Starting business - How are men's suits measured?

[SelfStylers]

Hi, I'm new to tFS. Not sure where to post this question, but I am hoping someone in this forum might be able to help.

I am starting a business selling custom-made men's suits online. The idea is that guys can customize their suit in the size, style, and color they want. For the suit size, I want to offer two options: input your own measurements or order a standard suit size.

I am having a hard time locating a reliable chart of "standard" men's suit sizes. I know that a size 40 means a chest measurement of 40 inches. The problem is that I don't know how a size 40 translates into arm, torso, waist, seat, leg, and inseam measurements. And the situation is only complicated by options for regular, short, and tall.

Does anyone know of a website/book/reference guide/etc. where I could find this information?? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ETROsexualJ]

This is a really risky business venture if you have no sartorial skill/knoweledge.
I would team up with a tailor.

 

[snickerdoodles]

If you want to use this service why not just go to your tailor and let him measure you so that you have your correct measurements to input? Or get a friend who knows how to measure properly to do it for you? I'm not really sure how this suit is going to turn out. Honestly, I've heard a lot of people complain about the quality and fit of custom suits from online companies. I've known some men to get good results for custom shirts (and even then they weren't blown away just satisfied) but never for suits. It's a pretty big gamble and it's probable that you are going to have to get it re-tailored once you receive it (if in fact the material and styling is any good and worth working with).

 

[SelfStylers]

Thanks for the input and sense of concern.

I think all new business ventures are inherently risky. However, I don't think I really explained my business that clearly. Instead of focusing on custom fit, this business will focus on custom features. For example, you can choose a hot pink lining for your jacket or get a bright red tuxedo for prom. Or just get a pinstripe jacket for Friday nights. We are targeting a young audience and we will set the price accordingly (read: low).

My gamble is that young men who want an affordable suit will be more willing to buy online and will also not be quite as concerned about getting a perfect fit (although if they measure themselves correctly, they will). I am not targeting middle-age businessmen who typically buy Italian suits.

Does this change your opinion at all or is this still a "really risky business" in your mind?

 

[cybele]

Hi!
If i have understand you, you want to make "pret a porter" on line, with the possibility of choosing fabrics or colors. To answer to your first question, the best is to have several size (40, 42,etc....) and ask your custom to take the length of arms or/and legs from their own jacket or pants.

 

[Deleted member 1957]

I also agree on the tailor suggestion. I have a freelance talor that I use to make suits because thats what he is specialised in. Suits are very sensitive and time consuming especially the tailoring part.