Choosing the right suit size is quite tricky, since it must fit both your upper and lower body perfectly. The goal is a polished, clean silhouette that enhances your shape without feeling restrictive. That’s why relying on a suit size calculator and accurate charts can save you time, effort and frustration, especially if you’re shopping online or considering a tailored suit.
With the right guidance we’re sharing right now, finding your perfect fit is simpler than you think.
“What Is My Suit Size” Calculator
How to Measure for a Suit
Instead of guessing your size based on jeans or shirt labels, taking the time to measure properly, with the use of a suit size chart, ensures a suit that looks sharp and feels comfortable. For a comprehensive guide, you can check out our detailed article How to Measure for a Suit. Below are the key areas you need to prioritize to choose the right size:
- Shoulder Width: Measure straight across your back, from one shoulder bone to the other.
- Chest: Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it flat and snug but not tight.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waist, which is the narrowest point of your torso (often just above the navel).
- Hips: Wrap the tape around the widest part of your seat, standing with feet together.
- Sleeve Length: From the shoulder seam down to your wrist bone, with your arm slightly bent for accuracy.
- Back Length: Start from the base of your neck and measure to where you want the suit jacket to end.
- Inseam: Measure from the crotch to the ankle bone for suit trousers.
- Leg Length: From the waistline down to the desired trouser hem, depending on whether you prefer a classic or modern break.
- Height: Stand straight against a wall and measure from the top of your head to the floor, barefoot for accuracy.
Pro Tips for Accuracy
Even small errors in measurement can throw off your entire fit, so keep these expert tips in mind:
- Relax your posture: Stand naturally; don’t puff out your chest or suck in your stomach.
- Don’t pull the tape too tight: It should lie flat against the body without compressing it.
- Measure twice and average the result: Accuracy comes from consistency.
- Wear what you’ll wear under the suit: A shirt or thin knit can affect fit, so measure with them on.
- Pay attention to shoulders: They’re the hardest area to alter. If in doubt, focus on shoulder fit first.
- Between two sizes?: Always choose the larger one; a tailor can fine-tune the fit by adjusting the waist, sleeves or length.
Men’s Suit Size Charts
Standard suit size charts are useful references for finding size because they combine key measurements (chest, waist, inseam, etc) with proportions such as height and weight.
Keep in mind, however, that these are general guidelines; at Hockerty, we tailor suits to your exact body for a truly perfect fit.
Suit Size Chart (Inches)
Below is a general reference chart in inches. Use your measurements as a guide, but remember: shoulders and chest are the most important, as they dictate the overall fit of your suit jacket.
| EU Size | Shoulder | Chest | Waist | Sleeve | Back Length | Hip | Inseam | Leg Length | Height (ft/in) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | 16.5 | 34–35 | 28–29 | 24 | 28 | 35–36 | 30 | 40 | 5’6–5’7 | 130–145 |
| 46 | 17 | 36–37 | 30–31 | 24.5 | 28.5 | 37–38 | 30–31 | 41 | 5’7–5’8 | 145–160 |
| 48 | 17.5 | 38–39 | 32–33 | 25 | 29 | 39–40 | 31–32 | 42 | 5’8–5’9 | 160–175 |
| 50 | 18 | 40–41 | 34–35 | 25.5 | 29.5 | 41–42 | 32–33 | 43 | 5’9–5’10 | 170–185 |
| 52 | 18.5 | 42–43 | 36–37 | 26 | 30 | 43–44 | 33–34 | 44 | 5’10–6’0 | 180–195 |
| 54 | 19 | 44–45 | 38–39 | 26.5 | 30.5 | 45–46 | 34–35 | 45 | 6’0–6’1 | 190–205 |
| 56 | 19.5 | 46–47 | 40–41 | 27 | 31 | 47–48 | 35–36 | 46 | 6’1–6’2 | 200–220 |
| 58 | 20 | 48–49 | 42–43 | 27.5 | 31.5 | 49–50 | 36–37 | 47 | 6’2–6’3 | 210–230 |
Example: If your chest measures 40 inches and you are 5’10 tall, weighing 180 lbs, you will most likely fall into an EU 50 suit size.
