Pick the right size.
You have got to measure yourself before you
Order Your Tuxedo Online.
Also check with the online merchant to discuss any special measurements they have of that 1970s or other vintage Tux
You will need a tape measure. No not one from the garage. If someone you know has a sewing basket, check there first. If not they cost about a buck at almost any store.
Second you will need help. Unless you are very limber and have a house full of mirrors you won't get an accurate measurement doing this yourself.
Be ready to write down your findings. Don't count on your memory.
The first measurement is the most important.
The chest size will determine theTuxedo Jacket size.
Now there are two ways of doing this.
If you have a very athletic build, use the first method.
Measure the Chest and Know Your Height for the Jacket.
Method 1 With your arms at your side, place the measuring tape around your back, on top of your shoulder blades and around the largest part of your chest. You want the tape to stay in place but don't pull it too snug. Make sure the tape is even and look at the measurement. Now subtract 6 inches.
Method 2 With your arms raised, take the tape measure around your chest ( the fullest part) just under your pits. Now lower your arms and as your chest expands a little insert a finger under the tape measure and take the measurement. Add 2 inches to this and this is your jacket size.
Now you need to determine the lengh of the coat.
Regular = 5' 7" - 5' 11"
Short = 5' 4" - 5' 7"
Long = 5' 11.5" - 6' 2.5"
Extra Long = 6' 3" and up
For example if you used method one and measured on top of the arms around your back and the measurement was 48" Your jacket size will be 42. If you are 6'1" Tall your size will be a 42 Long
If you used method 2 and the measurement under your arms and around you back was 38" then add 2 inches. Your jacket size is 40. Say you are 5'10" Your complete size is 40 Regular.
Now on to the waist.
Place the tape measure around your waist just below the navel. This is your waist size. Now if you have large hips or thighs you may have to increase the waist size of the pants to accomodate. My son has thunder thighs.(He's an Offensive Lineman) He always has to buy a larger waist size so there is enough room in the thigh area. Most Tux Pants have adjustable waist, but to be safe you might want to go up a size or even two,if you have a big butt or thighs. Better a little too large than too small. Now most Tuxedo pants also have plenty of room left in the length. Plan on taking the pants to a tailor or dry cleaner for minor alterations to the waist and the hem. You might even need to have the sleeves let in or let out of the jacket a bit too. It doesn't cost much and your tux will look much better. Don't do what my son did for a last minute job interview and duct tape the hem of his pants. He didn't get the job.
On to the Shirt
If you already know your shirt size you shouldn't have to bother with this, but it never hurts to make sure.
Measure your neck size LOOSELY around your bare neck just below your adam's apple. It should be a number usually between 14 and 18.
To measure your sleeve length Start with the tape measure at the back of the neck in the center and run it down the length of your arm to about an inch below the bone at the wrist. It should be a measurement of somewhere between 3o and 36. Half inches count here so measure carefully. You will want the sleeve of your shirt to show about an inch below the sleeve of your jacket.
Now take all of these numbers and pick out a tux. Some vintage tux sellers may have a slightly different formula for measurement. Read their descriptions carefully and don't be afraid to contact them with any questions. Sizing has changed over the years. They want to make sure the Tuxedo will fit as much as you do.
Tips to Measure for Your Vintage Tuxedo
You have got to measure yourself before you
Order Your Tuxedo Online.
Also check with the online merchant to discuss any special measurements they have of that 1970s or other vintage Tux
You will need a tape measure. No not one from the garage. If someone you know has a sewing basket, check there first. If not they cost about a buck at almost any store.
Second you will need help. Unless you are very limber and have a house full of mirrors you won't get an accurate measurement doing this yourself.
Be ready to write down your findings. Don't count on your memory.
The first measurement is the most important.
The chest size will determine theTuxedo Jacket size.
Now there are two ways of doing this.
If you have a very athletic build, use the first method.
Measure the Chest and Know Your Height for the Jacket.
Method 1 With your arms at your side, place the measuring tape around your back, on top of your shoulder blades and around the largest part of your chest. You want the tape to stay in place but don't pull it too snug. Make sure the tape is even and look at the measurement. Now subtract 6 inches.
Method 2 With your arms raised, take the tape measure around your chest ( the fullest part) just under your pits. Now lower your arms and as your chest expands a little insert a finger under the tape measure and take the measurement. Add 2 inches to this and this is your jacket size.
Now you need to determine the lengh of the coat.
Regular = 5' 7" - 5' 11"
Short = 5' 4" - 5' 7"
Long = 5' 11.5" - 6' 2.5"
Extra Long = 6' 3" and up
For example if you used method one and measured on top of the arms around your back and the measurement was 48" Your jacket size will be 42. If you are 6'1" Tall your size will be a 42 Long
If you used method 2 and the measurement under your arms and around you back was 38" then add 2 inches. Your jacket size is 40. Say you are 5'10" Your complete size is 40 Regular.
Now on to the waist.
Place the tape measure around your waist just below the navel. This is your waist size. Now if you have large hips or thighs you may have to increase the waist size of the pants to accomodate. My son has thunder thighs.(He's an Offensive Lineman) He always has to buy a larger waist size so there is enough room in the thigh area. Most Tux Pants have adjustable waist, but to be safe you might want to go up a size or even two,if you have a big butt or thighs. Better a little too large than too small. Now most Tuxedo pants also have plenty of room left in the length. Plan on taking the pants to a tailor or dry cleaner for minor alterations to the waist and the hem. You might even need to have the sleeves let in or let out of the jacket a bit too. It doesn't cost much and your tux will look much better. Don't do what my son did for a last minute job interview and duct tape the hem of his pants. He didn't get the job.
On to the Shirt
If you already know your shirt size you shouldn't have to bother with this, but it never hurts to make sure.
Measure your neck size LOOSELY around your bare neck just below your adam's apple. It should be a number usually between 14 and 18.
To measure your sleeve length Start with the tape measure at the back of the neck in the center and run it down the length of your arm to about an inch below the bone at the wrist. It should be a measurement of somewhere between 3o and 36. Half inches count here so measure carefully. You will want the sleeve of your shirt to show about an inch below the sleeve of your jacket.
Now take all of these numbers and pick out a tux. Some vintage tux sellers may have a slightly different formula for measurement. Read their descriptions carefully and don't be afraid to contact them with any questions. Sizing has changed over the years. They want to make sure the Tuxedo will fit as much as you do.
