Measurement Central
Bison protects our customers with the most comprehensive Fitment Guarantee in the industry. The best way to get measured (and guaranteed) is to visit an AMP at a venue or event. If that’s not an option, an AMP can also guide you through our detailed 30-point measurement chart via a virtual measurement appointment.
If you plan to measure via a virtual measurement appointment, there is some due diligence required on your behalf. Here are the things you will need to do in order to ensure a Fitment Guarantee:
- Complete the Fitment Guarantee Pre-Checklist. This ensures you have watched and understand the YouTube video(s) and have taken the appropriate steps to prepare for the virtual measurement appointment, and that you understand our Fitment Guarantee Policy.
- Watch the Bison instructional video(s) on YouTube IN FULL with your measurement buddy. We recommend taking notes while watching the video so you can remember the key tips and ask specific questions during the virtual measurement appointment.
- Have all tools outlined above available for your virtual measurement appointment.
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Plan to be in a quiet, well-lit area without distractions to perform your virtual measurement appointment.
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Please have the following intake forms up to fill out. Your GCS cannot type/write your measurements during the appointment.
Custom Suit Intake Form
Custom Gloves Intake Form
Custom Jacket Intake Form
When you follow these steps we provide a Fitment Guarantee. It fits you, or we fix it. If you measure on your own or do not follow the above steps we can only guarantee that the suit is built to the specifications you provide.
Blog: How to Take Measurements and What to Expect
Submitting Your Measurements
We have a couple of different options to submit your measurements. You can visit us in person trackside at an event by finding an event near you via our Trackside Schedule, you can schedule a virtual measurement appointment with your Gear Customization Specialist, or you can even follow the self-guided video tutorials below:
Self-guided Video Tutorial - Suits
Self-guided Video Tutorial - Gloves
You can submit your measurements using the Measurement Intake Form for Suits and/or Gloves or the Measurement Chart below. Handwritten measurements will not be accepted. They must be typed or submitted through one of our Google forms listed above.
Don’t worry, nothing will go into production until we finalize your design and have your completed measurements. Lead time is approximately 6-8 weeks once the order goes into production.
Keep in mind: To be covered by our Fitment Guarantee, you must be measured in person or virtually by an Authorized Measurement Partner (AMP).
Preparing for your Virtual Measurement Appointment
Thank you for choosing Bison for your new custom gear! Today we are going to prepare you for your virtual measurement appointment. Let’s face it, you aren’t a professional tailor. And I’m here to tell you, it’s easy to screw these up if you’re a first-timer - even more so if you come into this process without preparation. Our experience over the first couple years was that most people were coming into fitment appointments unprepared and expecting the virtual measurement appointment to be foolproof. In actuality, we are only there to give you pointers and answer questions as you go through the process. As a result we spent hundreds of hours and (literally) tens of thousands of dollars fixing things that weren’t our fault!
With all of that in mind, we’re going to help you out here (which, in turn, will help us out too). Following our preparation steps will mean that you have done your due diligence and minimize the possibility of mismeasurements. With that diligence done we will consider you to be covered under our excellent Fitment Guarantee!
What do I need to wear when I get measured?
All measurements should be taken while you’re wearing the undergarments and protectors you normally wear under your suit.
What tools will I need?
- Undersuit (or undergarments normally worn under suit), protectors such as back/chest pads or air vest.
- Flexible measuring tape with centimeters.
- Chalk or tape (painter’s tape, masking tape, etc.) to make marks and ensure measurements are consistent and level.
- Someone to help you measure.
How long will it take?
Approximately 30-45 minutes.
I had measurements taken a while back. Can I use my old measurements?
Bison provides a fitment guarantee for measurements obtained within the past 12 months. It's important to consider that significant changes in weight or body shape may necessitate reassessing measurements. Your gear will be tailored to the specifications you provide; thus, notable changes could lead to gear that no longer matches your initially measured dimensions.
