How to Measure for a Dress Shirt

Instructions

To get the correct measurement, you will need a measuring tape to measure the five necessary parts of the shirt. If a good memory is your strong suit, you won't struggle to keep track of the measurements, but a pen and paper to write the measurements down will come in handy. Avoid frustration taking the measurements yourself; it is a lot easier if you have someone to assist you.

Step 1: Measure the Collar Size

A tie can complement a shirt or make it look like it was made for someone else. Whether it is for a tie or because you like a top-button look having the collar fit perfectly is important. A tight collar makes breathing difficult and can cause discomfort. A loose collar looks sloppy, and even the best tie will not compliment the shirt.

When you measure the collar, start at the front, place the tape measure flush around the neck, and take the number of inches where the tape measure overlaps. With this step, you will find the assistance of someone else crucial because even with a mirror seeing the length of the tape is difficult.

The average collar size is between 14.5 and 20 inches. Please don't take the exact measured inches of your neck because it will be too tight. The best method for a comfortable collar measurement is to place two fingers between the tape and the neck. Inserting two fingers between the tape and neck will give enough space between your neck and the collar to breathe easily but still fit tight enough to present well.

Step 2: Measure the Shoulder Width

The shoulder width is very important, especially if you want it to be comfortable. If the shoulder portion of the shirt is too tight, it will restrict movement and put a strain on the back of the shirt, and could cause a tear. If the width of the shoulder measurement is too long and hangs over the peak of the shoulder, it will appear as if you are slouching and cause the shirt to easily crease in a jacket.

The top of the center back, known as the nape of the neck, is right below the collar in the middle of your back and where the next measurement starts. The peak of your shoulder is where your shoulder ends, and the top of your arm begins.

Raise your arm, bend it at the elbow, and mimic looking at your watch. Place the start of the measuring tape on the nape just below the collar and extend it to the peak of the shoulder. If necessary, this measurement is half your shoulder width and must be doubled to get the full width. After measuring the width of the shoulder, write the measurement down.

Step 3: Measuring the Top of the Arm

The top arm measurement is another crucial step, and if it is too short and you bend your arm, it will pull the cuff portion of the sleeve too far up. Measuring the top arm portion too long will add to the overall length of the sleeve, and when your arm is relaxed and straight down, it will create a bubble where the sleeve meets the cuff.

You end the shoulder portion of the sleeve measurement at the shoulder's peak, where you begin the measurement for the top arm. For the most accurate measurement, follow the same procedure as with the shoulder portion: bending your elbow slightly as if you are looking at your watch.

Place the measuring tapes beginning at the peak where the shoulder ends and measure down towards the tip of the elbow. Once you have measured the top arm, write the measurement down.

Step 4: Measure the Lower Portion of the Arm

With most of the sleeve measured, it is time to measure the final portion. The lower portion of the arm completes the measurement so that you can establish the shirt size that will be comfortable and complement you all day.

With your elbow raised to the side and bend at about 90⁰, tilt your hand slightly upwards to indicate where your wrist measurement should stop. Measure from the tip of the elbow to just above the wrist bone. If you want a longer length at the cuff, extend the measuring tape to where it suits you. Take the measurement and make a note because, in the final step, you'll need all of it to calculate the sleeve length.

Step 5: Calculate the Full Sleeve Length

With all the measuring done, it is time to calculate the sleeve length. The sleeve length starts at the top of the center back, or nape, then covers the peak of the shoulder down over the elbow and stops at the wrist. Take all four measurements you wrote down and add them to give you the full length of the sleeve.

Adding extra length to the collar is unnecessary to give a bit more breathing room or add half an inch to the cuff's measurement. These five steps already allow that little extra length to those areas to ensure that the shirt is comfortable and a perfect fit.