Jacket size

[WildCelt]

When I was involved in the gentlemen's outfitting and tailoring trade more years ago than I care to mention we would usually add two inches to the actual chest measurement plus room for a finger or two under the tape.

That said for off the peg jackets I quickly developed the knack of sizing someone without resorting to the tape simply by casting a quick eye over the build of the individual as they approached. So when a chap came in and asked for such and such a jacket in such and such a cloth it was invariably possible to ask something like "in a 44 short?" resulting in said chap quickly asking how I knew.

We used to have bets on it lol

After 20 years as a high school Choir director (fitting so many kids for tuxes and dresses), my dad can do the same thing for both sexes. He said sometimes the girls got mad at him for it and told him he was wrong, then told him a smaller size. Eventually, they'd have to get the size he suggested in the first place so the dress would fit.

 

[benstephens]

Sorry I was not clear, I was not talking about sleeve length, i was talking about the jacket skirt length, which I find comfiest between the top and halfway down the thumb.

As for sleeve length, I agree, and would certainly not feel comfatable having sleeves that cover half my hand, I think baron knew what I meant.

Kindest regards

Ben

 

[retrofashion]

I have set an appointment with a tailor for Tuesday, so I should be able to get myself measured correctly. But there are a couple of suits I'm watching on that auction site that will end before that. So could anybody tell me what's the right way, right place of correctly measuring one's shoulders?

Thanks.

 

[retrofashion]

If the right way of measuring the shoulders is just running the tape measure around the widest part of the shoulders with your arms down (around the whole shoulders), I just measured it (or rather my wife) and it's 50". So should I divide it by 2 to find the right shoulder width for a jacket? If so it sounds somehow like I'm in trouble. I haven't come across a jacket on Ebay that stated a 25" shoulder.

 

[Feraud]

If the right way of measuring the shoulders is just running the tape measure around the widest part of the shoulders with your arms down (around the whole shoulders), I just measured it (or rather my wife) and it's 50". So should I divide it by 2 to find the right shoulder width for a jacket? If so it sounds somehow like I'm in trouble. I haven't come across a jacket on Ebay that stated a 25" shoulder.

That is incorrect.
The measurement should be from shoulder to shoulder and not around the body.

Try this on a jacket that fits comfortably and see what number you get.

 

[retrofashion]

That is incorrect.
The measurement should be from shoulder to shoulder and not around the body.

Try this on a jacket that fits comfortably and see what number you get.

Yes, but I was wondering if there's a way to measure it on your own body? Since measuring shoulder to shoulder on the naked body seems to be difficult (where to draw the line?), I thought measuring around and dividing by 2 (like you do with the chest measure) would get me the right number.
How does a tailor measure your shoulder? I don’t think they would ask you to bring a jacket that fits. If it’s the guy’s first suit he’s in trouble.
I don’t really have a jacket I consider a perfect fit for the shoulders right now.

 

[luvthatlulu]

I have set an appointment with a tailor for Tuesday, so I should be able to get myself measured correctly. But there are a couple of suits I'm watching on that auction site that will end before that. So could anybody tell me what's the right way, right place of correctly measuring one's shoulders?

Thanks.

What part of "ask a competent tailor to take the necessary measurements" are you struggling with?
Not sure? Don't bid. End of discussion.
Fer chrissakes, there's a hundred different ways and scenarios that the experts will tell you take the d*** measurement. What matters to you is does the sumbitch fit! Only way to know is try the mofo on! Guess what? You can't... until you own it. Not the brightest way to buy your clothes in my opinion.

 

[retrofashion]

What part of "ask a competent tailor to take the necessary measurements" are you struggling with?
Not sure? Don't bid. End of discussion.
Fer chrissakes, there's a hundred different ways and scenarios that the experts will tell you take the d*** measurement. What matters to you is does the sumbitch fit! Only way to know is try the mofo on! Guess what? You can't... until you own it. Not the brightest way to buy your clothes in my opinion.

Hi,

You quoted your own answer:

I have set an appointment with a tailor for Tuesday, so I should be able to get myself measured correctly. But there are a couple of suits I'm watching on that auction site that will end before that. So could anybody tell me what's the right way, right place of correctly measuring one's shoulders?

Thanks.

But the way, with that language I really hope you are at least a dude.

Thanks for collaborating.

 

[luvthatlulu]

Retrofashion...

Apologies for my language, but it's frustrating to be giving you the best advice and answers I know, and still see you trying to shortcut the process.

Stop and think about what you want to accomplish. Your present approach to buying vintage clothing that fits is similar to a blind, hungry man meandering thru a cow pasture on a moonless night, slashing at the darkness with a dull knife and hoping for a steak dinner! It's possible you'll eventually have some success, but you'll surely step on a lot of "mines" in the process.

Try a local steakhouse first. They know what they're doing.

Feraud's trying to help. Baron Kurtz is trying to help. I'm trying to help. Your tailor will try to help. None of us can guarantee that the measurement techniques we recommend or the measurements provided will insure that a garment you've never tried on will fit properly. So accept the inherent risks involved by buying in this manner if you must. But don't bid without some basic measuring first...done properly, and even then be prepared to have the garment altered extensively upon arrival. It may not mean much to you coming from me at this point, but I do wish you GOOD LUCK in your endeavor!

--Not the Lulu (and at least a dude)

 

[Feraud]

Yes, but I was wondering if there's a way to measure it on your own body? Since measuring shoulder to shoulder on the naked body seems to be difficult (where to draw the line?), I thought measuring around and dividing by 2 (like you do with the chest measure) would get me the right number.
How does a tailor measure your shoulder? I don’t think they would ask you to bring a jacket that fits. If it’s the guy’s first suit he’s in trouble.
I don’t really have a jacket I consider a perfect fit for the shoulders right now.

Measuring a jacket that fits is the only way to do it yourself.
Othewise, you need another person to handle the tape to measure your shoulder from end to end.
My advice is to -
A - get measured by a tailor.
B - measure a jacket that fits.
C - have a trusted someone take your measurement.