Will my fitment be guaranteed?
Bison protects our customers with the most comprehensive Fitment Guarantee in the industry. The best way to get measured (and guaranteed) is to visit an Authorized Measurement Partner (AMP) at a venue or event. If that’s not an option, an AMP can also guide you through our detailed 30-point measurement chart via a virtual measurement appointment.
To be covered by Bison's Fitment Guarantee, you must be measured in person or virtually by an AMP.
If you plan to measure via a virtual measurement appointment, there is some due diligence required on your behalf. Here are the things you will need to do in order to ensure a Fitment Guarantee:
- Complete the Bison Fitment Guarantee Pre-Checklist. This ensures you have watched and understand the YouTube video(s) and have taken the appropriate steps to prepare for the virtual measurement appointment, and that you understand our Fitment Guarantee Policy.
- Watch the Bison instructional video(s) on YouTube IN FULL with your measurement buddy. We recommend taking notes while watching the video so you can remember the key tips and ask specific questions during the virtual measurement appointment.
- Have all tools outlined above available for your virtual measurement appointment.
-
Plan to be in a quiet, well-lit area without distractions to perform your virtual measurement appointment.
When you follow these steps we provide a Fitment Guarantee. It fits you, or we fix it. If you measure on your own or do not follow the above steps we can only guarantee that the suit is built to the specifications you provide. For more information, please familiarize yourself with our complete Fitment Guarantee Policy, including our Fitment Guarantee Pre-Checklist and our Bison Fitment Guarantee Agreement.
Tips to ensure the most accurate measurements, follow the steps below.
SUIT MEASUREMENTS:
1 - Neck Circumference
TIP: Remember snug, but not tight. Leave a finger width. You should be able to spin the tape to allow for movement.
2 - Collar to Shoulder
TIP: Measure collar to AC joint. You should be able to feel the joint with your thumb.
3 - Chest Circumference
TIP: Inhale to expand your lungs as much as possible, then release and breathe normally. Take the measurement while talking to get a good median number. Tape should be right at the nipples. Make sure the tape is level from the front to the back.
4 - Center Torso Circumference
TIP: Taken just below the breasts, same process as #3.
5 - Lower Torso (Waist) Circumference
TIP: Keep the tape straight, we need a full circumference right around the navel level.
6 - Hips Circumference
TIP: Make sure tape sits flat on the widest part of the buttocks, so we get the full circumference.
7 - Thigh
TIP: Flex the thigh (squat like you’re in riding position!!) and measure at the widest point, just below the groin. Make sure the tape is level!
8 - Above Knee
TIP: While still squatting, measure approximately 2-3 inches above the kneecap.
9 - Kneecap
TIP: Standing, measure right over the center of the kneecap to get the full circumference.
BENT: Take a measurement of the knee bent (putting a foot up on a chair works well here).
10 - Calves
TIP: Stand on tip toes or step forward to flex calves measuring at the widest part to get the full circumference. Take multiple measurements down the calf to find the largest number.
11 - Ankle (at smallest point)
12 - Shoulder to Wrist
TIP: With the arm down to your side and relaxed, measure AC joint to wrist (marked during #2), walking tape along the arm to the wrist bone.
13 - Collar to Navel (Front) [CRITICAL! Recheck this measurement multiple times if needed!]
TIP: Make sure you are standing up straight. Measure from shirt collar to middle of navel.
IMPORTANT: Upon taking this measurement, measure from the navel to the floor. Make sure you are standing up straight! Then, turn around and measure that same distance from floor to lower back. That will be your back navel mark! Mark this point with your tape or chalk.
14 - Base of Neck to Navel (Back) [CRITICAL! Recheck this measurement multiple times if needed!]
TIP: Make sure you are standing up straight. Measure from bone at the base of your neck down to the back navel mark.
