E-Bay buying and suit sizing

[Mr Checks]

Gentlepersons:

As I step out of the world of Stafford and Townecraft (when sizing was so simple) and into that of Kiton and Borrelli, the question arises:  how do I compare my upper body measurements with the suit measurements in the auction?

For example, our own member has some wonderful suits on e-bay right now that are "44" but have chest measurements of 48 or 48.5.    I hesitate to purchase, knowing that some off-the-rack 44s fit great, other require me to go to a 46 and shorten sleeves (FWIW, a Brooks Bros 45 is very close).

If my chest measures 45, could I fit the 48; in other words, how many inches should I add to my actual chest and shoulder measurements vis the suit's measurements (if any)?

I'm okay with the pants and sleeves.

As always, your assistance is appreciated.

 

[bch]

Typically, a given chest measurement (tag) will be about 2-4 inches less than the actual measurement. So if you have a 42 jacket, expect that the actual chest will measure between 44 and 46 inches. Measure a few jackets that fit comfortably and compare to your own chest measurement. I have jackets that are tagged 41, 42, 42 and 44 in my closet, and they all fit more or less the same. The tags really don't mean anything.

Beware of jacket length. Some sellers measure from top of collar to bottom of jacket along the back vertical seam. Others (more commonly) measure from the bottom of the collar.

 

[marc237]

The easiest answer and the safest is that you will need to try on different manufacturers to get an idea of what fits and, most importantly, what looks best on you. When I decided I wanted to dabble in internet purchasing, I went to various men's stores and tried on different suits and sports coats. I found that in some suits, I was 42R and in others I was much more a 44 semi-long. I discovered that a true three button was not a good fit for me, but a 2 1/2 was terrific. I discovered that I looked fine in 6 button D/B blazers and less fine in 4 button. I discovered that Hugo Boss suits and I are not a good fit, but that I look fine in Paul Stuart (even better when it is on deep discounted sale.),

So, all in all, try on and take care notes.

 

[Mr Checks]

bch: what point on the jacket would I be measuring? Middle of airpit, higher?

marc237: good advice: I've been trying on everything under the sun. Depending on make, I could wear a 44, 45 or 46. Unfortunately, I don't have Kiton or Borrelli locally, so there's a bit of guesswork involved.

 

[marc37]

All this ebay measuement stuff seems so confusing. There seems so much margin for error.

l'm a size 50 suit in Australia but always see size 40/42 suits on ebay. l am NOT a large person but it seems most suits on ebay are far too small.

Are oversees suit measurments different in various parts of the world???

 

[CaptChaos]

Here are the basic measurements you should look for:

For jacket

1) Width of chest from armpit to armpit
2) Length of jacket (be sure to determine if this is from the top or bottom of the collar)
3) Width of shoulders from seam to seam
4) Length of sleeves + available material to let out

For pants

5) Width of the waist + available material to let out
6) Total length of pants
7) Width at the knee
8) Width at the ankle
7) Rise (waist to crotch)

 

[bch]

bch: what point on the jacket would I be measuring? Middle of airpit, higher?

marc237: good advice: I've been trying on everything under the sun. Depending on make, I could wear a 44, 45 or 46. Unfortunately, I don't have Kiton or Borrelli locally, so there's a bit of guesswork involved.

Oh yourself, measure accross your nipples.

On the jacket, I have seen at armpits, or one inch below. Seller usually states his method.