How to measure for a senator

The 7 measurements a tailor takes for a senator, in the order they're usually taken. Each shows where the tape starts and stops (or where it sits), with a picture and one tip. Use it at the fitting, or send it to a client to measure themselves at home.

01
Neck
Round the base of the neck, where a shirt collar sits.
Close-up
Tape goes · The base of the neck, over the Adam's apple or just below it
Tip: Slide one finger under the tape so the collar isn't tight.
02
Shoulder
Across the back, from one shoulder edge to the other.
Close-up
Start · The bony point where the left shoulder meets the arm
End · The same point on the right shoulder
Tip: Measure across the back, not the chest. Arms relaxed by your sides.
03
Chest
Round the fullest part of the chest, under the arms.
Close-up
Tape goes · Under the armpits, across the fullest part of the chest
Tip: Keep the tape level all the way round the back. Breathe normally.
04
Sleeve
From the shoulder edge, down the outside of the arm, to the wrist.
Close-up
Start · The bony point where the shoulder meets the arm
End · The wrist bone, or where you want the sleeve to end
Tip: Bend the arm a little, as if holding a bag. That adds the room you need.
05
Top length
From the shoulder by the neck, down to where the top should end.
Start · Top of the shoulder, right beside the neck
End · Where the top should end, usually below the hip
Tip: Stand straight and look ahead; looking down shortens it.
06
Waist
Round your natural waist, the narrowest part.
Close-up
Tape goes · The narrowest part of the body, usually just above the belly button
Tip: Breathe out normally and don't hold your tummy in.
07
Trouser length
From the waist, down the outside of the leg, to the hem.
Start · The side of your waist, where trousers sit
End · The floor, or where you want the trousers to end
Tip: Wear your shoes. Stand straight, feet slightly apart.

Before you start

Use a soft tailor's tape, not a metal one.
Measure over thin clothing, standing straight and relaxed, feet together.
Keep the tape level all the way round for chest, bust, waist and hips.
Write each number down as you go, with the unit.

Questions people ask

What measurements do I need for a senator?

7: Neck, Shoulder, Chest, Sleeve, Top length, Waist, Trouser length. Each one is shown above with where the tape goes.

Should I measure in inches or centimetres?

Most Nigerian tailors work in inches, so measure in inches unless your tailor asks for centimetres. Write the unit down next to every number.

Can I take my own measurements?

Yes, with a soft tape and a mirror, though a second person makes the lengths and the back easier. Stand straight and relaxed, don't hold your breath, and keep the tape snug but not tight. Your tailor will check them at the first fitting.

How tight should the tape be?

Snug against the body but not pulling. You should be able to slide one finger under it. Measure over thin clothing, not over a jacket or a thick top.

More measurement guides

Let clients measure themselves

With Seamza, send a client a self-measure link on WhatsApp. It walks them through every measurement like this, checks for numbers that look wrong, and saves them straight into your book.

Start free

How to measure for a senator

Neck

Round the base of the neck, where a shirt collar sits.

Close-up

Tape goes · The base of the neck, over the Adam's apple or just below it

Tip: Slide one finger under the tape so the collar isn't tight.

Shoulder

Across the back, from one shoulder edge to the other.

Close-up

Start · The bony point where the left shoulder meets the arm

End · The same point on the right shoulder

Tip: Measure across the back, not the chest. Arms relaxed by your sides.

Chest

Round the fullest part of the chest, under the arms.

Close-up

Tape goes · Under the armpits, across the fullest part of the chest

Tip: Keep the tape level all the way round the back. Breathe normally.

Sleeve

From the shoulder edge, down the outside of the arm, to the wrist.

Close-up

Start · The bony point where the shoulder meets the arm

End · The wrist bone, or where you want the sleeve to end

Tip: Bend the arm a little, as if holding a bag. That adds the room you need.

Top length

From the shoulder by the neck, down to where the top should end.

Start · Top of the shoulder, right beside the neck

End · Where the top should end, usually below the hip

Tip: Stand straight and look ahead; looking down shortens it.

Waist

Round your natural waist, the narrowest part.

Close-up

Tape goes · The narrowest part of the body, usually just above the belly button

Tip: Breathe out normally and don't hold your tummy in.

Trouser length

From the waist, down the outside of the leg, to the hem.

Start · The side of your waist, where trousers sit

End · The floor, or where you want the trousers to end

Tip: Wear your shoes. Stand straight, feet slightly apart.

Before you start

Use a soft tailor's tape, not a metal one.
Measure over thin clothing, standing straight and relaxed, feet together.
Keep the tape level all the way round for chest, bust, waist and hips.
Write each number down as you go, with the unit.

Questions people ask

What measurements do I need for a senator?

7: Neck, Shoulder, Chest, Sleeve, Top length, Waist, Trouser length. Each one is shown above with where the tape goes.

Should I measure in inches or centimetres?

Most Nigerian tailors work in inches, so measure in inches unless your tailor asks for centimetres. Write the unit down next to every number.

Can I take my own measurements?

How tight should the tape be?

Snug against the body but not pulling. You should be able to slide one finger under it. Measure over thin clothing, not over a jacket or a thick top.

More measurement guides

Let clients measure themselves

With Seamza, send a client a self-measure link on WhatsApp. It walks them through every measurement like this, checks for numbers that look wrong, and saves them straight into your book.

Start free