Trying to find a suit that fits depends on your height and overall size; weight isn’t a factor in your suit size so much as the circumference of your chest, waist and arms. You can try suits on to find one that fits in person, but if you are purchasing one online or through a department store catalog, you face the problem of not being able to try things on first. Should you find yourself in a situation where you need to purchase a suit without trying it on, grab a measuring tape and start measuring.

Calculate your height to determine the overall size of the suit you need. Men between 5’5 and 5’8 wear a short suit, 5’9 to 6’0 wear regular, 6’1 to 6’2 wear long and men taller than 6’2 wear extra long.

Place a measuring tape around the widest part of your chest to measure the circumference; this is not always easy to do on your own and might require an extra set of hands. Ask a friend to help you measure the circumference of your chest; you get the best results when your arms are straight down at your sides. Take note of the width in inches.

Measure your waist with the measuring tape. You can also just check the size of the pants you are currently wearing.

Check the size charts on the website or catalog from which you are purchasing a suit; find all of the sizes that correspond to your personal size such as your height, waist size and chest circumference. This information will provide you with the correct size you need to order.