Tuxedo Size Chart (Jacket & Trouser Fit)
A tuxedo is sized like a suit: the jacket by chest (a 40R means a 40-inch chest, regular length) and the trousers by waist. Because black-tie fit is unforgiving, the jacket length letter — S, R, or L — matters as much as the number.
Tuxedo Jacket Size Chart (to-fit chest, inches)
| Jacket size | Chest | Trouser waist | Length code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 36 | 30–31 | S / R / L |
| 38 | 38 | 32–33 | S / R / L |
| 40 | 40 | 34–35 | S / R / L |
| 42 | 42 | 36–37 | S / R / L |
| 44 | 44 | 38–39 | S / R / L |
| 46 | 46 | 40–41 | S / R / L |
Notes
The jacket number is your chest. A tuxedo jacket labelled 40 fits a 40-inch chest — measure around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms, and that's your number. The trouser waist is usually about 6 inches smaller than the jacket size (a 40 jacket pairs with a ~34 waist).
Pick the right length code. S (short) suits roughly under 5'8", R (regular) about 5'8"–6'1", and L (long) over 6'1". The letter controls jacket length and sleeve — the right code is what stops a tux looking boxy or stubby.
Budget for tailoring. Black tie is close-fitting, and almost no one is a perfect off-the-rack fit. Buy the jacket to your chest and length, then have the sleeves, trouser hem, and waist tailored. A $50 alteration is what separates 'rented' from 'sharp.'
FAQs
How do I know my tuxedo size?
Measure your chest at the fullest point — that number is your jacket size (e.g., 40). Pick the length code by height (S/R/L), and note your waist for the trousers, which typically run about 6 inches smaller than the jacket size.
What does 40R mean on a tuxedo?
40 is the chest measurement in inches and R is 'regular' length, suited to men roughly 5'8"–6'1". A 40S would be the same chest in a shorter cut, and 40L in a longer cut for taller men.
Should a tuxedo be tailored?
Almost always. Off-the-rack gets you the right chest and length, but black-tie fit depends on tailoring the sleeves, trouser break, and waist. Buy to your chest and length code, then alter the rest.
Need this on your store?
Tailor Size Guide ships pre-built size charts for Shopify.