How to Measure Chest Size

Co-authored by David Pew

Last Updated: March 18, 2024 Fact Checked

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If you want to buy a fitted suit or shirt, you'll need to know your chest size. To find your chest size, all you need is a measuring tape and a pencil to write the number down. Loop the tape around your body and measure the widest part of your torso. Read on to learn more about how to find your chest size for both men and women.

Taking a Chest Measurement

Wrap a fabric measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest under your arms. Stand with your arms relaxed at your side and avoid puffing out your chest. Take your chest measurement where the tape overlaps.

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Measuring Chest Size for Women

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This type of tape measure is easy to wrap around your body, and accurately measuring curves. If you don't have one, you can instead wrap a string around your body, then measure that with a ruler.^{[1]
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Find a friend to help you measure. It can be a little tricky to take an accurate chest measurement on your own, so if possible, see if you can find a friend to help you. If not, you'll just need to be extra careful to make sure the tape measure doesn't slip in the back.

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Remove your shirt, but leave your bra on. Any extra fabric will add a few centimeters to your measurement. Since you'll be wearing a bra under the clothing you're getting measured for, the extra fabric of the bra should be included in your measurement.
- Wear whatever undergarments you would wear on a normal day. For instance, you would wear the same type of bra you usually wear. If you usually go braless, measure your chest without a bra. If you're nonbinary and you bind your chest, measure with your binder on.^{[2]
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  David Pew
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Wrap the tape measure around your chest. Position it so that the tape is horizontal to the ground, and falls just under your armpits. Bring it around your back so that the ends come together in front, across the widest part of your breasts.^{[3]
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- Don't stick your chest out or exhale; just stand normally.
- Make sure the tape measure is not twisted.
The place where the end of the tape measure meets with the other side is where you'll find the number that indicates your chest size.

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Measuring Chest Size for Men

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This type of tape measure is made of soft material that makes it easy to wrap around your body. If you don't have one, you can instead use a piece of string to wrap around your chest, and measure the string with a ruler to get your size.
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Consider asking someone to help you measure. You will get the most accurate measurement if someone else is holding the tape, since they'll be able to make sure it's lined up correctly across your back. However, you can still get a very accurate measurement if you just want to do it yourself.
- If you must take the measurement yourself, do it in front of a mirror, so that you can see if the tape is parallel to the ground all the way around.
Clothing adds extra width to the measurement, so it's better not to be wearing anything on your torso.^{[4]
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Wrap the tape around your torso. Slide it tape so that it surrounds your chest and falls just under your armpits. Rest it securely around the widest part of your chest, which is often above or at the nipple line.^{[5]
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David Pew
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Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.} If you are performing the measuring yourself, make sure the numbers are turned out so that you can read it in the mirror.^{[6]
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- Hold the ends of the tape with both hands in the front of your body, so you'll be able to see the measurement.
- Look in the mirror and make sure the measuring tape isn't twisted.
- Ensure the tape is at the same height all the way around. It should be parallel with the ground.
Don't puff out your chest or flex your muscles. This will add a few centimeters to the measurement and make it less accurate.
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Take note of your measurement. Look in the mirror at the place where the beginning end of the tape measure and the remaining portion meet in the front of your chest. This number is your chest measurement.
- Don't look down at the tape to take your measurement, since this can cause it to slip out of place. Look in the mirror instead.
- Add 2 inches (5cm) to the measurement for any garment that you want to be slightly loose, such as a dress shirt. Always round up the measurement when buying clothing.

Expert Q&A

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Should I measure my chest with a bra on?

David Pew
Professional Tailor
David Pew is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Sew Generously based in Seattle, Washington. With over a decade of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products.

David Pew

Professional Tailor

Expert Answer

Wear whatever a typical undergarment is for you. If you typically wear a certain type of bra, wear that. If you usually go braless, don't wear one. If you're nonbinary and you typically bind, measure your chest while you're wearing your binder.

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Question

How do you measure your chest size?

David Pew
Professional Tailor
David Pew is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Sew Generously based in Seattle, Washington. With over a decade of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products.

David Pew

Professional Tailor

Expert Answer

To measure the chest size of any person, you need to measure the broadest part. To do that, go over the shoulder blades and the widest part of the bust. For men, that's usually directly over the nipples. For women, that will be over the largest part of the bust, wherever that might be.

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Question

I have a spare tire or beer belly. How do I measure to accommodate for this feature?

Community Answer

Chest is a horizontal measurement across the chest at the nipples, it doesn't depend on belly size. Waist is measured at the widest part if you have a convex belly, or at the narrowest point if not. If you are asking about shirt sizing, you will usually have to buy for your biggest measurement.

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