To get an accurate body measurement, always keep the tape parallel to the floor when measuring. Be sure to measure your body; do not measure over shirts or slacks.

Once you know your body measurements, consult the Size Charts and Fit Tips on the product pages to determine which size you should purchase.

• Suit and sportcoat measurements are given with one number and one descriptive word (for example, 38 short, 40 regular, 42 long). The number refers to your chest measurement, and the descriptive word refers to the length of the jacket.
• If your over-arm measurement is more than 7" larger than your chest measurement, choose a suit one size larger than your chest.
• Classic suits typically have a 6" drop, meaning that a size 38 coat is paired with size 32 pants. Modern suits have a 7" drop. An executive-cut suit will have a drop closer to 4".
• Suit makers usually leave enough extra fabric at the seams to allow pants to be let out by 1" to 2". Pants can always be taken in.

• Shirtmakers use the sleeve measurement to determine the appropriate overall length of the shirt. A shirt made to accommodate a 17" sleeve length will be long enough in the body to fit comfortably.
• Modern-cut shirts tend to be shorter than classic cuts, but are still made proportionate to the sleeve/body ratio.