How to Take Arm and Shoulder Measurements

When taking measurements for tailoring clothes it is important to get it right. If you take improper arm and shoulder measurements you risk having an ill-fitting shirt or coat. Follow these directions and you'll be on your way to perfectly tailored upper wear.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Begin with the shoulder measurement. Measure the shoulders by stretching the measuring tape across the back, from the very end of the left shoulder to the end of the right shoulder.

2. Measure for the armhole by wrapping the tape measure from the top of the shoulder, down beneath the armpit and back up to the top of the shoulder.

3. Measure the upper arm by wrapping the tape measure around it, just below the armpit.

4. Measure the lower arm by wrapping the tape measure just above the elbow.

5. Measure the forearm by wrapping the tape measure around the center of forearm.

6. Measure the sleeve seam by stretching the tape measure from the top of the inside of the arm, under the armpit down to the wrist bone.

7. Measure the sleeve length by stretching the tape measure from the top of the shoulder over slightly bent elbow, down to the wrist bone.

Tips & Warnings

• When measuring the arms, make sure to keep the tape measure tight in order to assure an accurate measurement.