CHEST

This measurement should be taken at the fullest point of the chest which is usually just under the arms. If the customer has a fuller figure, bear in mind that a larger fitting jacket may be required. When measuring for a tailcoat, add two inches to the actual size for a better fitting.

LENGTH

The length of a jacket tends to be proportional to the height of the customer as follows:

Above 5'5 - 5'9 Short (S)

Above 5'9 - 6'0 Regular (R)

Above 6'0 - 6'4 Long (L)

Remember these fittings do not necessarily apply to every customer, as everyone has differently proportioned limbs, but are a good guide to aid your measuring.

WAIST

It has been our experience that when a tape is put around a man's waist' he instinctively breathes in and tenses his stomach. This leads to inaccurate measuring, resulting in the trouser or kilt waist being ordered too small. It is therefore recommended that when you have the tape around the customer's waist; ask him to relax and breath out. You will then get an accurate measurement. The usual place to measure a trouser waist is about 1" above the hip bone (for kilts measure 2" above the hip bone - level with navel). If the customer has large thighs e.g. bodybuilders, cyclists etc. a larger size is recommended.

INSIDE LEG

Always ensure that when you measure for inside length the customer is standing straight. Put the tape measure between thumb and forefinger, place at the top of the inner thigh down to the top of shoe and read tape. Or, check the outside leg from 1" above the hipbone to top of shoe. If you subtract this 11" for an adult and 7.5" for a boy, it will give you an approximate inside leg measurement.

KILT LENGTH

Measure from the waist (level with navel) down to the middle of the kneecap. We have found that customers instinctively look down at the person measuring them, which has the effect of pulling their hips back and leading to inaccurate measurement. A good idea is to ask the customer to look straight ahead as you read the measurement at the middle of the kneecap. The table below can be used as a rough guide to compare inside leg length to kilt length. Please note this guide does not always work exactly as everyone is differently proportioned, so does not replace the need to measure for kilt length.

COLLAR

Place tape around customer's neck, making sure two fingers can loosely fit between tape and neck.

TOP HATS

Put tape around lower forehead and run around the largest part of the head.

OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER

Always try to measure with the least interference from the customers own clothing i.e. do not measure over a belt or on top of loose fitting clothing such as a sweatshirt or jacket.

Remember, no two people are alike. Lengths and fittings differ from person to person, so use care and good judgment to give a perfect fit.

If all else fails, please do not hesitate to call our staff. They will be more than happy to offer advice on any problems you may have with measuring.