How to Take Dress Shirt Measurements

Contributor

By Elizabeth Lang
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(0 Ratings)

Unlike casual shirts, dress shirts are tailored to fit with the natural contours of the body. Women's dress shirts come in standard sizes, and thus specific measurements do not need to be taken. However, men's dress shirts are made to fit tightly around the neck so the tie fits in the neck collar. Men's dress shirts have two sizes: the size of the neck (e.g., 16) and the size of the arms (e.g., 34). For this reason, both measurements have to be carefully taken.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Measuring tape

Step 1

Take your neck measurement. Measure around your entire neck just underneath the Adam's apple. Add 1/2 inch to this measurement. This is your neck measurement.
Step 2

Seek the help of an another person (friend, family member, store salesperson).
Step 3

Hang your arms straight down your sides. Do not stiffen the arms; hold them straight but comfortably.
Step 4

Place the beginning of the measuring tape at the base of your neck directly in the middle between your shoulders. (This should be done by another person, as doing it yourself will not result in proper measurements.)
Step 5

Run the tape along the top of your shoulder and down your arm to your wrist. The tape will form an "L" with a right-angle shape. Have the person read the measurement on the tape. This is your arm length.

Tips & Warnings

The three main dress shirt fits are athletic, regular and full. Athletic-fit dress shirts are the slimmest fitting, regular are looser and full are even looser. Most dress shirts, unless otherwise indicated, are regular fit. Measure both arms to ensure that they are the same length. If one arm is longer, buy the larger shirt and have the short-arm sleeve tailored.

Resources