Men's Suit Size Chart: How to Read It

On a men's suit size chart, the number is the chest measurement the jacket is cut for, in inches, and the letter is a height range: Short, Regular or Long. Nathan Tailors explains that "40 is your chest measurement in inches", so a 42 jacket is cut for a 42-inch chest.

This guide shows how to read a size such as 40R or 42L, and what to check before you order. If you run a store, see how AI size recommendation for fashion stores can use your own chart to pick a label for the shopper.

What do the number and letter in a suit size mean?

A size like 40R has two parts. The number is the chest. The letter is the length of the jacket, matched to the height of the wearer.

Part	Meaning	Example
Number	Chest size in inches	40
Letter	Height range: S, R, L, XL	R (Regular)
Whole size	Chest plus length	40R

The letter does not describe how broad you are. Two men with the same chest can need different letters if one is taller.

Which height fits Short, Regular and Long?

Height ranges depend on the brand, so treat any chart as a starting point. The table below is one example from a custom tailor, and other retailers draw the lines in different places.

Length	Height range	Typical jacket length
Short (S)	5'4" to 5'7" (163 to 170 cm)	28 to 29.5 in
Regular (R)	5'8" to 6'0" (173 to 183 cm)	30 to 31.5 in
Long (L)	6'1" to 6'4" (185 to 193 cm)	32 to 33.5 in
Extra Long (XL)	6'4"+ (193+ cm)	34+ in

Source: Nathan Tailors, "What suit size am I?". Example chart, check your brand's own chart.

The same source notes that height ranges shift with chest size. It lists 40S at 5'7" to 5'10", 40R at 5'10" to 6'1" and 40L at 6'1" to 6'4". If you sit between two letters, try the jacket on or ask about alterations.

How do you measure your chest for a suit?

Use a soft fabric tape, not a metal one. Per the same guide, the steps are:

1. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest, usually at nipple level.
2. Pass it under the armpits and across the shoulder blades.
3. Keep the tape level all the way around.
4. Breathe normally and read the number mid-breath.

If you get an odd number, such as 41, the guide advises sizing up to the next even number. Our guide on how to measure yourself for a suit has more detail.

What is "drop", and how does it set your trouser size?

Drop is your chest measurement minus your waist measurement. The same source says a jacket is sized with a standard 6-inch drop, so a 40 jacket pairs with about a 34-inch waist.

It also cites about 8 inches of drop for athletic builds and about 4 inches for portly or executive builds. Measure the waist at the natural waist, about an inch above the belly button, not at the belt line.

This is why many shops sell jackets and trousers separately. A suit that fits your chest may still need trousers in a different size.

How do US, UK and EU suit sizes compare?

EU suit sizes use a different number from US sizes. One retailer's chart pairs US 40R with EU 50, and US 42R with EU 52.

Do not assume every brand follows the same pattern. Read the conversion on the chart for the exact suit you are buying. For a broader view, see our suit size conversion for UK, US and EU.

What should you check before you buy online?

• The brand's own chart. Labels and fit vary between brands.
• Fit type. Slim, classic and relaxed cuts feel different at the same label.
• Shoulders. Alterations can shorten sleeves, but shoulders are hard to change.
• Return and alteration policy. Ask before you order.

If you sell suits, a shopper can find their size on your page with a short body scan, using your own size chart. See how it compares with static charts in virtual try-on vs size charts.

The same chart-reading skill applies to our guides for men's shirt size charts and unisex hoodie size charts.

FAQs

What does 40R mean on a suit?

It means a jacket cut for a 40-inch chest, in Regular length. Regular fits an average height range, which varies by brand.

How do I know if I need Short, Regular or Long?

Start with your height, then check the brand's chart. If you are near a boundary, try the jacket on, because brands draw the lines differently.

Is suit size the same as shirt size?

No. A suit size is a chest measurement with a length letter. A dress shirt is usually sized by neck and sleeve.

Can a tailor change the size of a suit?

A tailor can shorten sleeves and adjust trousers. Shoulders are harder to change, so choose a jacket that fits there first.