15 - Shoulder Width
TIP: Measure point to point across the back of the shoulders. You should be able to feel the AC joint with your thumb, this should be the marked point on the shoulder you used for #2 and #12. The tape can arch up towards the back of the neck rather than straight across.
16 - Bicep
TIP: Flex and measure at the widest point, so we get the full circumference.
17 - Elbow (at Rest)
TIP: Measure right across the center of the elbow joint at rest, so we get the full circumference.
BENT: Take another measurement with the arm bent around 90 degrees.
18 - Forearm Circumference
TIP: Extend your arm, make a fist and squeeze to flex the forearm. Measure the widest point of the forearm, just below the elbow.
19 - Wrist Circumference
TIP: Measure right over the wrist bones.
20 - Top of Shoulder to Ankle
TIP: Start at the top of the shoulder/base of neck and run the tape down the front of the body and front of leg, to the point on the ankle you want the suit to stop (you should have marked this point during #11). You may need to stop the tape at 150 cm and add additional from that point down if you are tall. You'll take this measurement from the top of the shoulder where the seam on your shirt would meet your collar.
21 - Top of Shoulder to Knee
TIP: Measure from the top of the shoulder at the base of the neck down to the center of the kneecap.
22 - Navel Level to Above Ankle
TIP: Measure from side, navel to the ankle bone where you want the suit to sit. Use your ankle mark from earlier.
23 - Navel Level to Kneecap
TIP: Measure from side, navel mark to the center of the knee.
24 - Shoulder to Elbow
TIP: Bend arm 90 degrees. Measure from shoulder joint to tip of elbow joint.
25 - Elbow to Wrist
TIP: Bend arm 90 degrees. Measure from tip of elbow joint to base of the wrist.
26 - Crotch to Ankle (Inseam) [CRITICAL! Recheck this measurement multiple times if needed!]
TIP: Stand straight and hold tape all the way up in the crotch area. Drop the tape and measure right above the ankle bone at your ankle mark.
27 - Front Collar to Back Collar - Overall Torso [CRITICAL! Recheck this measurement multiple times if needed!]
TIP: Hold tape at the front of neck (collar) and take the tape up between the legs and up to the bone at the base of your neck. Key points:
- Stand straight, looking ahead.
- Ensure that the garment you are wearing does not sag down. We want the tape all the way up against your crotch.
- Pull the tape snug, but not too tight.
28 - Front Navel to Navel Mark on Back - Lower Torso [CRITICAL! Recheck this measurement multiple times if needed!]
TIP: Recheck your mark on the back to ensure it hasn’t moved. Measure floor to lower back and make sure your mark is in the same place as you recorded on #21. Hold tape at center of navel (front) and measure center of body between legs to navel mark on back. Same snugness as #27, and remember not to let your pants sag down.
29 - Center of Knee to Ankle
TIP: Measure from center of knee down to mark on the ankle.
30 - Arm Hole
TIP: Open armpit, run tape around the shoulder. Put your arm back down to your side and measure straight up over the shoulder.
Additional measurements required for WOMEN:
These measurements will help us determine the size and center of your bust, thereby helping us make the suit fit you properly and comfortably.
Torso Circumference Above Bust
TIP: Just like measurement #3, but we’re going as high as we can in the armpit and taking the measurement above the bust.
Nipple to Nipple
TIP: Point to the nipples and measure the distance between.
Shoulder to Nipple
TIP: Measure from the top of the shoulder around the collar, down to the nipple.
How do you feel about those numbers?
We recommend taking these measurements once more - even twice - to confirm there are no big variances in the numbers. Doing this will significantly reduce the chance of mismeasurements and fitment issues.
GLOVE MEASUREMENTS:
Palm Circumference
TIP: With your fingers together, palm open and fingers together and extended, measure the widest point of your palm just ahead of the thumb.
Hand Length
TIP: With your hand in the same position, measure from the base of the palm (you’ll have a crease right where your palm meets your wrist) to the tip of your middle finger.
