How to Measure Your Shirt Size: Easy Guide For A Perfect Fit

When I first tried shopping for shirts online, I quickly realized how important it is to know your exact shirt size. After a few failed attempts—receiving shirts that were either too tight or overly baggy—I knew I had to figure out how to measure shirt size accurately. The problem had to be solved because I was wasting time and money on returns, and it was getting frustrating. Without knowing how to measure correctly, buying clothes online became a gamble, and I didn’t want to risk looking unprofessional at work or uncomfortable at events. Understanding the right steps and tools to get accurate measurements is essential, and it saves you the hassle of constantly exchanging ill-fitting clothing.

Measuring A Men Dress Shirt

Step 1: Search for a formal shirt that fits me nicely. Using a shirt I already possess that fits how I want my new shirt to fit will help me get accurate measurements really quickly. I’ll sort through my clothes, try on a dress shirt, and see whether it still fits comfortably. I’ll remove it to start measuring once the fit satisfies me.

This method works best for button-up men’s dress shirts, though it may also apply to other types of shirts.

Step 2: After buttoning the shirt totally, I will lay it flat in a smooth place. Whether it’s a table or the floor, I’ll make sure the surface is level and solid. I will iron any wrinkles and make sure every button—including the cuffs and collar—is secured.

Step 3: I will measure somewhere below the armpits for the chest measurement. I’ll find the seams where the sleeves cross the garment and lay a measuring tape across, orienting it toward the left side seam. I then write the measurement straight across to the right side seam.

Step 4: Next, I’ll take the waist measurement across the narrowest part of the torso. I’ll identify where my waistline would be on the shirt and measure from the left side seam to the right seam; even men’s shirts tend to taper somewhat at the waist.

Step 5: For the hips, I will measure along the shirt’s bottom hem. Starting at the bottom-left corner, I will drag the tape straight across to the bottom-right corner, measuring exactly from seam to seam.

Step 6: I will start at the bottom of the collar, where it links to the shirt, and draw the tape down to the bottom hem, keeping it as straight as possible after once more smoothing down the cloth.

Step 7: To measure the shoulder width, I will remain on the back of the shirt and measure across the yoke—that is, the space across the shoulders—to gauge the shoulder width. Recording the measurement, I will lay the tape at one shoulder seam and stretch it to the other.

Step 8: The eighth step is the sleeve measurement, from the shoulder seam to the cuff’s finish. Starting at the point the sleeve hooks to the shirt, I’ll slide the tape down to the cuff’s bottom.

Step 9: Before measuring the collar and cuffs, I’ll spread them flat. I’ll open the collar and place the tape next to the button stitch, then pull it across to the center of the buttonhole. I’ll repeat the same process for the cuff measurement. If it’s a short-sleeved shirt, I’ll just measure across the hem from seam to folded edge.

Step 10: I’ll make sure to record any extra measurements the tailor or seamstress asks for. While these are the most common measurements, they may also ask for measurements of areas like the bicep, elbow, or forearm.

Step 11: When shopping, I will eventually bring my measurements with me. Though brand can affect sizing, I will compare my measurements to store sizing guidelines. I may be a great medium at one location and a huge one at another.

How Do I Take The Basic Measurements

Step 1: Stay relaxed while taking measurements.

I try to be calm as I measure. I avoid puffing my chest, sucking in my tummy, or flexing since these would provide false findings. The measuring tape needs to be flexible enough to run around me with ease. To make sure I remain straight and still during the process, I would want someone else to assist with my measurements if at all feasible.

Step 2: Measure the widest part of my chest.

Keeping my body relaxed without forcing my chest out, I wrap the measuring tape across the broadest section of my chest. This guarantees a measured chest precisely.

Step 3: Measure the narrowest part of my waist.

I keep calm and avoid drawing my stomach in for my waist measurement. I wrap the tape around the narrowest section of my waist such that it stays free enough for comfortable breathing.

Step 4: Measure the fullest part of my hips.

If the garment I’m buying calls for it, particularly for women’s or some men’s styles, I wrap the tape over the broadest region of my hips—including my buttocks.

Step 5: Take collar and sleeve measurements if needed.
For men’s dress shirts, I may need to take additional measurements for the collar and sleeves, depending on the store’s sizing.

• Collar: I wrap the measuring tape around the base of my neck, making sure it’s loose enough to fit two fingers underneath.
• Sleeve (casual): I measure from my shoulder to my wrist or wherever I want the cuff to fall.
• Sleeve (dress/formal): I start at the back-center of my neck, measure over my shoulder, and down to where I want the cuff to end.

Step 6: Bring my measurements when shopping for a shirt.
When I go shopping, I bring my measurements and compare them to the sizing chart provided by the store. I find the size that matches my measurements and choose a shirt accordingly. It’s important to remember that sizing can vary between brands, so I might be a medium at one store and a large at another.

Some Tips to Find Your Shirt Measurement

Taking body measurements on my own can be tricky, even with the right tools and techniques. If I need to figure out my shirt size but don’t have anyone to help, there’s a much easier option: instead of measuring my body, I grab the best-fitting shirt from my closet and measure that.

Measuring a shirt is different from measuring my body, so here are a few tips I follow to make sure I get accurate numbers:

• For the collar, I spread it flat and measured from the middle of the buttonhole to the center of the collar button.
• To measure the chest, I button up the shirt, lay it flat, and measure edge to edge just below the armpit, then double that number.
• The waist is the narrowest part of the shirt, so I measure across there.
• For the sleeves, I measure along the outside, starting at the top of the shoulder and ending at the edge of the cuff.

FAQs On How To Measure Shirt Size

Conclusion

In conclusion, measuring a shirt size on your own can be much simpler than it seems. By following these steps and using an existing shirt that fits well, I can get accurate measurements for the collar, chest, waist, sleeve, and length without too much hassle. This method allows me to confidently shop for new shirts that match my size, even when sizing varies between brands. It’s an easy and effective way to get the fit I want without relying on body measurements alone.

For a visual guide, check out this helpful video on measuring shirt sizes:

Estelle Krattinger

I am Estelle Krattinger, a multi-talented creative artist from Paris, France. Known for my captivating photography and enchanting storytelling, I have garnered a dedicated following on Instagram, where I share glimpses of my artistic journey and creative pursuits. With an impeccable eye for detail and a passion for exploring the beauty in the mundane, my work showcases my unique perspective and artistic vision.