Suit Size Chart (Centimeters)
For those who prefer centimeters, this chart mirrors the inch version and is especially useful for European sizing systems.
| EU Size | Shoulder | Chest | Waist | Sleeve | Back Length | Hip | Inseam | Leg Length | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | 42 | 86–89 | 71–74 | 61 | 71 | 89–91 | 76 | 102 | 168–170 | 59–66 |
| 46 | 43 | 91–94 | 76–79 | 62 | 72 | 94–97 | 78–79 | 104 | 170–173 | 66–72 |
| 48 | 44 | 96–99 | 81–84 | 63 | 74 | 99–102 | 80–81 | 107 | 173–176 | 72–79 |
| 50 | 46 | 101–104 | 86–89 | 65 | 75 | 104–107 | 82–84 | 109 | 176–179 | 77–84 |
| 52 | 47 | 106–109 | 91–94 | 66 | 76 | 109–112 | 85–86 | 112 | 179–182 | 82–89 |
| 54 | 48 | 111–114 | 97–99 | 67 | 77 | 114–117 | 87–89 | 114 | 182–185 | 86–93 |
| 56 | 50 | 116–119 | 102–104 | 68 | 79 | 119–122 | 90–92 | 117 | 185–188 | 91–100 |
| 58 | 51 | 121–124 | 107–109 | 70 | 80 | 124–127 | 93–94 | 119 | 188–190 | 95–104 |
Example: Someone measuring 178 cm tall, chest 101 cm and weighing 80 kg would typically be an EU 50.
International Conversion Size Chart
If you shop across brands or countries, conversion charts are essential. They help align your EU size with UK, US, Italian and French equivalents, plus the more general international format.
| EU | US | UK | IT | FR | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | 34 | 34 | 44 | 44 | XS |
| 46 | 36 | 36 | 46 | 46 | S |
| 48 | 38 | 38 | 48 | 48 | M |
| 50 | 40 | 40 | 50 | 50 | M–L |
| 52 | 42 | 42 | 52 | 52 | L |
| 54 | 44 | 44 | 54 | 54 | XL |
| 56 | 46 | 46 | 56 | 56 | XXL |
| 58 | 48 | 48 | 58 | 58 | 3XL |
Example: If you normally buy a UK 40, that corresponds to an EU 50, a US 40 and is considered a M–L international size.
Sizes can still vary slightly depending on the brand or tailoring house. Always double-check the brand’s official chart and, if possible, try on a sample before making a final purchase.
How a Suit Should Fit
Even if you pick the right size from the chart, the true test of a suit is how it fits your body. A well-fitted suit is clean, flattering and comfortable:
- Jacket: The shoulder seam should sit right at your shoulder bone, not drooping over or pulling upward. The chest should allow you to button comfortably without strain and the jacket should hug your waist slightly for a tailored look. Sleeves should end at the wrist bone, showing about half an inch of your shirt cuff.
- Trousers: The waist should fit snugly without requiring a belt to hold them up and the hips should allow for movement without pulling. The inseam should match your leg length, creating either a classic break (slight fold on the shoes) or a modern break (straight, clean line above the shoe).
A perfectly fitted suit should create clean lines, flatter your posture and move with you naturally. If it wrinkles, pulls or gaps excessively, it’s time to re-check your sizing or consider tailoring.
Want more details? Check out our full guide on How a Suit Should Fit.
Sizing Based on Suit Types
Not all suits are cut the same and the style you choose directly influences the size that works best for you.
Fit Profiles
- Slim Fit: Slim suits taper more at the chest and waist, creating a sleek, close-to-the-body shape. Sleeves and trouser legs are cut narrower, so if you’re between sizes or have a more athletic build, you may need to size up slightly to avoid pulling at the buttons or restricting movement.
- Regular Fit: The most balanced cut, regular suits provide room in the chest and waist without feeling boxy. Sleeves and trousers fall in classic proportions, making this fit the safest option for most body types. Stick to your true size unless you prefer extra ease for layering.
- Relaxed/Modern Fit: Often called “modern relaxed,” this cut offers more room in the chest, waist, and legs while keeping the silhouette polished. It’s perfect for broader builds or anyone seeking comfort without sacrificing style. If you’re used to slim fits, expect a looser drape and slightly longer lines.
Suit Styles
Different suit designs also affect sizing, as construction details change how the garment drapes.
- Single-Breasted: With one row of buttons and a narrower overlap, single-breasted suits are the most versatile. They tend to fit true to size and small adjustments in the waist or sleeve are straightforward.
- Double-Breasted: These feature a wider overlap and additional fabric across the torso, which can make them feel snugger. If you’re broad-chested, consider sizing up or choosing a cut with more room in the chest to maintain comfort while keeping the sharp lines.
- Unstructured Suits: Lightly constructed and without heavy padding, these allow more natural movement and sit closer to your body shape. Because they don’t have the rigid structure of traditional tailoring, they may feel more forgiving in fit, but precise measurements still matter.
- Structured Suits: With padded shoulders and defined shapes, these hold their form and give you a crisp silhouette. They demand more precision in sizing, as the padding and cut leave less room for error.
- Special Types: Formal suits like tuxedos and morning coats follow stricter tailoring rules. Tuxedos typically fit slimmer for elegance, while morning suits often include a longer coat that requires correct shoulder and chest sizing for balance. In both cases, precision is key; a half-size off can be noticeable.
