How to measure your child for a school blazer

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14 May 2026

On 14 May 2026

Start with a soft tape measure and a calm child. Stand them straight with arms relaxed at the sides. Measure around the chest, just under the arms, and write the number down before you do anything else.

Leave room for a jersey underneath. Most schools expect a blazer to last two or three years, so a little space to grow is sensible.

Sleeve and length

Measure from the shoulder bone to the wrist for the sleeve. The cuff should sit at the wrist bone, with a little shirt cuff showing. Check the length too. The blazer should cover the seat of the trousers or skirt.

Try the blazer on over a shirt and jersey, the way your child will wear it in winter. Ask them to reach forward and raise both arms. If the back pulls tight or the sleeves ride up, go up one size.

Check the shoulders

The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of the shoulder, not hang down the arm. Button it up and look from the side. It should lie flat without pulling at the buttons. Our Durbanville shop is happy to help with a fitting any weekday afternoon.

Sipho Dlamini, Grade 3 parent

We measured at home using the guide and then ordered online. The blazer arrived in a few days and fitted well across the shoulders. Our son has worn it all winter with a jersey underneath, and it still looks neat after many washes and playground days.

Nadia Petersen, Grade 6 parent

I was nervous about getting the size wrong, so I phoned the shop first. They talked me through the chest and sleeve measurements on the phone. The blazer fits our daughter properly, with room for a growth spurt next year, and the lining is still in good shape.

Lindiwe Khumalo, Grade 1 parent

Our little one was swimming in last year's blazer, so this time we measured carefully. The guide made it easy. The sleeves sit right at the wrist and the buttons close without a fight. Collecting from Wellington Road was quick and friendly as well.

Pieter van der Merwe, Grade 8 parent

Our son shoots up every few months, so fit matters. We followed the steps, allowed for a jersey and chose one size up. It looks smart on him now and will still fit next winter. Good advice, and a fair price for the quality.

"We followed the measuring steps at the kitchen table and got it right the first time. The blazer sits well on the shoulders, the sleeves are the right length and it has survived a full term of rough play. We will order again in January."

Caring for the fit

A blazer that fits well at the start of the year should still look good by December. Hang it up at home instead of leaving it in the school bag. Brush off dust and chalk, and spot clean small marks. Check the buttons every term and sew them back on early. If your child has grown a lot over the holidays, bring the blazer in and we will check the fit with you.