[aginsburg123]

Am I supposed to measure myself with or without clothes on? For example, when I measure my chest without any clothes I get about 38.5 inches. When I add an undershirt and button down shirt, which is what I'd normally wear with a suit, I get 39.5 inches. I know everything is based on fit not sizing per se, but am I a 38, 39, or 40?

 

[paxonus]

The measurement at the shoulder is more important. That is the point where good fit is most important as it is the hardest and most costly to alter. After that, it is all about how the suit is cut, whether it is full in the body, like a Brooks Brothers Madison, or more fitted, like their Regent. Get the shoulder right, and just about everything else can be altered if necessary.

 

[Color 8]

I find that numerical measurements have their place, but aren't a substitute for trying stuff on.

 

[EclecticSr.]

Depends on what your measuring for. I don't wear undershirts so I measure without for shirts. For trousers if purchasing online beware of vanity sizing, e.g. vanity sized 36" waist may measure 37.5", slim may actually measure 36" . so I measure with shirt on. Suits, while there are variables among manufacturers take into account the jacket is to be worn over shirt.
Brooks as has been mentioned have several cuts, Madison on the boxy side, Regent , my choice, I guess you can say between Madison and Milano their trimmest cut.

But it's been mentioned there is no substitute for trying on. To answer your question and others may differ, I measure 42 bare chest and suits odd jackets in traditional or classic fit I'm 42 reg. . In Regent fit I'm 43. reg.
I require very little alteration and yes shoulder probably most important .

 

[Charles Dana]

Am I supposed to measure myself with or without clothes on?

Depends on what role you're auditioning for.

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If you're being measured for a tailored jacket, keep your shirt on (Bub).

After all, tailors don't require their clients to strip before being measured. (If you do encounter a tailor who tells you to take your clothes off, run away...or not, depending on how you feel about the tailor.)

The tricky part-if you're going to measure your circumference-is how taut to make the tape measure. It can't be too loose or too tight.

It appears as though you are a 39. Still, as Color 8 said, there's no "substitute for trying stuff on."

 

[paul winston]

Measurements are a guide and do not relate exactly to a size. I was taught to add 6 to the customers waist size and start trying on that size - waist+6. It doesn't always work for a number of reasons depending on ones build. The measurement you take - with or without your shirt and undershirt - is step 1. As has been correctly stated by a number of responders, trying something on reveals what size you need.

Paul Winston
www.chippneckwear.com
2212 687-0850 cell 203 559-7653