When measuring for a boys tuxedo, these are the most important measurements to take:

1) Sleeve Length
2) Jacket Length
3) Waist
4) Inside Leg
5) Outside Leg
6) Chest

If you get all of these measurements correct then you should have no problem in getting a boys suit that fits perfectly.There is some leeway of an inch or so on most of the measurements and it is probably best to be too long than too short.

How To Measure

1) Sleeve Length - measure the sleeve length from the top of the shoulder blade where you can feel the bone that sticks out from the shoulder all the way down to just past the wrist.

2) Jacket Length - measure the jacket length by placing one end of the measuring tape on the nape of the neck and taking the tape down to the base of the buttocks. This would be the correct length for a standard jacket. If you are measuring for a three quarter length jacket or tail suit jacket you will have to measure down to just above the back of the knee.

3) Waist - It is important to measure from the actual waist and not the hips. The modern trend for wearing trousers that hang low around the hips can lead to many people measuring incorrectly for a boys suit. The best method to adopt is to have your son wear a pair of trousers that are a good fit and with them in the correct position on his waist take the measurement just above the waistband and as close to the skin as possible. Most boys suits that are suitable for boys up to the age of 8 come with elasticated waistbands and therefore usually allow 2 or 3 inches of movement either way.

4) Inside Leg - the inside leg measurement is taken from just below the crotch to approximately an inch past the ankle bone. Most boys suits will have trousers with an inch or two of extra length to allow them to be turned up to the exact length.

5) Outside Leg - the outside leg measurement is taken from the top of the waist (again not the hip bone) down to an inch past the ankle bone.

6) Chest - take the tape measure all the way round the chest just under the arm pits.