How to Measure for a Suit (2026): Measurements a Tailor Needs and Suit Sizes Explained

Oct 18, 2026

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A suit that fits well looks expensive; one that does not looks borrowed. Whether you buy off the rack or order a bespoke suit, knowing your measurements saves time, money and alterations. This guide shows how to measure yourself (with a helper) and what the numbers mean.

Quick answer: You need a chest, waist, seat (hips), shoulder width, sleeve length, jacket length, trouser waist and trouser length (inseam or outseam), plus your height and weight. Measure over a thin shirt with a soft tape, snug but not tight. Your jacket size is roughly your chest in inches (for example 40), and the letter (S, R, L) is the length. Bespoke suits from KSh 10,250 on Buy More Mall are cut to your exact measurements.

The Measurements a Tailor Needs

Measurement	How to take it
Chest	Around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms, tape level
Waist (jacket)	Around the natural waist, at the narrowest point
Seat / hips	Around the fullest part of the seat
Shoulder width	From one shoulder bone to the other across the back
Sleeve	From the shoulder seam to where the jacket sleeve should end (just above the wrist bone)
Jacket length	From the base of the collar at the back to where you want the jacket to end (usually covers the seat)
Trouser waist	Where you wear your trousers (often lower than the natural waist)
Inseam / outseam	Inside leg from crotch to floor, or outside from waist to floor, in your shoes
Neck	For shirts: around the base of the neck plus one finger

How to Measure Yourself at Home

Wear a thin shirt and the trousers and shoes you will wear with the suit.
Stand straight and relaxed; breathe normally.
Ask a helper to hold the tape level all round.
Keep the tape snug, not tight: one finger should slide under it.
Measure twice and write everything down in inches and cm.

What Suit Sizes Mean

Size label	Meaning
40R	Chest about 40 inches, Regular length (average height)
42S	Chest about 42 inches, Short length
38L	Chest about 38 inches, Long length
Drop	Difference between jacket chest and trouser waist, often 6 inches (40 jacket, 34 trousers)

Off-the-rack suits use these sizes; bespoke and made-to-measure suits use your exact numbers.

Suits on Buy More Mall

Premium Bespoke Two Piece Suit Nairobi - Look 07 – price in Kenya — Premium Bespoke Two Piece Suit Nairobi - Look 07
**KSh 10,250**

Bespoke Tailored Suit for Men in Nairobi - Look 01 – price in Kenya — Bespoke Tailored Suit for Men in Nairobi - Look 01
**KSh 9,500**

Business Formal Mens Suit Kenya - Look 10 – price in Kenya — Business Formal Mens Suit Kenya - Look 10
**KSh 11,750**

Executive Corporate Suit for Men Nairobi - Look 04 – price in Kenya — Executive Corporate Suit for Men Nairobi - Look 04
**KSh 11,000**

Wedding Suit for Groom Nairobi - Look 06 – price in Kenya — Wedding Suit for Groom Nairobi - Look 06
**KSh 18,500**

Elitmen Slim Fit Turkey Suit – price in Kenya — Elitmen Slim Fit Turkey Suit
**KSh 5,500**

Suit	Type	Price
Premium Bespoke Two Piece Suit Nairobi - Look 07	Bespoke two-piece	KSh 10,250
Bespoke Tailored Suit for Men in Nairobi - Look 01	Bespoke tailored	KSh 9,500
Business Formal Mens Suit Kenya - Look 10	Business formal	KSh 11,750
Executive Corporate Suit for Men Nairobi - Look 04	Executive corporate	KSh 11,000
Wedding Suit for Groom Nairobi - Look 06	Wedding suit for the groom	KSh 18,500
Elitmen Slim Fit Turkey Suit	Slim-fit ready-made	KSh 5,500

How a Good Suit Should Fit

Shoulder seams end at your shoulder bone, with no dent below.
The jacket buttons without the fabric pulling into an X.
About 1 cm of shirt cuff shows below the sleeve.
The jacket covers your seat.
Trousers touch the shoe with a slight or no break.

For specific occasions see corporate wear for men and wedding suit prices.

Worked Example: Ordering a Suit From Another Town

A teacher in Kisumu orders a bespoke suit from a Nairobi tailor. His wife helps him measure using the table above, he sends the numbers with his height, weight and two photos, and the tailor makes small adjustments at a fitting when he travels to Nairobi.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Measuring over a thick sweater.
Pulling the tape tight to "look slimmer".
Measuring trouser length without shoes.
Guessing shoulder width.

Not sure which one fits? Send us your details on WhatsApp or through the product page and we will help you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I measure myself for a suit?

Yes, with a helper and a soft tape; a tailor will check at the fitting.

What does 40R mean in suit sizes?

A 40-inch chest jacket in Regular length.

Can a suit be sized down?

A tailor can take in the waist and sleeves a little; shoulders are hard to change.

How long does a bespoke suit take?

Often one to three weeks including a fitting; order early for events.

How much is a bespoke suit in Kenya?

From KSh 10,250 on Buy More Mall.

Prices shown are regular prices on Buy More Mall. Many products are currently on offer, so open the product page to see today's price.

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