A well-measured suit isn’t just about numbers, it’s about balance, proportion, and confidence. Follow our step-by-step guide to take accurate measurements from home, or book a one-on-one fitting with our experts for complete precision.
Measure for Custom Tailored Clothing
Introduction: The Harding Manor Fit Philosophy
At Harding Manor, we believe that great tailoring begins long before the first stitch. Each suit, shirt, and vest is made to order, cut from your unique measurements to create a flawless fit that feels as good as it looks.
Our measurement process combines traditional tailoring discipline with modern accuracy. Whether you’re ordering your first bespoke suit or updating your professional wardrobe, these instructions will help you measure confidently, accurately, and effortlessly.
Neck
Place the measuring tape around the base of the neck, keeping one finger of space for comfort.
Chest
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, high under the arms, keeping two fingers of space. Ensure the tape is level and not too tight.
Jacket
Measure from the base of the back of your neck down to where you want the jacket to end, typically around your thumb’s knuckle when your arms are relaxed at your sides. Common Mistake: Measuring from the top of the collar. Pro Tip: A classic jacket length should just cover the seat of your trousers.
Hip
Position the measuring tape around the hips at the hip bone (fullest part). Leave two fingers of space and ensure the tape remains level.
Full Sleeve
Start the tape at the shoulder seam, run it down your arm, and end at your desired length, generally at the base of the thumb where it meets your wrist. Common Mistake: Bending the arm too much or too little. Pro Tip: Keep a slight, natural bend in your elbow for the most accurate sleeve length.
Front Chest
The front chest measurement involves wrapping the tape measure around the chest from one armpit to the other, across the fullest part.
Shoulder
Measure across the top of the back arching from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other, its should not be a perfectly straight line but rather follow your natural curvature of the upper back. If you struggle to identify the tip and have a shirt that fits well, you can simply measure between the shoulder seams.
Bicep
Measure around the fullest part of the upper bicep with two fingers of space. Keep the tape parallel to the ground.
Crotch
The full crotch measurement involves measuring from the front waistline to the back waistline, passing the tape measure between the legs and ensuring it follows the natural curve.
WAIST
Measure around your waist at the height where you would like to wear your pants, which is likely different than your natural waist. Do not pull the tape measure too tight. If you are not sure and have an existing pair of trousers that fit as you would like, wear them, and measure around the waist band where they sit.
Full Stomach measurement
Place the tape around the fullest part of the stomach, keep it level, allow two-finger space, and pull snug for the measurement.
Thigh
Measure around the thigh at its widest point, near the crotch area. Maintain two fingers of space and ensure the tape stays level.
Calf
Measure around the fullest part of the calf with a level, snug (not tight) tape.
forearm
Measure around the thickest part of the forearm with the tape level and snug (not tight).
Trouser inseam
Measure from the crotch seam of a well-fitting pair of pants down to the hem. Or, measure from your own crotch down to where you want the pants to end.
Trouser out seam
Measure vertically from the top of where you want the trouser waist to sit down along the side pant seam, to the desired trouser length. This is typically around 3cm above the ground. If you want to help you can a pair of trousers you know fit you well, and/or wear shoes similar to those you intend to wear with the suit.
Combined Measurement Reference
Body Area
Measuring Instructions
Neck
Place tape around base of neck with one finger space.
Chest
Measure around fullest part of chest, high under arms, with two fingers space.
Stomach
Wrap around stomach at widest point with two fingers space, not tight.
Hip
Measure around hips at hip bone area (fullest part) with two fingers space.
Full Sleeve
Start the tape at the shoulder seam, run it down your arm, and end at your desired length, generally at the base of the thumb where it meets your wrist.
Common Mistake: Bending the arm too much or too little.
Pro Tip: Keep a slight, natural bend in your elbow for the most accurate sleeve length.
Front Length
Shoulder seam to collar vertically to desired suit length.
Shoulder
Measure across the top of the back arching from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other, its should not be a perfectly straight line but rather follow your natural curvature of the upper back. If you struggle to identify the tip and have a shirt that fits well, you can simply measure between the shoulder seams.
Bicep
Around fullest part of upper bicep with two fingers space.
Waist
Measure around your waist at the height where you would like to wear your pants, which is likely different than your natural waist. Do not pull the tape measure too tight. If you are not sure and have an existing pair of trousers that fit as you would like, wear them, and measure around the waist band where they sit.
Thigh
Around thigh near crotch with two fingers space.
Crotch
From front rise, through crotch, to back waistband; add 1 cm.
Out & Inseam
From waistband to floor, less 1–1.5 cm for clearance.
calf
Measure around the fullest part of the calf with a level, snug (not tight) tape.
forearm
Measure around the thickest part of the forearm with the tape level and snug (not tight).
Trouser inseam
Measure from the crotch seam of a well-fitting pair of pants down to the hem. Or, measure from your own crotch down to where you want the pants to end.
Common Mistake: Measuring without shoes on.
Pro Tip: Your desired “break” (how much the pant leg folds over your shoe) will affect this number.
Trouser out seam
Measure vertically from the top of where you want the trouser waist to sit down along the side pant seam, to the desired trouser length. This is typically around 3cm above the ground. If you want to help you can a pair of trousers you know fit you well, and/or wear shoes similar to those you intend to wear with the suit.
Tip: Always measure over a well-fitting shirt and trousers, never over bulky clothing. Use centimeters for accuracy.
Book a Professional Fitting
At Harding Manor, every measurement tells a story. If you prefer the certainty of a tailor’s touch, we invite you to experience our in-person or virtual fittings.
Our consultants will guide you through every step, ensuring your custom suit is an exact reflection of your physique and style.
Tailored to Perfection, Just for You
Each Harding Manor garment is crafted to order based on your precise measurements and personal preferences. While our online process makes ordering custom pieces simple and accessible, we recognize that many clients prefer a more personal touch.
For those located in Las Vegas, we offer in-person consultations and fittings to ensure an exact fit and to experience our fabrics firsthand. For clients ordering online, our team is available to guide you through the measuring process, discuss fabrics, and answer any questions.
To schedule an in-person fitting or request a personal callback, please contact us — a Harding Manor representative will follow up to ensure your experience is seamless from first measurement to final fitting. The waist measurement will be test above the top of the pants. We almost want to be just inside the top of the pants. We can also include the following measurements, calf, knee, forearm, trouser inseam and out seam and shoulder circumference.
