You need a soft tape measure. Measure over thin clothes. Each picture shows where the tape starts and ends. Measurements are in inches.
Shirt length
From the top of the shoulder down to where you want the shirt to end (usually below the knee).
✗ Do not start at the neck — start at the top of the shoulder.
Sleeve
From the shoulder point, over the arm, to the wrist. Keep the arm slightly bent.
✗ Do not start at the neck; the sleeve comes out too long.
Shoulder
From one shoulder point to the other, across the back.
✗ Not lower down on the arms — exactly at the shoulder points.
Collar
Around the base of the neck, with one finger under the tape.
✗ Not high on the throat — at the base of the neck.
Chest around (+1½ room)
Around the chest under the arms, tape snug — the shop adds 1½ in of room itself.
✗ Do not let the tape drop at the back; keep it level all round.
Front width, underarm to underarm
Front only: from under one arm to under the other.
✗ Not all the way round — front only, underarm to underarm.
Hem width
Width at the bottom of the shirt. Leave empty if unsure.
Trouser length
From the waist (drawstring line) to the ankle.
✗ Start at the waist, not at the hip bone.
Trouser width (optional)
Optional. The tailor usually decides this.
Trouser opening
Trouser opening, around the ankle.
Length
From the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the waskat.
✗ A waskat ends at the hip, not lower.
Shoulder
From one shoulder point to the other, across the back.
✗ Not lower down on the arms — exactly at the shoulder points.
Chest around
All the way around the chest, over the shirt.
✗ For a waskat, all the way round — not just the front.
Waist
Around the waist, just above the navel.
✗ Not too low — that is the hip.
Hip (optional)
Optional. Around the widest part of the hips.
✗ Not too high — that is the waist.