How to Size Yourself for Dress Shirts

The right dress shirt can pull together a man's entire look and help him appear more professional, clean-cut and dapper. On the reverse, an ill-fitting dress shirt can lead to a man looking sloppy, and worse, he will likely feel uncomfortable. Before buying a dress shirt, it's important that you take the time to ensure a good fit in the neck and arms of the shirt. Fortunately, properly sizing yourself for a dress shirt is relatively easy.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Determine the fit you need for your dress shirt: regular, full or athletic. Regular dress shirts are the most common (often the default) and have a looser fit than athletic dress shirts. Full dress shirts have the loosest fit, are typically longer than regular and athletic dress shirts, and work well for big and tall men. Athletic dress shirts are tailored and slim, and have the most narrow fit.

2. Measure your neck size with measuring tape by placing it just below your adam's apple. Note this measurement and add half an inch to it--this will ensure that your dress shirt fits comfortably in the neck.

3. Find out your sleeve length--you'll need someone to assist you in order to get an accurate measurement. Hang your arm straight down by your side, and have the person helping you measure from the center of the back of your neck, over the top of your shoulder, down to your wrist.

4. Visit your local formal menswear or department store to purchase the dress shirt you need--a wide variety of materials, styles and patterns are available. Alternatively, you can shop for your dress shirt online--ensure you pay attention to the sizing guide provided since you won't be able to try the shirt on before buying it.

References

• Overstock.com: Men's Dress Shirt Buying Guide
• Overstock.com: Men's Measurment Guide