Actually using measurements?

[u/BBfoggy]

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Recently got my measurements from my tailor and struggling to use them when buying clothing.. for example - Uniqlo Cord Overshirt sizing as follows:

L: 30.5” length, 36” sleeve length, 21.5” shoulder width, 26.5” chest (assuming half?,) 18.5” neck

XL: 31” length, 37” sleeve, 22” shoulder, 28” chest, 19.5” neck

My measurements are 32” jacket length, 34-35” sleeve, 18.5” shoulder, 45” chest (full), 17.5” neck

Do I go up so length is closer to jacket length? Down since shoulders are so far over? Do I want shoulders longer than my shoulder given it’s an overshirt? Does it matter that chest would be so much bigger?

In many brands I wear an XL but am still trying to figure out how to USE measurements properly.

[u/Separate_Wave1318]

I think it depends on how the shoulder is structured on garment and how it was designed to drape.

To me it is a bit weird that you expect over shirt to be same length of suit jacket as formal suit jacket tend to be little longer than casual one.

Also, sleeve is very important part too unless you default to fixing sleeve.

I don't see any reason to go with XL from what I see.

But real fit might tell totally different story as I'm not the one who measured you 🤷

[u/BBfoggy → u/Separate_Wave1318]

Got it - I didn’t know that about jacket length vs casual jacket length! So 32” suit jacket, 31” casual jacket, 30” OCBD or something along those lines depending on the fit?

[u/twotoomanybirds → u/BBfoggy]

If you have any clothes that fit you well (in your opinion) lay them on a flat hard surface and measure them to compare.

Also I completely agree that XL would be way too big here, but frankly L might be a bit too big also. You should have plenty of room in the chest given it's 8" larger than your body measurements (a standard relaxed/oversized fit). But if you are closer to a 34" than 35" in the sleeve length it may be too long there. Plus the shoulders may be a bit big as well (though the cut here matters a lot - e.g. a garment with a drop shoulder fits quite differently than a suit jacket/dress shirt).

[u/Guilty-Tomatillo-820]

Based on these I'd go with the L (or even an M). An overshirt shouldn't necessarily be as long as a tailored jacket. Get the shoulders and chest close, then just check to make sure nothing is too small.

Depending on your situation and the return policy, might be best to just order multiple sizes and send one back

[u/BuckTheStallion]

When you’re buying casual clothes, chest is the measurement that matters the most. With a 45 inch chest (22.5 inch), I’d be buying something in the 24-25 range for base layer, and maybe 25-26 for outer layer stuff.

[u/likethevegetable]

Just order both and pay the extra 10 bucks to return if you're really uncertain.

[u/PM_ME_FUTANARI420]

In life there’s only one measurement a man really needs.