How to Measure a Man's Arms for a Dress Shirt

A properly measured shirt sleeve creates a crisp image for the well-dressed man.

The length of a man's arms dictates the ideal sleeve length for his dress shirts. The arm measurement actually measures part of the shoulder and back, as well, since these body parts directly relate to the sleeve length. A properly sized shirt sleeve ensures a crisp look, allowing just the right visibility for a wristwatch or cuff links.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Make sure the man is standing erect and with good posture before measuring his arm. Ensure that he is not slouching and allow his shoulders to fall naturally. His arm should be at his side, with a slight natural curve at the elbow.

2. Place the starting point of the tape measure in the center of his back, centered between his shoulder blades.

3. Measure from the center of his back to the edge of his shoulder and measure along the outside of the man's arm, down to his elbow. Mark the final measurement at the center of his wrist bone.

4. Write down the measurement and remember to round up if buying shirts off-the-rack. If you are buying made-to-measure, supply the tailor the sleeve measurement rounded to the nearest tenth of an inch. This gives the tailor an accurate measurement and allows him to round up, or down, as necessary for the man's bespoke needs.

References

• GPUniforms.com: How to Measure Your Shirt Size