There are now numerous special occasions where boys suits are the required dress code for young boys. Events such as weddings, christenings, proms, birthdays and funerals will usually require a boy to have to change out of the standard t-shirt, jeans and trainers and wear more formal childrens clothes.

Modern suits are both fashionable and comfortable to wear if care is taken beforehand in making sure that you have the correct measurements.

When buying a boys suit it is important that it fits as well as possible as an ill-fitting suit not only looks terrible but it usually results in a grumpy young boy for the day also.

Here are the most important measurements that you have to take when measuring your son for a suit with instructions on where to take the measurements from and to:

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 trouser line 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.

The measurements can be taken to the nearest half inch or so and it is best to be on the higher side to allow for more comfort around the shoulders, chest and waist.

If you follow these guidelines you can rest assured that buying a boys suit will become much easier and result in an elegantly dressed son.