When measuring for uniform sizes, it is best to have someone else measure a person rather than have the person measure him or herself. Use a flexible cloth tape measure, and keep the tape straight but not tight. Keep the tape measure level and even during measurements. Have the person stand in a relaxed position with good posture. The person should be in a comfortable position without slouching or standing too rigidly.

Measure over undergarments or other clothing that will be worn under the uniform. If measurements fall between two sizes, it's often best to order the larger size. Because body figures may vary and different types of garments are designed to fit the figure in various ways, this information should be used only as a guide.

Most of men's sizing is done on a straight measurement-to-size comparison, so a 16-inch neck measurement requires a size 16 neck shirt. Most women's sizing translate measurements into sizes. All sizes should be checked based on each manufacturer's sizing charts. Sizing charts can vary widely by manufacturer, and there is no set standard for alpha-numeric size conversion. The sizing charts and measuring diagrams included on this page are based on common guidelines but may vary by manufacturer.

A) Height: Have the person stand against a wall in stocking feet (shoes can add inches to height). Mark a point level with the top of the head. Measure from this point down to the floor. If you take a lot of measurements, it might be best to simply adhere a tape measure or paint one on the wall.

B) Neck size: Measure around the neck just below the Adam's apple. The tape measure should be snug but not tight and should be even around the neck, not lower in front as might be the tendency. Leave enough room to fit your index finger between the tape and the neck. Or take a shirt with a collar that fits comfortably, lay the collar flat, and measure from the center of the collar button to the far end of the collar buttonhole. Measure to the nearest half inch.

C) Sleeve Length: Have the person bend his elbow and place his hand on his hip. Measure starting from the center of the back just below the bottom of the collar. From the back, measure to the shoulder, down the upper arm, along the outside of the elbow and down to the outer wrist bone. Measure to the nearest half inch.

D) Chest Size: With arms relaxed and at the sides, place tape measure around fullest part of the chest, keeping it up under arms and across the shoulder blades. Make sure tape is straight and level across back. Insert a finger between the tape and body to insure comfortable room. Measure with just an undershirt if measuring for a dress or work shirt. Measure with the shirt on if measuring for a blazer or coat.

E) Waist Size: Measure around waist, over shirt (not over pants) at the height the person normally wears his pants. This is usually above the hip bones and runs through the navel. Keep one finger between tape and body for comfort, and adjust for the preference of the wearer. Measure to the nearest whole inch. Note that many pants only come in even-numbered waist measurements (ex. 34, 36, 38, etc.).

F) Inseam: While standing, measure from the base of crotch seam to the top of the shoe to be worn. Measure to the nearest whole inch, but note that many pants only come in even-numbered inseam measurements (ex. 30, 32, 34, etc.). Or take a similar pair of pants (not jeans) that fits well. Lay them flat with the creases at the front and back of the legs. Lift one leg and measure from crotch seam to bottom of slacks leg.

Rise: Some slacks come in short, regular, and long rises. This is the distance provided from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the crotch. Basically a short rise is one inch less than regular, and long rises are one inch longer. If the person you are measuring is taller than average, has a long torso, or requires more freedom in the lower stomach area, he may be more comfortable in a long rise. Remember that 95% of the male population wears a regular rise and that many manufacturers don't have rise sizing.

Note: Typically, men's clothing does not require a hips measurement. Should one be needed for custom pants or a long coat for example, the guidelines for measuring hips under the women's section would apply.

MEN'S STANDARDS

A) Height: Have the person stand against a wall in stocking feet (shoes can add inches to height). Mark a point level with the top of the head. Measure from this point down to the floor. If you take a lot of measurements, it might be best to simply adhere a tape measure or paint one on the wall.

B) Bust/Chest Size: With arms relaxed and at the sides, measure around shoulder blades, under the arms and around the fullest part of the bust. Keep the tape straight and level. Insert a finger between tape and body for comfortable fit when appropriate.

C) Waist Size: Measure around the smallest part of the natural waistline, over shirt (not over pants) at the height the person normally wears her pants. This is usually above the hip bones and runs through the navel. Keep one finger between tape and body for comfort, and adjust for the preference of the wearer.

D) Hips: While the person stands with heels together, place the tape around the largest part of the seat, usually 7 to 8 inches below the waistline. Keep the tape level and straight. If measuring a dressed person, be sure she removes all bulky articles from hip and back pockets.

E) Inseam: While standing, measure from the base of crotch seam to the top of the shoe to be worn. Or take a similar pair of pants (not jeans) that fits well. Lay them flat with the creases at the front and back of the legs. Lift one leg and measure from crotch seam to bottom of slacks leg.

Rise: Some slacks come in short, regular, and long rises. Measure rise by holding the tape at the center back of the waist, pulling the tape between the legs and up to the natural waist at the front, pulling only tight enough to meet the crotch of a comfortable pair of pants. If the person you are measuring is taller than average, has a long torso, or requires more freedom in the lower stomach area, she may be more comfortable in a long rise. Remember that 95% of the female population wears a regular rise and that many manufacturers don't have rise sizing.

Belt Sizing: Belts are sized by measuring waist size (see above) and rounding up to the nearest even number. The proper fit of a belt is determined by wearing the belt in the middle buckle hole in the belt. Personal fit of the belt is left up to the wearer's discretion.