How to Measure Men's Shirts

To properly measure for a men's shirt, ask someone else to help you take measurements.

Men's shirts purchased right off the rack at a store are generally based on neck size and arm length. Custom made shirts will require additional measurements to make sure the shirt properly fits. If you are taking your own measurements, ask someone else to do the measuring so your muscles do not flex, which could affect the accuracy of the actual measurements. Custom shirts may require additional measurements of body length, chest width, shoulder width, waist and hip widths.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure the neck from approximately one inch up from the base. The measurement should be taken where the collar of the shirt would naturally sit. Shirt neck sizes are based on half numbers. For example, if the measurement is between 15 and 15 ½, you will want to go up to the next size, 15 ½. This will ensure the neck is not too tight.

2. Measure the sleeve from the shoulder blades. Put your arms out to the side and bend to a right angle at the elbow. Have your assistant take the tape measure and start the measurement from between the shoulder blades, around the elbow and down to the wrist. Sleeve measurements are in the half inch, so round up your final measurement to the nearest half inch. If purchasing a shirt off the rack, you will want to measure both arms and use the measurement for the longest of the two. However, if purchasing a custom made shirt, the tailor will use the length for each arm.

3. Measure the shoulder. Take the tape measure from the outer edge of the left shoulder and extend it across the back to the outer edge of the right shoulder. Round the measurement up to the nearest half inch.

4. Measure the length and width needed for the shirt. For the length, start with the tape measure at the base of the neck and measure to the bottom of the buttocks where the legs begin. While standing up straight, have your assistant wind the tape measure around the thickest part of your chest. Add 2 inches to that measurement. The chest, or width, should be measured from right under the armpits and shoulder blades, across the chest. You will want to the tape measure to fit snug, but not too tight. Round up both measurements to the nearest inch.

5. Measure the waist and hip. For the waist and hip measurements, wind the tape measure around the thickest part of the waist and hips and add 2 inches to both measurements. Round up both measurements to the nearest inch.

References

• GP Uniforms: How to Measure for your Shirt Size
• Exec Shirts: Measure Me for a Custom Shirt
• A Tailored Suit: Complete Men's Suit Measurement Guide