair of 32 x 34 jeans will fit exactly the same way. Rise, fabric, cut, and brand sizing all affect the finished fit.

What does your jacket size mean?

Outerwear sizing runs differently. If you’re confused about how to measure jacket size or how to measure blazer size, you’re not alone. A jacket or blazer size such as 40R generally refers to a 40-inch chest (102 cm) and a regular jacket length.

The chest number is useful, but shoulder width, sleeve length, and jacket length also determine whether the jacket actually fits.

What does your suit size mean?

If you’re asking what size suit am I, keep in mind that a suit size follows the same basic chest-and-length convention as many jackets: for instance, a 40R suit is approximately a 40-inch chest (102 cm) with a regular length.

The trousers are then sized separately based primarily on waist and inseam measurements.

Sizing too isn't perfectly standardized. As stylists, we constantly advise our clients that the sizes can run smaller, larger, longer, or shorter depending on the brand.

What to do when you are between sizes

Being between sizes is normal. Your measurements don't always line up neatly with a single size label, and different garments may require different choices.

For structured garments, such as jackets and blazers, sizing up can sometimes provide more room through the shoulders and chest. A jacket that is slightly loose through the body can often be adjusted more easily than one that is too tight across the shoulders.

For knits and more flexible garments, sizing down can sometimes produce a cleaner fit if the larger size has too much excess fabric.

For example, if your chest measures 41 inches (104 cm) and you are between a 40 and 42 jacket, the better choice may depend on the garment's cut, shoulder construction, and intended fit rather than the number alone.

A tailor can often take in a garment at the waist or body, but changing the fundamental position of a shoulder seam is much more difficult.

Being between sizes is particularly where trying clothes can tell you something that a tape measure can't. If you're between sizes, try a size before you commit to it by renting clothes from a good men’s clothing subscription like Taelor. With Taelor’s complimentary value add of personal styling, you get tips from professional stylists to better understand which fit would work well on your body before buying another garment.

If you're considering rental as a way to experiment with different fits, you can see how the men's rental services compare.

The goal isn't to find one number that works for every garment. It's to use your measurements as a starting point, then pay attention to how the clothing actually fits when you wear it.

Men's body measurement FAQ

What is an inseam?

An inseam is the measurement along the inside of your leg from the crotch point to the bottom of the trouser leg. A 32-inch inseam is approximately 81 cm. On a trouser size such as 30 x 32, the second number usually represents the inseam.

What does inseam mean on pants?

The inseam on pants is the inside-leg length from the crotch seam to the hem. For example, pants with a 30-inch inseam have an inside-leg measurement of approximately 76 cm. The inseam helps determine where the bottom of the trousers will sit relative to your shoe.

How to measure the inseam of pants?

Lay the pants flat and measure from the crotch seam straight down the inside leg to the hem. For example, if the measurement is 32 inches, that's approximately 81 cm. This gives you the garment inseam, which can be compared with your body inseam.

How to measure sleeve length for a dress shirt?

For dress shirt measurement, start at the center back of the neck, run the tape over the shoulder, then down the outside of the arm to the wrist bone. Keep your arm relaxed. A 34-inch sleeve measurement is approximately 86 cm.

How to measure your chest size?

Wrap a soft measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest and upper back, passing it under your arms. Keep the tape level and snug without pulling it tight. A 40-inch chest measurement is approximately 102 cm.

What is the average shoulder width for a man?

The US national average shoulder width for an adult man is 16.3 inches (41.5 cm). This is the biacromial breadth or bone-to-bone average. What you need for a shirt or jacket is a measurement from one shoulder point to the other, including the deltoids, or shoulder muscles. The average for this is around 17.5 cm, though, In reality, it varies widely.

How to measure your bicep?

Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your upper arm while your arm is relaxed. Keep the tape snug but don't compress the muscle. Record the measurement in both inches and centimetres.

Where exactly do you measure your chest?

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, passing the tape under your arms and across your shoulder blades. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and breathe normally. For example, 40 inches is approximately 102 cm.

How do you measure your neck for a shirt collar?

Wrap the tape around the base of your neck where your shirt collar will sit. Keep it snug but comfortable, leaving enough room for approximately two fingers. A 16-inch neck is approximately 41 cm.

Can you measure yourself without help?

Yes. A mirror can help you check that the tape is level, and a wall-and-book method can help you measure your inseam by yourself. You can also measure a well-fitting shirt, jacket, or pair of trousers laid flat.

Keep your measurements handy

Once you have your measurements, keep them somewhere you can reference them when choosing clothing. Taelor members, you can update your size profile with your latest measurements so your stylist has the most useful information when preparing future shipments.

If you need help taking your measurements, you can book a fit call with a stylist or ask your stylist for a measuring tape.

The best measurement reflects how your body actually fits in clothing. So, take your time, record the numbers accurately, and use them as a starting point for finding the fit that feels right.