Suit Size Calculator
Find Your Suit Size
Enter your measurements below to get our recommended suit jacket and trouser size. For the most accurate results, have someone help you take your measurements.
Standard Suit Jacket Size Chart (US/UK)
| Chest (inches) | Jacket Size | Height (ft/in) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-37 | 36 | 5'4″ – 5'7″ | Short (S) |
| 37-39 | 38 | 5'7.5″ – 5'11" | Regular (R) |
| 39-41 | 40 | 5'11.5″ – 6'2.5″ | Long (L) |
| 41-43 | 42 | 6'3″ + | Extra Long (XL) |
| 43-45 | 44 | ||
| 45-47 | 46 | ||
| 47-49 | 48 | ||
| 49-51 | 50 |
This is a general guide. Sizes can vary by brand and fit.
Your Measurements vs. Standard
Visual representation of your measurements (Green) compared to a typical size (Blue). Adjusts based on calculated size.
What is a Suit Size Calculator?
A Suit Size Calculator is a tool designed to help you determine the most appropriate suit jacket and trouser size based on your body measurements. Finding the right suit size is crucial for both comfort and appearance. A well-fitting suit looks professional and feels good, while an ill-fitting one can be uncomfortable and look sloppy. This Suit Size Calculator uses common measurements like chest, waist, and height to recommend a size based on standard US/UK sizing conventions.
Anyone looking to buy a suit, whether off-the-rack or online, should use a Suit Size Calculator before making a purchase. It's especially helpful for those unfamiliar with suit sizing or whose measurements may have changed. Common misconceptions include thinking your casual shirt size is the same as your suit jacket size, or that all brands have identical sizing – they often don't, which is why our Suit Size Calculator also considers fit preference.
Suit Size "Formula" and Sizing Explanation
Suit sizing isn't based on a single mathematical formula but rather a set of guidelines and correlations between body measurements and standard sizes. Our Suit Size Calculator uses these principles:
- Jacket Size: Primarily determined by the chest measurement. Generally, the jacket size number (e.g., 40, 42) corresponds closely to your chest measurement in inches, with a little ease added. For example, a 40-inch chest often corresponds to a size 40 jacket.
- Jacket Length (S, R, L, XL): Determined by your height. Shorter individuals typically need a 'Short' (S), average height 'Regular' (R), taller 'Long' (L), and very tall 'Extra Long' (XL).
- Trouser Waist Size: Ideally, this matches your measured waist. However, many "off-the-rack" suits come with a fixed "drop" – the difference between the jacket size and the trouser waist size (e.g., a size 40 jacket might come with 34-inch waist trousers, a 6-inch drop). Our Suit Size Calculator recommends based on your actual waist but acknowledges the drop concept.
- Fit Preference: A 'Slim' fit will be more tapered, 'Classic/Relaxed' more generous, and 'Regular' in between. The calculator might suggest a slightly different size or emphasize alterations based on this.
The Suit Size Calculator processes your inputs against these standards.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest Measurement | Circumference around the fullest part of the chest | inches | 34 – 52 |
| Waist Measurement | Circumference around the natural waistline | inches | 28 – 46 |
| Height | Total body height | feet & inches | 5'0″ – 6'6″ |
| Inseam | Length from crotch to desired trouser hem | inches | 28 – 36 |
Input variables for the Suit Size Calculator.
Practical Examples
Let's see how the Suit Size Calculator works:
Example 1: John
- Chest: 40 inches
- Waist: 34 inches
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches
- Fit: Regular
The Suit Size Calculator would likely recommend: Jacket Size 40R, Trouser Waist 34 inches. The 'R' (Regular) is due to his height falling in the standard range.
Example 2: David
- Chest: 43 inches
- Waist: 38 inches
- Height: 6 feet 3 inches
- Fit: Classic
The Suit Size Calculator might suggest: Jacket Size 44L or 42L (depending on how his chest fits a 42 with ease for classic fit), Trouser Waist 38 inches. The 'L' (Long) is due to his taller stature.
How to Use This Suit Size Calculator
- Take Your Measurements: Use a flexible measuring tape. For chest and waist, measure around the body. For height, stand straight. For how to measure for a suit accurately, get help if possible.
- Enter Measurements: Input your chest, waist, and height into the calculator. Inseam is optional but helpful for trousers.
- Select Fit Preference: Choose between Slim, Regular, or Classic.
- View Results: The Suit Size Calculator will display your recommended jacket size (number and length) and trouser waist size.
- Read Explanation: Understand why that size was recommended.
- Consider Alterations: Off-the-rack suits rarely fit perfectly. Expect that some alterations might be needed.
The results give you a strong starting point for finding a well-fitting suit.
Key Factors That Affect Suit Size Results
- Body Build: Someone with broad shoulders or a larger drop (difference between chest and waist) might need to size up or down or look for separates.
- Brand Variations: Different brands have different "blocks" or patterns. A size 40 in one brand might fit differently than a 40 in another. Our Suit Size Calculator gives a general size.
- Fit Preference: Your desired suit fit guide (slim, regular, classic) significantly influences the ideal size and comfort.
- Fabric Type: Thicker fabrics might feel snugger than lighter ones in the same size.
- Posture: How you stand can affect measurements. Stand naturally when being measured.
- Intended Use: A suit for everyday work might be worn slightly looser than a very formal or fashion-forward suit.
Always try on a suit if possible, or check the brand's specific size chart alongside our Suit Size Calculator results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What if my chest and waist suggest different sizes?
This is common. Prioritize the jacket fit based on your chest and shoulders, as the waist of the jacket and trousers can usually be altered more easily. Our Suit Size Calculator tries to balance this.
2. How accurate is the Suit Size Calculator?
It provides a very good estimate based on standard sizing. However, brand variations and individual body shapes mean you should always check against the specific brand's chart or try on if possible.
3. What is the "drop" in a suit?
The drop is the difference in inches between the jacket size number and the trouser waist size that comes with it in a pre-packaged suit (e.g., size 40 jacket, 34 waist = 6-inch drop).
4. Should I size up or down if I'm between sizes?
It depends on your fit preference and the brand. For a slimmer fit, consider the smaller size if alterations are possible. For more comfort, the larger size with tailoring might be better. The Suit Size Calculator aims for the closest standard size.
5. Can I use this for women's suits?
This calculator is primarily designed for men's suit sizing conventions (US/UK). Women's suit sizing is often different and may use dress sizes or other metrics.
6. What's the difference between S, R, and L jacket lengths?
Short (S), Regular (R), and Long (L) refer to the jacket's length (and sometimes sleeve length) to accommodate different heights, as shown in our chart and used by the Suit Size Calculator.
7. How do I measure my inseam?
Measure from the crotch of your trousers down the inside of your leg to where you want the trousers to end (usually the top of your shoe heel).
8. What if my waist is much smaller or larger than the standard drop?
Look for suit separates (jacket and trousers sold individually) or be prepared for significant trouser size alterations.