Living outside Thailand doesn‘t mean you can’t enjoy the perfect fit of a bespoke suit from The Alex Fashion House. With accurate self-measurements, our expert tailors can create a custom garment that fits you as precisely as an in-person fitting — no travel required. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for taking your own measurements, lists the tools you‘ll need, highlights common mistakes to avoid, and explains how our remote tailoring process works for international clients.
What Tools Do You Need to Measure Yourself for a Bespoke Suit?
Before you begin, gather the following items:
- Soft fabric tape measure (cloth or vinyl, not metal) — the most essential tool.
- A well-fitting dress shirt and trousers (not jeans or sweatpants) — wear these while measuring for accuracy.
- A mirror — to verify tape placement.
- A helper (optional but highly recommended) — measuring yourself is possible, but another person improves accuracy.
- Pen and paper or a notes app — record each measurement immediately.
- String or elastic band — to mark your natural waist if needed.
Avoid using a metal tape measure or measuring over bulky clothing like hoodies or thick sweaters.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Taking Your Own Suit Measurements
Follow these 8 essential measurements. Keep the tape snug but not tight — never compress the skin. Stand naturally with feet shoulder-width apart and arms relaxed at your sides.
1. Neck (Collar)
Place the tape around the base of your neck, just below your Adam‘s apple. Insert two fingers between the tape and your neck to ensure a comfortable fit for dress shirts. Record the measurement.
2. Chest (Fullest Part)
Wrap the tape around the widest part of your chest — typically across the nipples and under the armpits. Keep the tape parallel to the floor. Breathe normally. Do not puff out your chest.
3. Shoulder Width
Measure from the tip of one shoulder (where the horizontal shoulder bone meets the vertical arm bone) across your back to the tip of the other shoulder. Keep the tape flat against your body.
4. Sleeve Length
Start at the center back of your neck, run the tape over your shoulder, down to your elbow, and then to your wrist bone. Alternatively, measure from the shoulder tip down to the base of your thumb. Bend your elbow slightly — this prevents sleeves from being too short when you move.
5. Waist
Measure around the narrowest part of your torso — usually just above your belly button. If you wear trousers at a different point (e.g., lower on the hips), measure there instead. Keep the tape horizontal.
6. Hip (Seat)
Stand with feet together. Measure around the fullest part of your buttocks and hips. This measurement ensures trousers fit comfortably without pulling.
7. Jacket Length
Measure from the base of your neck (center back, just below the prominent bone) straight down to the bottom of your buttocks. The traditional jacket length ends around the middle of your buttocks or at your thumb knuckles when arms hang naturally.
8. Outseam (Trouser Length)
Measure from the top of your waistband (at the side of your hip) down to the floor or to where you want the trousers to end. For dress trousers, aim for a slight break (one small fold) at the front of your shoe.
What Are the Most Common Measurement Mistakes?
Avoid these errors to ensure your bespoke suit fits perfectly on the first attempt:
- Measuring over thick clothing — T-shirts or sweaters add unnecessary inches. Wear a thin dress shirt.
- Pulling the tape too tight — This results in a suit that binds and restricts movement. The tape should lie flat without indenting your skin.
- Standing in an unnatural posture — Don‘t suck in your stomach or puff out your chest. Stand as you normally do.
- Forgetting to breathe — Take a normal breath before reading the chest and waist measurements.
- Using a stretched or damaged tape measure — Old fabric tapes can stretch over time. Replace if uncertain.
- Measuring only one side — Always take full circumference measurements (chest, waist, hip) rather than half and doubling. Direct circumference is more accurate.
How Does the Remote Bespoke Ordering Process Work at The Alex Fashion House?
International clients follow this simple workflow:
- Virtual consultation — Schedule a video call (Zoom, WhatsApp, or FaceTime) to discuss fabric options, style preferences, and design details. Swatch books can be mailed to your address for a small fee.
- Submit your measurements — Use the guide above or request a printable measurement form. You can also take a video of yourself measuring while a tailor watches live for real-time corrections.
- Pattern creation — Our master tailor creates a unique paper pattern based on your submitted numbers.
- Garment construction — The suit is cut, sewn, and finished over 4–6 weeks.
- Shipping and delivery — The finished suit is pressed, packed, and shipped to your door via DHL or FedEx (tracking provided). Delivery time varies by destination (typically 5–10 business days).
- Post-delivery adjustments — In the unlikely event that minor alterations are needed (e.g., sleeve length or trouser hem), we reimburse you up to a reasonable amount for a local tailor, or you can send the garment back for complimentary adjustments.
Can You Use a Friend‘s Suit Measurements to Order Your Own?
No. Every body is unique. Two people who appear similar may have different posture, shoulder slope, arm length, or chest depth. Using someone else‘s measurements will result in a poor fit. Always take fresh measurements for each individual.
What If Your Measurements Change (Weight Loss, Muscle Gain)?
Bespoke suits are made to your current body. If you are actively losing weight or building muscle, be honest with our tailor during the consultation. We can:
- Build in a small tolerance (e.g., extra fabric in the waist seam allowance) for future let-out.
- Recommend waiting until your weight stabilizes.
- Schedule your final fitting closer to your delivery date if you‘re in Phuket.
If your body changes significantly after receiving the suit, a local tailor can usually alter a bespoke garment within 1–2 inches (chest, waist, sleeves) because quality construction leaves extra fabric inside the seams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Measurement for Bespoke Suits
How accurate do my measurements need to be?
Within 0.5 cm (¼ inch) for critical measurements (chest, waist, shoulder). Less critical measurements like sleeve length have a small tolerance.
What if I make a mistake?
Email us clear photos of the tape measure in position. Our tailors can often spot errors and request corrected measurements before cutting the fabric.
Do you offer a fit guarantee for international orders?
Yes. If the suit doesn‘t fit according to the measurements you submitted (and those measurements were taken correctly), we will remake or alter it at no charge. If the error is in your submitted numbers, we offer alterations at cost.
Can I send a suit that fits me well instead of taking measurements?
Yes. You can mail an existing well-fitting suit jacket and trousers to our Phuket atelier. We will copy the fit exactly. Shipping costs are your responsibility.
How long does international shipping take?
Typically 5–10 business days to most countries (USA, UK, Australia, EU, Asia). Rush shipping is available at extra cost.
Get Your Perfect-Fitting Bespoke Suit From Anywhere in the World
You don‘t need to visit Phuket to experience the luxury of bespoke tailoring. With accurate self-measurements and our remote consultation process, The Alex Fashion House delivers a custom suit that fits like it was made for you because it was.
📍 Atelier Location (for in-person visits): 560 Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100
📞 WhatsApp / Phone: +66 62 096 4930
📧 Email: info@thealexfashionhouse.com
🌐 Website: https://thealexfashionhouse.com/
