How to Measure for Dress Uniforms

Often times our Clients think they know their current sizes. However, in order to get a proper fit to your uniform, you must often take new measurements and will sometimes need to increase your "normal" size by one. For example, it is very common for a Soldier to need trousers one size larger than their measured waist. This allows enough room in the seat, thighs and hips for the trousers to drape as they should. Your active PT regimen often times broadens your shoulders, back and chest to the point that you need a size or two larger coat than you are used to. Please allow us to help you determine the correct size for your uniform by carefully following the directions below.

*Snug means that the tape is tight, but yet loose enough to slide your hand under the tape.

Hat size - Measure across your brow just above your ears, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. For female sizes, this measurement in inches is your hat size. For male and generic sizes, divide the measurement in inches by 3.14 to obtain your hat size to the nearest 1/8".

Collar - Measure around your neck at the point where the collar is worn, pulling the tape tight enough to remove gaps between the tape and the skin, but not so tight as to depress and discolor the skin. Round up to the next ½" for your collar size. Another technique is to measure the collar of a comfortably fitting shirt while laying it on a flat surface. Measure from the center of the button to the outside edge of the button hole and round up to the next 1/2'".

Chest/bust - While standing erect, but relaxed, measure around the largest part of the chest or bust with the tape passing under the arms, remaining parallel to the floor, and snug *.

Waist - While standing relaxed, measure around your waist where the trousers are worn; generally this is the smallest part of the waist. Pull the tape snug*.

Hips - While standing relaxed with your feet together, measure around the fullest part of your hips (seat), keeping the tape parallel to the floor and snug*. Remove wallets and cell phones from your pockets prior to taking the measurement.

Skirt length - Measure from your waistline to the center of your kneecap.

Inseam - Measure the inside seam from the crotch to the bottom of the trouser leg. A good technique is to measure a pair of well-fitting trousers while laying them on a flat surface.

Sleeve outseam - With your arms held relaxed at your sides, measure from the center of the back, over the shoulder, and to the bottom of the wrist bone where the hand joins the wrist.