How do I read the Proper Cloth size chart?
Fact-checked 2026-09-29 · every claim links to its source below
What Proper Cloth publishes
- Proper Cloth is made-to-measure only — there is no off-the-rack size chart to run small or large against. You either pick a "Standard Size", which is a preset the brand then adjusts, or supply your own numbers.1
- The numbers are garment, not body, and the brand says so: "Body measurements and the dimensions used for your Proper Cloth orders are quite different."1
- The single most misread thing on the chart: width dimensions are half-measurements, taken "across the front of a shirt laying flat on a surface", so you "multiply the mentioned 'width' dimensions by 2" to get a circumference.1
- Dress shirts are sized collar × sleeve (e.g. 15.5" × 34") plus a fit; casual shirts are S/M/L. Shirt fits are Super Slim, Slim and Classic.1
- Jacket sizing follows the US chest-in-inches convention: "Your suit jacket size should roughly translate to your chest circumference as measured in inches", with S→36, M→38, L→42, XL→44.2
- Two jacket fits: Slim ("Most popular fit, intended to fit close to the body without being restrictive", slightly cropped) and Classic ("More traditionally-minded fit that starts with a broader chest", more room and a longer back length).2
- A worked garment example at size 40: chest width 22.0" Slim versus 22.8" Classic — half-measurements, so 44.0" and 45.6" of finished chest.2
- Four length options rather than the usual three: Short ("1.2" shorter in the sleeve length and center back length"), Regular, Tall ("1.2" longer in the sleeve length and body length") and Very Tall ("2.0" longer in the sleeve length and body length").2
If you are between sizes
- The brand gives a directional rule that amounts to "it runs slim, on purpose": choose a size "~1″ smaller than your chest circumference" for Slim, and "the jacket size closest to your actual measured chest circumference" for Classic. The same body gets two different numbers depending on the fit.2
- Because it is custom, a wrong size is not a plain return. The remedy is store credit toward local alterations — $125 suit, $75 jacket, $50 dress pants, $30 casual pants — with a $300 lifetime cap and a 60-day window, plus two complimentary remakes per product category. Altering the garment yourself forfeits remake, return and refund rights.3
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“WOW! Ordered a suit online with Linda. She contacted me by video call to go through the measuring process and once confirmed measurements again, around 4 weeks later a made to measure suit arrived in the UK. Fitted perfectly and I didn't even visit! Fantastic quality and customer service from Linda. Would definitely recommend!”
“Exceptional experience from start to finish. I ordered a fully custom two-piece double-breasted suit remotely from France, Linda and Jennifer guided me through every step with patience and professionalism. The suit arrived in under 3 weeks and the result is flawless: fabric, cut, lining, silhouette, everything is perfect. Nathan Tailors delivered exactly the vision I had in mind. I will absolutely be ordering again. Highly recommended.”
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Questions people ask
Are Proper Cloth measurements body or garment?
Garment, and the brand states the distinction plainly: "Body measurements and the dimensions used for your Proper Cloth orders are quite different" 1.
Why does the Proper Cloth chest look too small?
Because the width figures are half-measurements taken across a shirt lying flat — you "multiply the mentioned 'width' dimensions by 2" 1. A 22" chest width is a 44" finished chest 2.
What size Proper Cloth jacket should I order?
About 1" under your measured chest for Slim, and the size closest to your actual chest for Classic 2. A 41" chest is therefore a 40 Slim or a 41-ish Classic — the same body, two different numbers.
How much longer is the Tall jacket?
1.2" in both sleeve and body over Regular, with Very Tall at 2.0" longer and Short at 1.2" shorter 2. Four lengths is one more than most off-the-rack brands offer.
Sources
What Proper Cloth publishes
- Standard sizes, types of fit and size charts — Proper Cloth, 2026-09-29brand-stated
- How to choose your suit jacket size — Proper Cloth, 2026-09-29brand-stated
- Proper Cloth fit guarantee — Proper Cloth, 2026-09-07brand-stated
More on Proper Cloth
- Proper Cloth suits, reviewedPrice, construction, who it suits
- Are Proper Cloth suits half canvas or full canvas?Construction
- How do Proper Cloth alterations and reimbursement work?Alterations
- Where are Proper Cloth suits made?Where made
- Who owns Proper Cloth?Who owns it
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