Pit to pit: how to measure clothing

Pit to pit is the width of a garment measured flat, straight across the chest from one armpit seam to the other. Doubled, it gives the chest circumference of the garment, and it is the main measurement for choosing a top, jumper or jacket.

Why measurements matter

Size labels differ between brands, decades and countries of manufacture, so a label such as Large or XL says little on its own. Measurements are a more reliable guide, and knowing how to read them is the basis for buying clothing online.

This guide explains the measurements that are stated most often, and how to take the same measurements from a garment already in the wardrobe so the two can be compared.

How to measure pit to pit

The pit to pit measurement, also called chest width or P2P, is taken with the garment laid flat.

1. Lay the garment flat on a surface.
2. Smooth out any wrinkles.
3. Place the tape measure at the seam under one arm, at the armpit point.
4. Measure straight across to the seam under the other arm.
5. This gives the half chest measurement.
6. Double it to get the full chest circumference.

Example: a pit to pit measurement of 58 cm means a full chest circumference of approximately 116 cm.

Measuring the body and a reference garment

The target pit to pit measurement comes from the body or from a garment that already sits well.

Measuring the body: a tape measure goes around the fullest part of the chest, level and snug but not tight. Divided by 2, that number is the pit to pit measurement of the body. Adding 2 to 5 cm gives a comfortable cut, and more gives an oversized look.

Measuring a garment from the wardrobe: a jacket or jumper that already sits well is laid flat and measured pit to pit as described above. That number is the reference measurement when buying. It is the more reliable of the two methods, because it compares a garment with a garment.

Other measurements

Shoulder width: measured from shoulder seam to shoulder seam across the back of the garment. It matters most on structured jackets and shirts. If the shoulders are wrong, the garment will not sit correctly whatever else is adjusted.

Body length: measured from the highest point of the shoulder, or the back of the collar, down to the hem. It shows where a jacket or jumper ends on the body.

Sleeve length: measured from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff.

Waist: on trousers and jeans, measured across the waistband laid flat and stated as that flat width: a pair sized 40x32 in the title has a full waist of 40 inches and measures 20 inches flat. Doubled, it is compared with the actual waist measurement, with some room allowed.

Inseam: on trousers, measured from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg. It sets the length.

Hem: on trousers, measured straight across the bottom of the leg laid flat. It shows the width of the leg opening.

Outseam: on trousers, measured along the outside of the leg from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the leg. It shows the full length of the trousers.

Why a size conversion chart is not published

Many charts online convert a pit to pit measurement into a modern size. Because size labels differ between brands, decades and countries of manufacture, such a chart would not hold up. A conversion chart would have to pick one size and present it as the answer, while measurements exist to remove that guesswork.

A reference garment from the wardrobe is the better guide, because it describes the cut that is wanted.

How measurements are taken at leverene

Each item is inspected, authenticated, cleaned and measured before it is added to the store. Each step is described in How leverene works.

Items shown flat are measured by hand with the garment laid flat. On tops and outerwear there are four measurements: chest (pit to pit), length, shoulders and sleeve. With raglan sleeves there is no shoulder seam, so there are three measurements instead of four. Trousers are measured flat at four points: the waist, the inseam, the hem and the outseam. Items shown on a model state the model's height and usual size instead of the four measurements. The measurements appear on the item page, so they can be held against a garment that is already in the wardrobe.

Frequently asked questions

What does P2P mean?

P2P is short for pit to pit: the width of a garment from armpit seam to armpit seam, measured flat.

Is pit to pit half the chest measurement?

Pit to pit is half the chest circumference of the garment. Doubled, it gives the full circumference.

How is pit to pit compared with a size?

By measuring a garment that already sits well and comparing the two numbers, rather than converting the measurement into a size.

How Carhartt jackets measure by size label is set out in Carhartt sizing and cut. Browse the full collection, for men and women, and choose by centimetres rather than by size label.