Taking Your Measurements? Here's How

When purchasing new clothing, you naturally need to pay close attention to size and fit. This is especially true for formal menswear. A shirt or trousers that don't fit perfectly will quickly look unkempt. Moreover, in some cases you might even commit a fashion faux pas. So how do you ensure you add the right clothing to your online shopping cart? Measure your sizes! How should you measure your sizes? We at GENTS explain this in this blog.

Sizes and dimensions of clothing can vary enormously. One manufacturer may use different measurements, or a brand may have its own size chart and cut. This is especially true for shirts, blazers and trousers. With shirts, for example, collar size and chest circumference can vary significantly.

To give you a helping hand and ensure you always succeed at GENTS, we've compiled a quick guide in this blog on how you can easily measure your sizes and what different size charts mean. Armed with this information and a measuring tape, measuring your sizes will be done in no time, and you're guaranteed to buy clothing that will fit perfectly!

Measuring shirt sizes

If you already own a proper shirt, you can always check what size that garment is. You can then use those measurements for a new one. Unfortunately, some manufacturers and brands use their own fit and size chart. To be sure you make a good choice, you need to measure the following dimensions.

Measuring collar size

Start with the collar size. You measure the ideal collar size by measuring the circumference of the base of your neck. This is where the shirt collar will sit. Keep one finger between the tape and your neck while measuring. This gives you just enough room for added comfort when wearing the shirt.

Measuring chest circumference

The next step is to measure your chest circumference, or chest. For this, you need to measure the widest point of your chest. Place the measuring tape 1 centimetre below your armpit and wrap it around your chest. Measure your chest circumference during a chest inhalation (where the ribcage is slightly expanded) to avoid ending up with a shirt that's too tight.

Measuring waist

Although you might not think of it directly, the waist is also an important part of a shirt's fit. So don't forget to check the waist circumference of the new shirt you have in mind. You measure your waist circumference at the level of your navel. For safety, you can also measure this size during a mid-torso inhalation (where the belly expands slightly).

Measuring sleeve length

Finally, GENTS recommends taking a moment to consider the sleeve length of your new shirt. Nowadays there are shirts that have a slightly longer length. The ideal sleeve length is measured with your arm extended from the point where your arm and shoulder meet to your wrist.

Measuring blazer sizes

When you're looking for a new blazer, it's also helpful to know your measurements well. An oversized blazer quickly looks childish. Don't know what your blazer sizes are? You can measure these the same way as for a shirt. The only thing to keep in mind is that you'll be wearing other clothing underneath. A blazer that's too tight is therefore not practical.

Measuring trousers size

Do you only have jeans in your wardrobe and need to wear trousers to the office? Or have you joined a student association and need a proper suit? Then you need to know what size trousers you need. For trousers you need two measurements: the waistband width and the inside leg length.

Measuring waistband width

This measurement is fairly self-explanatory: it's the size you've been looking for in all your trousers so far. To measure this size, hold the measuring tape at the height where a belt normally sits. This is the ideal waistband width of your body for trousers.

Measuring inside leg length

For smart trousers, this measurement is particularly important. The trousers must not be too long or too short. Of course, you can have the trousers tailored afterwards, but it's always helpful to pay attention to this when buying new trousers. For the inside leg length, place the measuring tape as it were in your crotch. From that point, measure downwards until you reach just above your ankle. That's the perfect length for trousers.

The different size charts

You may come across a list of different types of sizes when buying formal menswear. Don't be alarmed: these sizes are only meant to help you make a choice more easily. The only catch is that you need to know where and for whom all these sizes are. Below we've briefly explained the various size charts you'll find in our webshop.

Standard sizes

These are the most common sizes and are suitable for everyone, slim or broad. You recognise these sizes by the fact that they are always displayed in even numbers. The sizes increase by 2 with each size. Think 44, 46, 48, and so on up to 62.

Length sizes

These are sizes specifically for taller gentlemen. These sizes contain numbers that are much higher than standard or quarter sizes. Moreover, the size increases by 4. Think 90, 94, 98, 102 up to 118.

Quarter sizes

These are sizes specially for gentlemen of smaller stature and sturdy build. Quarter sizes are displayed in ascending numbers from 24 to 31. With each size, only 1 number increases: 24, 25, 26 and so on.

Need help measuring your sizes?

If you can't figure out which size suits you, you can always visit a GENTS store. Our friendly shop staff are ready to provide you with style advice and tips. Then you can be sure you'll look impeccably groomed at work or at your student association!