The timeless elegance of a bespoke tailored suit is unmatched, as it offers a fit that is personalized to your body shape, preference, and style. However, the process of measuring for a bespoke suit can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. With the right guidance and information, the process can be simplified, ensuring that you get a suit that fits you like a glove.

At Kalypso Couture, we take pride in offering bespoke tailoring services that are designed to meet the needs of the modern professional who wants a suit that looks and feels great. To make the process of measuring for a bespoke tailored suit easier and more accessible, we have partnered with TrueToForm, a 3D measuring app that makes the process more accurate and efficient.

In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the ultimate guide to measuring for a bespoke tailored suit, including the steps involved, key measurements, and tips to ensure that you get the best results possible.

Step 1: Choose Your Suit Style

The first step in measuring for a bespoke tailored suit is to choose the style of the suit you want. There are several options available, including single-breasted, double-breasted, and three-piece suits, among others. Once you have chosen your suit style, you can then move on to taking the necessary measurements.

Step 2: Measure Your Chest

The chest measurement is perhaps the most critical measurement when it comes to fitting a suit. To get an accurate chest measurement, you will need to measure around the fullest part of your chest, just under your armpits. Make sure that you hold the tape measure firmly but not too tight, as this can skew the measurement. You want it to be light not tight, like a warm hug.

Some clothiers may benefit from having your overarm measurement, which will give us the fullest circumference of your torso. 

Step 3: Measure Your Waist

Next, you will need to measure your waist. To do this, you should measure around the narrowest part of your torso, which is usually just above your navel. Again, make sure that the tape measure is snug but not too tight, as this can skew the measurement. 

One thing many people miss, is that suit pants are traditionally worn at the natural waistline, where most people in today's culture do not tend to wear their pants in the same area. This can cause major confusion and misunderstandings when crafting a garment. When you take the U-Crotch Measurement to build the seat of the pant, you want to ensure your starting point, and ending point, is exactly where the waist of your pant will be worn. Some like to wear the traditional look, others prefer a more modern cut, that tends to be worn near the upper hip, like a pair of jeans.

Step 4: Measure Your Hips

If you are measuring for a pair of trousers or a suit that includes trousers, you will need to measure your hips. To get an accurate measurement, measure around the fullest part of your hips, just below your hip bones. You want to ensure you capture the widest circumference here. 

Step 5: Measure Your Shoulder Width

Shoulder width is another critical measurement when it comes to getting a well-fitted suit. There are a few measurement methods that can be used here. This is where it can be difficult to use measurements from another clothier or tailor to try and recreate garments. Each fashion house tends to have unique styles of craftsmanship that have been honed over generations. We will explain a few ways to take this measurement, and we always encourage open communication with your clothiers. The more information provided, the better your garment will fit!

To measure your shoulder width, start at the base of your neck, and measure across to the tip of your shoulder. Make sure that the tape measure is straight and level to get an accurate measurement. The clothier would then duplicate this number to account for the full width of the shoulder. 

We tend to start at one side, creating the framing of your shoulder and arm with our hands or a specialized tool, this allows us to find the perfect point to connect the shoulder to the sleeve. Then, we follow the natural curvature of the upper back and shoulder, this is important to capturing the proper drape and allows the garment to hug you perfectly and compliment your physique. 

Step 6: Measure Your Sleeve Length

The sleeve length is another critical measurement that will determine the fit of your jacket. Again, there are numerous ways to take this particular measurement, and it is important to follow your clothiers guidelines to ensure the perfect fit.

To get an accurate measurement, start at the base of your neck and measure down to your wrist bone. Make sure that your arm is relaxed and slightly bent at your side to get the best measurement.

At Kalypso Couture, we start at the point of the shoulder where the arm in attached, and we recreate the perfect framing from your shoulder measurement. For a Jacket, we take the tape down to the elbow, with the clients arms sitting naturally at their side, and continue to the crease between the wrist bone and where the hand begins. This gives the jacket the perfect cut, to show that 1-2cm of shirt cuff. For the sleeve measurement, we begin the same, but we take the tape to the first joint on the thumb. 

We account for a wrist measurement to offer the perfect circumference of cuff, this ensures the sleeve never drops past the meat of your palm, and gives you plenty of room to extend your arms without exposing skin, unless you want to. 

Step 7: Measure Your Inseam

If you are measuring for trousers, you will need to measure your inseam. To do this, measure from the crotch seam of your trousers down to the bottom of the trouser leg. Make sure that you measure both legs, as there can be slight variations in length. This is a traditional method of measuring. 

At Kalypso Couture, we take a combination of hip, waits, U-crotch, and Pant length measurements to build the seat of your pants. The pant length begins at the waist, we bring the tape straight down the leg, and find the perfect point to end the length to account for your personal style in pant bottom. Whether you want a more modern, tapered cuff, or an elegant classic drape. 

Step 8: Other Measurements to Consider

In addition to the key measurements outlined above, there are a few other measurements that you should consider when measuring for a bespoke tailored suit. These include your neck measurement, your armhole depth, your bicep measurement, and your jacket length. While these measurements may vary depending on the style and cut of the suit you choose, they can all play a role in getting a well-fitted suit that looks and feels great.

Tips for Measuring for a Bespoke Tailored Suit

Measuring for a bespoke tailored suit can be a bit daunting, especially if it's your first time. Here are a few tips to help you get the best results possible:

1. Get Help: While it is possible to take your measurements by yourself, it's always better to have someone help you to ensure that you get accurate measurements. This can be a friend, family member, or professional tailor.
2. Wear Appropriate Clothing: When measuring for a suit, it's important to wear clothing that is similar to what you will be wearing with your suit. For example, if you will be wearing a dress shirt and trousers with your suit, make sure that you are wearing those when taking your measurements. Do try to wear your best fitting clothing, as a great example of what you like, and don't like about the fit. This will help guide the direction of your new garments. 
3. Stand Up Straight: When taking your measurements, make sure that you are standing up straight and in a natural position. Many people want to "Peacock" at this point in the process, but this actually ends up leading to a poor fit, because you will not naturally be in this position. You want to be comfortable. Avoid slouching or standing in an awkward position, as this can skew your measurements.
4. Measure Twice: To ensure that you get accurate measurements, it's always a good idea to measure twice. This can help to catch any discrepancies or mistakes that may have been made during the first measurement.
5. Take Your Time: Measuring for a bespoke tailored suit is not a process that should be rushed. Take your time and make sure that you are getting accurate measurements, as this will ensure that your suit fits you perfectly.

At Kalypso Couture, we understand that measuring for a bespoke tailored suit can be a bit overwhelming, which is why we offer complimentary style guides and consultations with Top N Tier styling to help guide you through the process. We also use TrueToForm, a 3D measuring app that provides even more accurate measurements, ensuring that you get a suit that fits you perfectly.

Measuring for a bespoke tailored suit is an essential step in getting a suit that looks and feels great. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using the tips provided, you can ensure that you get accurate measurements that will result in a well-fitted suit. At Kalypso Couture, we are committed to providing our clients with bespoke tailoring services that are tailored to their needs, style, and preference. With our partnership with TrueToForm and Top N Tier styling, we can guide you through the process and ensure that you get a suit that is truly bespoke and unique to you.

Don't hesitate to download our complimentary style guide and schedule a consultation today.