How Suit Sizes Work
Most men’s suit sizes are based on your chest measurement and jacket length. For example,
a size 40R usually means a 40-inch chest with a regular jacket length.
The number comes from your chest size, while the letter usually stands for short, regular, or long.
What Do S, R, and L Mean in Suit Sizes?
Suit jacket length is commonly shown as S, R, or L.
S means short, R means regular, and L means long.
Your height is the main factor used to estimate which jacket length is most likely to fit.
- Short: usually best for men under about 5'6".
- Regular: usually best for men from about 5'6" to 6'1".
- Long: usually best for men over about 6'1".
Men’s Suit Size Chart
Use this chart as a general reference. Exact sizing can vary by brand, cut, and body shape,
so the calculator should be used as an estimate rather than a tailoring guarantee.
| Chest Measurement |
US/UK Jacket Size |
EU Size |
International Size |
Typical Trouser Waist |
| 34–36 in |
36S / 36R |
46 |
XS / S |
28–30 in |
| 37–38 in |
38S / 38R |
48 |
S |
30–32 in |
| 39–40 in |
40R |
50 |
M |
32–34 in |
| 41–42 in |
42R / 42L |
52 |
L |
34–36 in |
| 43–44 in |
44R / 44L |
54 |
XL |
36–38 in |
| 45–46 in |
46R / 46L |
56 |
2XL |
38–40 in |
| 47–48 in |
48R / 48L |
58 |
3XL |
40–42 in |
| 49–50 in |
50R / 50L |
60 |
4XL |
42–44 in |
Example Suit Size Calculations
Example 1: 5'10", 40-inch chest, 34-inch waist
This person would usually be close to a 40R jacket with approximately
34-inch trousers.
Example 2: 6'2", 42-inch chest, 36-inch waist
This person would usually be close to a 42L jacket with approximately
36-inch trousers.
Example 3: 5'5", 38-inch chest, 32-inch waist
This person would usually be close to a 38S jacket with approximately
32-inch trousers.
Measurement Guide
How to Measure Your Chest
Stand tall and wrap a flexible tape measure around the fullest part of your chest,
just under your armpits and across your shoulder blades. Make sure the tape is level,
snug but not tight, and measured while you are standing naturally.
How to Measure Your Waist
Find the natural crease of your waist, usually above your belly button. Wrap the tape
measure around this point, keeping it horizontal and snug without compressing the skin.
You can also use the waist number you normally wear for dress pants or jeans.
How to Measure Your Shoulder Width
Measure from the outer edge of one shoulder, where your arm meets your shoulder seam,
across your back to the same point on the opposite shoulder. Keep the tape straight and level.
How to Measure Your Sleeve Length
Let your arm hang naturally at your side. Start the tape at the shoulder seam and measure
down to your wrist bone. Some tailors measure from the center back of the neck, over the shoulder,
and down to the wrist.
Suit Size Calculator FAQ
What does 40R mean in suit size?
A 40R suit size usually means the jacket is designed for about a 40-inch chest with a regular jacket length.
The number refers to chest size, while the letter refers to jacket length.
Is suit size the same as chest size?
Suit jacket size is usually closely related to chest size, but it is not the only factor.
Height, body shape, shoulder width, sleeve length, and brand fit can all affect the final fit.
How accurate is this suit size calculator?
This calculator gives an estimate based on common suit sizing conventions. It is helpful for choosing a starting size,
but a tailor or brand-specific size chart may still be needed for the best fit.
Should I use chest size or height and weight?
Chest size and height are usually more accurate than height and weight alone. Height and weight can provide a rough estimate,
but two people with the same height and weight may have different chest, waist, and shoulder measurements.
What is the difference between a suit size and a tuxedo size?
Suit and tuxedo sizing are often similar because both are based on jacket and trouser measurements.
However, tuxedos may fit differently depending on lapel style, shirt type, formalwear cut, and rental brand sizing.