Palm Length
TIP: Measure from the base of your palm to the webbing between your middle finger and ring finger.
Thumb Length
TIP: Spread your fingers and open your hand, palm up. Measure from the crease at the webbing of your thumb out to the tip of your thumb.
Index Finger Length
TIP: With fingers spread, measure from the crease at the webbing of your index finger out to the tip of your finger.
Middle Finger Length
TIP: With fingers spread, measure from the crease at the webbing of your middle finger out to the tip of your finger.
Ring Finger Length
TIP: With fingers spread, measure from the crease at the webbing of your ring finger out to the tip of your finger.
Pinkie Finger Length
TIP: With fingers spread, measure from the crease at the webbing of your pinkie out to the tip of your finger.
BONUS GLOVE MEASUREMENTS FOR PEOPLE WITH BIG HANDS:
Overall Hand Circumference
If you have trouble getting your hands into the wrist of most gloves, measure the circumference of the widest point of your hand with the thumb closed as if you’re putting a glove on.
Finger Circumferences
If you have thick fingers and have a hard time finding gloves that aren’t too tight on fingers, measure the widest part of each finger, between your hand and first knuckle.
What happens if my gear doesn’t fit when I receive it?
The gear is made by hand specifically for you using your unique measurements and design. Some of the world’s best leathersmiths used the finest materials available to build your custom suit so they will serve you well for many years to come. Here’s what to expect when you first step into your new kit:
- The fit may be different than you’re used to with an off-rack suit - and that’s normal! Your new suit will likely be quite snug when you first put it on (especially if you opted for Race Fit). Don’t be alarmed. Recruit a helper if necessary and wiggle your way into them. Conversely, some areas (like the lower back and butt) may be looser than you expected. Again, that’s all by design as this suit is made for an ergonomic fit in your riding position.
- Get on a bike! Once dressed, we ask that you sit on (or ride) your motorcycle. In a riding position everything should start to fall into place. Keep in mind that the first time you swing your leg over the bike things might be a bit restrictive.
- Moisture and stretching go a long way. As long as your gear is comfortable enough to ride with, don’t give up on it. A solid weekend at the track or a long road trip should start to loosen things up. At home, wear the suit during exercises or even while stretching in a crouch in a steamy bathroom. The little things will start to make a big difference.
Can’t get a leg over your bike? Can’t zip the suit? Can’t crouch? Your issue may not be remedied with break-in time. If you are experiencing discomfort or a hindrance in mobility, there is a chance your measurements were incorrect or there was an error during assembly. In the world of custom-fitting garments, there are mistakes from time-to-time. Here’s what to do if you suspect an issue (fitment, workmanship or otherwise):
DON’T PANIC. There’s a reason we’re known for excellent customer service at Bison. We’ll assess your situation and help get you situated as quickly as possible!
Start an Issue Resolution claim via our Issues Resolution (IR) Intake Form. You must include front, back and side photos of you wearing the item both on and off the bike (or in a crouching position), pointing out any specific areas of concern.
Your Bison Customer Experience Specialist will determine the best course of action based on your issue. Keep in mind if you were measured by us or by a Bison Authorized Measurement Partner you are fully covered by our Fitment Guarantee at no cost to you. If you measured yourself with the help of a Virtual Measurement Call you are also covered by our Fitment Guarantee and are only responsible for shipping as long as you completed the Bison Fitment Guarantee Pre-Checklist. Finally, if you measured yourself without instruction we can only guarantee that the item was built to the measurements you provided. Once you start a claim, we will determine where to have the item shipped so we can look it over and take some measurements. We may also ask you to recheck your measurements or get on a video call to further assess your concerns. Once we have taken all factors into account, we will advise you on our plan to correct your fitment issues.
Please note: You must notify Bison of any fitment or product concerns within 30 days of receipt. Fitment or other product concerns raised after the 30 day window may not be covered by the Fitment Guarantee.