How to Take Men's Measurements

Our simple guide to taking measurements for men shows you how to correctly find the perfect sizes to make men's clothing (or to buy the right size). Accurately measure your husband's waist measurement or your nephew's sleeve length in just a few short steps. After you've decided what type of garment you'd like to sew, you'll need just a couple of items to get started:

1. The person you'll be sewing for. If you're sewing for yourself, you'll need someone to help you take your measurements.
    
2. Measuring tape (flexible with the preferred units and marks).
    
3. A pen and paper to write down your measurements. Make sure you are writing down what the measurement is for each time.

To find the chest measurements, begin by lifting the arms and then measuring around the chest, underneath the arms. Make sure the measuring tape is laying flat against the body.
 

Measure around the fullest part of the chest. You want to make sure that the measuring tape is fitted to the body but is not too tight to the chest so that clothing will be fitted but comfortable.
 

To find neck measurements for men, begin by taking your measuring tape and measuring around the lower part of the neck, about 1 inch below the Adam's apple.
 

When taking neck measurements, it's important to make sure that your garment will fit comfortably and isn't too tight against the neck. This is also applicable for buying men's dress shirts in which a collar or neck measurement is needed.

To ensure a comfortable fit at the neck, with your measuring tape in place, place two fingers between the neck and your measuring tape; this will ensure a fitted but breathable neckline.
 

To find sleeve measurements, begin by placing your measuring tape in the center of the shoulders, just below the nape of the neck.
 

Taking the measuring tape, measure across the top of the shoulder and down to where the cuff or sleeve hem of the shirt should hit. The arm should be slightly bent so that the sleeve fit is not too tight or too loose.
 

Finding the waist measurement for men is quite simple. For finding the natural waist measurement, begin by placing your measuring tape around the waist, starting at the naval and going around the body.

For a more relaxed or lower waist measurement (if the pants are meant to fit closer to the hips instead of the natural waist), place your measuring tape at where the waistband would normally sit, going around the body, with the measuring tape laying flat.
 

Inseam measurements are taken to find the inseam of a pair of pants. These measurements can be used when making or shopping for jeans or dress slacks. To find the inseam measurements, begin by placing the measuring tape at the top of the inner thigh and measuring down to the floor, making sure the measuring tape is parallel to the floor.

If a slightly shorter pant length is preferred (for example, a tighter fitting pair of skinny jeans), measure from the top to the inner thigh to the ankle hem.

Another part you may want to measure when making or buying pants is the seat (butt). Draw the measuring tape around the circumference at the widest part and that's the seat measurement.

If you're shopping for ready-to-wear clothing, be sure to round up to the nearest quarter inch.
 

Now that you've found your measurements, be sure to choose the perfect sewing project to make for your husband, son, nephew, or yourself. We've rounded up our top 10 sewing patterns for men so that you can create a thoughtful gift that the man in your life will love.

1. Men's Fleece Hoodie
    
2. Boxer Shorts
    
3. Day On the Coast Sweatshirt Refashion
    
4. Club Jacket
    
5. DIY Men's Skinny Square Tie
    

6. Reversible Waistcoat in Any Size
    
7. Shirt Collar DIY Refashion - pictured!
    
8. Easy Dress Shirt
    
9. Men's Pajama Shorts
    
10. Father's Day DIY Bow Tie