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4th August 2022 
Investing in a pricey piece of clothing is always a risk, but if it’s something you know you will wear frequently, it’s worth the splurge. While a high price tag may not be in everyone’s budget, we have a variety of beautiful waistcoats at various pricing points.
So whatever your budget is, you can still look stylish! Thanks to our high-quality fabrics, every waistcoat you buy from us will last you for seasons. When purchasing a waistcoat, make sure you know how to take your measurements so you can find the proper size.
Getting Started
To measure yourself for a waistcoat, take three measurements: chest circumference (around the fullest part of your chest, under the armpits), natural waist (around your navel), and length (from the base of your neck to your waist). Note each in centimetres or inches and match to the size chart below.
The most crucial part of buying a new waistcoat is having the contours right. You will obtain an ugly-fitting waistcoat if the proportions are incorrect. The last thing you want is to have to return an item because you mismeasured yourself. It’s sometimes simpler to have someone else take your measurements as certain areas are hard to reach. Remember to conform to either inches or centimeters while measuring.
How to measure for a waistcoat
Before you shop for a new waistcoat, take the following measurements:
- Pit to Pit Chest
The pit to pit measurement of a garment is the most accurate. This is done by putting the waistcoat flat, face up, and measuring it from the widest point underneath the armpit to the other armpit. The simplest approach to determine the measurement you want is to take a measurement of a pre-owned waistcoat that fits you properly.
In this situation, measure a waistcoat that you already own and love the fit of it to determine the size you need when making your purchase. Never be deceived by your actual chest size. For instance, if your chest measures 44 inches all around and you divide by two, you get a pit to pit measurement of 22 inches, which is too little since you need at least one to two inches in a waistcoat to allow for mobility.
- Length
With the waistcoat facing you, place the measuring tape on the inner edge of the shoulder seam and measure to the tip of the waistcoat peak. If there is no peak, measure straight down to the bottom edge of your waistcoat.
The most crucial tip is that you measure yourself with a professional dressmaker’s measuring tape. It’s not a good idea to take measurements from other clothes since they might not be up to date. Also, unless you want your waistcoat to fit flimsily, don’t add any extra inches or centimeters to the measurements.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with Walker & Hawkes if you have any questions about the dimensions of an item you are interested in purchasing.
Frequently asked questions
How do you measure yourself for a waistcoat?
Take three measurements: chest circumference (fullest part under the armpits), natural waist (around the navel), and length (base of the neck to the waist). Use a soft tape measure, stand straight, and don’t pull the tape tight.
What size waistcoat should I wear?
Your waistcoat size usually matches your chest measurement in inches — a 40-inch chest is typically a size 40 waistcoat. If you’re between sizes, size up for comfort or size down for a fitted look.
How should a waistcoat fit?
A well-fitting waistcoat sits flat against the chest without gaping, ends at the waistband of your trousers (not above), and lets you slide two fingers comfortably between the fabric and your chest at the widest button.
Should a waistcoat cover your belt?
Yes. The bottom of the waistcoat should just cover the top of your trouser waistband and belt buckle. A waistcoat that’s too short exposes the shirt above the belt — a sign the length is wrong.
