Getting a kandora that fits perfectly changes everything. A well-fitted garment looks sharp, feels comfortable, and lets you move freely throughout your day. Poor measurements lead to kandoras that bunch up, pull tight, or hang awkwardly on your frame.
You don’t need professional help to get accurate measurements. With a measuring tape and these simple steps, you can measure yourself at home and get results that rival any tailor’s initial assessment.
What You Need Before Starting
Grab a flexible measuring tape, preferably the fabric kind tailors use. Metal or plastic tapes work but don’t conform to your body as easily. You’ll also want a mirror, a pen, and paper to record your numbers.
Wear fitted clothing or just an undershirt. Baggy clothes add bulk that throws off your measurements. Stand naturally and breathe normally throughout the process. Sucking in your stomach or standing unnaturally straight gives you inaccurate numbers.
The Five Critical Measurements Every Tailor Needs
1- Shoulder Width
Stand straight with your arms relaxed at your sides. Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the other, across your back. The tape should run along the natural shoulder line where your arm connects to your torso.
This measurement determines how your kandora sits on your frame. Too narrow creates pulling and restricts movement. Too wide makes the garment slide around and look sloppy.
2- Chest Measurement
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, typically right across your nipples. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. You should fit two fingers between the tape and your body comfortably.
Take this measurement while breathing normally. Some people hold their breath or puff out their chest, which creates a kandora that’s too large.
3- Sleeve Length
Start at the shoulder point where you took your shoulder width measurement. Run the tape down your arm to your wrist bone. Keep your arm slightly bent, as if resting naturally at your side.
Kandora sleeves typically end right at the wrist bone. Some prefer them slightly longer to cover the wrist completely. Note your preference when recording this measurement.
4- Body Length
Measure from the base of your neck (the prominent bone you feel when you tilt your head forward) straight down to where you want your kandora to end. Most men prefer the hem to hit just above the ankle bone.
Stand barefoot for this measurement. Wearing shoes adds height that throws off the final length. If you typically wear certain footwear with your kandora, add an inch to account for this.
5- Neck Circumference
Wrap the tape around your neck where the collar will sit. This is typically mid-neck, not right against your throat or down near your shoulders. Keep the tape snug enough to stay in place but loose enough to fit two fingers underneath.
Many men measure their neck too tight, then wonder why their collar feels restrictive. Give yourself breathing room here.
Pro Tips for Taking Measurements Solo
- Stand in front of a full-length mirror so you can see if the tape stays level around your body.
- For back measurements like shoulder width, mark the shoulder points with small pieces of tape before measuring. This lets you position the measuring tape more easily without twisting around.
- Take each measurement twice. Write down both numbers. If they match, you’re good. If they differ by more than half an inch, measure a third time and use the number that appears twice.
Mistakes That Ruin the Fit
Pulling the tape too tight ranks as the biggest error. A measuring tape should lie flat against your body without digging in. Tight measurements create a kandora that’s uncomfortably snug.
Measuring over thick clothing adds bulk you don’t account for. That extra inch might not seem like much, but it makes your finished kandora noticeably loose.
Rounding numbers seems helpful but actually hurts. If your chest measures 41.5 inches, write down 41.5, not 42. Tailors work with precise numbers, and rounding can throw off the proportions.
So, if you are struggling with measurements, visit your nearest kandora tailor and get accurate measurements before you ruin your dress.
Understanding Fit Preferences and Ease
Measurements give you starting points, but fit preferences vary. Some men like kandoras that skim the body closely. Others prefer a looser, more relaxed fit.
Traditional fit adds 4-6 inches to your chest measurement for comfort and ease of movement. Modern fit adds only 2-3 inches for a closer, more tailored appearance. Discuss these preferences with the best mens tailor in Abu Dhabi when you submit your measurements.
The climate matters too. Summer kandoras often use looser fits for better air circulation. Winter pieces can fit closer since you’re not dealing with extreme heat.
Recording Your Measurements Clearly
Write measurements in a format tailors understand. List each measurement with clear labels:
- Shoulder: 18 inches
- Chest: 42 inches
- Sleeve: 25 inches
- Length: 58 inches
- Neck: 16 inches
Include the date you took measurements. Bodies change, so measurements older than six months might not reflect your current size.
Note any asymmetries. Most people have one shoulder slightly higher or one arm slightly longer. Mentioning this helps tailors make small adjustments.
When to Remeasure
Your body changes over time. Remeasure every six months if your weight stays stable. After gaining or losing more than 10 pounds, take fresh measurements immediately.
Seasonal changes affect your body too. Some men carry slightly more weight in winter. If you notice your kandoras fitting differently, new measurements might be necessary.
Working with Your Measurements
Once you have accurate numbers, comparing them to ready-made kandora sizing charts becomes much easier. You’ll know exactly which size works for you instead of guessing.
For custom kandoras, these measurements give your tailor everything needed to create a perfectly fitted garment. They might request additional measurements for specific design elements, but these five core numbers cover the basics.
The Reality Check
After recording your measurements, compare them to a kandora that fits you well. Measure that garment and see how the numbers align with your body measurements. This gives you insight into how much ease you prefer and helps you communicate better with tailors.
Making Measurement Day Easier
Pick a time when you’re relaxed and not rushed. Trying to measure yourself while stressed or hurried leads to mistakes. Ten focused minutes gives you accurate numbers that last for months.
Ask someone to help if possible. Having another person take measurements, especially for shoulder width and body length, increases accuracy significantly. They can also verify that the tape stays level around your body.
Taking your own measurements might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier with practice. After doing it a few times, you’ll know exactly how to position the tape and what pressure to use. These skills serve you well beyond just ordering kandoras, helping you shop for any clothing with confidence.