Sizing Based on Body Types
Understanding your build and shape is just as important as knowing your measurements. A suit that flatters one physique may need adjustments for another.
Body Shapes
- Rectangle: Shoulders, waist and hips are nearly aligned. A suit with a nipped waist and structured shoulders creates definition.
- Triangle: Broader hips than shoulders. Structured shoulders and slightly longer jackets balance proportions, while trousers should be straight rather than tapered too tightly around the hip.
- Inverted Triangle: Broad shoulders and narrower waist. Choose softer shoulders and balanced lapels to avoid looking top-heavy. Keep trousers slightly wider for proportional balance.
- Oval: Fuller midsection. A single-breasted suit with darts can create a slimming effect, while avoiding overly slim fits that may emphasize the waist.
- Trapezoid: Considered the “athletic build,” with broad shoulders and chest but balanced waist and hips. Most suit fits work well here, making this body type the most versatile.
Body Builds
- Big: Broader builds often need extra ease in the chest, waist and thigh. Choose suits with slightly wider lapels and structured shoulders for balance. Opting for a regular or relaxed fit will prevent pulling at the buttons and trousers with a straighter cut help maintain clean lines.
- Tall: Tall men should pay special attention to jacket and sleeve length. A suit that’s too short will instantly look off. Longer jackets and trousers with proper break ensure a proportional silhouette..
- Short: Shorter men should avoid excess fabric that overwhelms their frame. Slim or modern fits with slightly shorter jackets and higher button stance will elongate the torso. Trousers with little to no break can make legs appear longer.
- Petite: Slim frames often drown in relaxed cuts. Opt for slim or regurlar fits that bring definition without exaggerating. Narrow lapels and clean, close-fitting trousers help maintain proportion and sharpness.
Custom-Made Suits: The Perfect Alternative
Remember that, with the most detailed suit size charts, there’s no guarantee of a flawless fit. Standard sizing is built around averages, but no one’s body is truly average. That’s why made-to-measure suits are the smarter alternative.
At Hockerty, your suit is cut to your exact measurements, ensuring a natural fit that moves with you. Beyond sizing, you get the freedom to customize every detail: from fabric and lapel style to lining, trouser cut and even button placement. Whether you want a classic navy business suit, a bold double-breasted look or a lightweight linen suit for summer, the design is entirely yours.
Best of all, this tailored experience comes at an accessible price point, often comparable to mid-range ready-to-wear suits, but with far better results. With Hockerty, you’re not just buying a suit; you’re investing in craftsmanship, personal expression and a perfect fit every time.
FAQs about Suit Size Chart
How do I know my suit size?
Start with accurate measurements: shoulders, chest, waist, hips, sleeve, back length, inseam, leg length, height and weight, then map them to a suit size chart. As a quick rule, your chest (taken around the fullest part) points you to the jacket size, while waist + inseam guide the trousers. Prioritize shoulder fit (hardest to alter). Between two sizes? Choose the larger size and tailor the waist/sleeves/hem. For step-by-step measuring, see How to Measure for a Suit and then compare against the Men’s Suit Size Charts (inches & centimeters) and the International Conversion table.
What size is 42/44 in UK men?
In UK sizing, the number generally reflects the chest in inches. From our conversion chart: UK 42 ≈ EU 52 / US 42 / INT L and UK 44 ≈ EU 54 / US 44 / INT XL. Use your actual chest/waist/inseam to confirm; conversion tables are a guide, brand cuts still vary.
What does 38R suit size mean?
38R = 38-inch chest, Regular length jacket. In our chart, that’s roughly EU 48 / UK 38 / US 38 / INT M, typically suited to an average height frame (around 5'8"–5'9" / 173–176 cm). Trousers paired to a 38R jacket usually come with a standard rise and an inseam you hem to taste (aim for a slight or modern break). If you’re under ~5'7" (170 cm), consider 38S; over ~5'11" (180 cm), look at 38L.
Should I size up or down if I’m between sizes?
Size up, then tailor the waist, sleeves or hem. It’s far easier than letting a too-small suit out.
How should a suit jacket fit?
Shoulder seam on the shoulder bone, chest closes without strain, subtle waist shape and sleeves ending at the wrist bone (show ~0.5 inch / 1–1.5 cm of shirt cuff).
Do height and weight matter?
Yes, our size tables include height and weight ranges to sanity-check your pick. Use them alongside your body measurements for the most reliable result.
When would I skip the chart and go custom?
If you’re consistently between sizes, have an athletic or unique build or want a specific drape, Hockerty made-to-measure removes the guesswork with a suit cut to your exact numbers.
