How to Measure a Man's Shirt Size

The biggest mistake that men make when buying a dress shirt is that they buy a size too small. The collar on the shirt always shrinks when the shirt is laundered. And don’t get the idea that shirts that go to the dry cleaner don’t shrink. They do. Therefore, if the measurement around your neck is 16 ½” buy a 17-17 ½” shirt.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A flexible measuring tape measure - a metal tape won't work in this case.
• Pen and paper

1. 
   Selecting a shirt.

   - Measuring for the sleeve length is pretty simple once you know how to do it. With a tape measure in hand, find the knot at the top of the spine and at the bottom of the man’s neck. From the center of the knot at the neck, measure across to the shoulder and straight down the extended arm. The knot at the wrist bone is the next stopping place. Add 1” to that measurement to get the shirt sleeve length. Shirt sleeve lengths run 32-33”, 34-35”, 36-37, etc. You can order smaller or larger sizes from various Web sites. And don’t forget, shirt sleeves shrink when they are laundered. A half-inch longer is better than a half inch too short.

2. 
   Jan and Terry negotiating.

   – The overall proportions of the man must be taken into consideration. A man who is slender through the torso or more beefy can choose specialty sizes. A slender man can have a shirt altered by a tailor if necessary. But a larger man won’t be able to button the shirt if the incorrect size is purchased.

3. 
   Josh at lunch.

   – As a tailor myself, most of my shirt customers have trouble in the torso area. Men who work out with weights or are naturally broad shouldered are the ones that I usually see. To accommodate the large shoulders the purchased shirt is too big through the torso. At one point in time the Philadelphia Eagles had their summer training camp in West Chester, Pa. It you want to talk about some out-of-proportion young men, take a good look at a football player. I felt sorry for these guys because they would love to be able to buy a shirt off-the-rack that fits.

4. – If you find a brand that fits you well, stick with it. One of my customers, a computer science professor from West Chester University, found a brand that works perfectly for him. Calvin Klein, Slim Fit fits him to a tee. Although he no longer needs my tailoring, I am happy that he has found something that works for him.

5. 
   Jamel on the PDA.

   – Take the time to learn about what size works for you. Before you go to a store to buy a shirt, have someone take your measurements following these directions. If you know what size you are looking for, it is less likely that a salesperson will sell you the wrong size. This same philosophy goes for moms, wives and girlfriends. Make sure that they know what size you wear. It will save you all of the hassle of returning the shirt or spending time and money to have it tailored to fit you.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, “all” shirts shrink.
• Measure before you shop.
• Consider your body proportions.
• Find a brand that works for you.
• Tell all gift buyers your correct size.
• Caveat Emptor - Let the buyer beware. Just because a size is sewn into a shirt does not mean it is correct. Sewing factories are located worldwide and each one uses a different pattern that may vary in sizing. If you can, try the shirt on before you buy it.

Resources

• Custom shirts & suits. Ask for Brian Lipstein

[john001]

on 6/10/2009 Here is a website doing men's tailor-made suit, you can get the details about how to measure your shirt size http://www.vlosuit.com/how_to_measure.html

[Sassy8722]

on 4/11/2009 Great tips on How to Measure a Man's Shirt Size. 5* and rec

[annaiam]

on 3/19/2009 Thanks for posting this information! 5*

[Meri]

on 3/17/2009 This is great. A tailor showed us how to do this a few years back. It makes a big difference to have the correct measurements!

[sonni57]

on 3/12/2009 Good idea and informative article thanks.