How to Measure Your Shirt Size

Co-authored by Korri Burton-Universe

Last Updated: August 22, 2024

Clothing comes in standard sizes, but these sizes vary from company to company. While you can always try the shirt on in a brick-and-mortar store, this is not possible when ordering online. Knowing how to measure your shirt size is important, and it can help ensure that you order your shirt in the size. It can also help you if you ever choose to order a custom-sized shirt or ask a tailor to alter one for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Measuring a Dress Shirt

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1
Find a dress shirt that fits you well. One of the best ways to measure for a dress shirt is to use one that you already own and that fits you the way you want the new shirt to fit you. Go through your closet, find a dress shirt, and try it on to ensure that it still fits you well. Take it off once you are done.^{[1]
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- This method assumes that you will be measuring a button up men's dress shirt. It may work for other styles of shirts too.
Find a flat surface, such as a table or hardwood floor. Spread the shirt out on that surface, then smooth out any wrinkles. Make sure that all of the buttons on the shirt are closed, including the collar and cuffs.

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Find the seams where the sleeves attach to the shirt. Place a measuring tape across the shirt just below these seams. Make sure that the end is aligned with the left side seam, then measure across to the right side seam. Write your measurement down.^{[2]
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Take the waist measurement across the narrowest part of the torso. Even men's shirts taper towards the middle of the torso. Find the spot on your shirt where your waist would be, then measure across it, from the left side seam to the right side seam.^{[3]
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- This can be a little hard to find on men's shirts; it is more evident on women's shirts and fitted shirts.
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Pull the tape across the bottom hem for the hips. Find the bottom-left corner of the shirt, and measure across to the bottom-right corner. Make sure that you measure from seam-to-seam. Do not measure around the curved hem; measure straight across it.^{[4]
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- Some places refer to this as the "seat" measurement instead.^{[5]
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Take the length measurement in the back, from collar to hem. Flip the shirt over and smooth out any wrinkles. Place the measuring tape at the bottom edge of the collar, right where it connects to the shirt. Pull the measuring tape straight down towards the bottom edge of the hem, and record your measurement.^{[6]
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- If your shirt has a curved bottom hem, pull the tape down to the curved hem.
- Keep the measuring tape as straight as possible. If your shirt has a striped or checkered pattern, use the lines as a guide.
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Take the shoulder width measurement in the back, right across the yoke. Keep the shirt spread out with the back facing you. Place the measuring tape at the left shoulder seam. Pull the tape across the yoke towards the right shoulder seam, and record your measurement.^{[7]
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- The shoulder seam is the area where the sleeve connects to the body of the shirt.
- Some places refer to this as the "yoke" measurement instead.^{[8]
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Measure from shoulder seam to cuff for the sleeve measurement. Place the end of the measuring tape at the shoulder seam where the sleeve starts. Pull the tape towards the bottom edge of the cuff and take your measurement.^{[9]
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- Some places will require you to start the measurement at the back-center of the collar instead.^{[10]
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Spread the collar and cuff flat before taking their circumference. Open up the collar, and spread it flat. Place the measuring tape against the stitch holding the button to the fabric. Pull the tape across the collar towards the buttonhole. Record the measurement at the center of the button hole. Repeat this step for the cuff.^{[11]
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- Some places will require you to measure to the outside edge of the cuff buttonhole instead.^{[12]
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- If you are measuring a short sleeve shirt, simply measure across the hem, from seam to folded edge.^{[13]
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The above measurements are the most common and basic measurements. Some tailors and seamstresses may require additional measurements, such as the bicep, elbow, and forearm. Listen or read their instructions, then measure your shirt accordingly.^{[14]
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Most places will have a sizing chart. Compare your measurements to the ones on the chart to find out what size you are, then buy a shirt in that size. Keep in mind that different companies may use different sizing charts; you could be a "medium" at one store, and a "large" at another.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Taking Basic Measurements

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1
Keep your body relaxed while taking your measurements. Do not puff out your chest, suck in your belly, or flex your muscles. If you do any of these, the measurements will not be accurate and the shirt will not fit. The measuring tape needs to be loose enough to slide around easily.^{[15]
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- Consider having someone take your measurements for you. This will ensure that your body is straight while you are taking them.^{[16]
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  Expert Source
  
  Korri Burton-Universe
  Professional Tailor
  
  Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.}
Wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of your chest. Keep your body relaxed and do not puff your chest out.
Once again, keep your body relaxed and do not suck your gut in. Wrap the measuring tape around your waist; keep it loose enough so that you can still breathe.
This is required for most women's shirts, although some men's shirts may also require this measurement. Simply wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your waist, including the buttocks.
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Take additional measurements for the collar and sleeve, if needed. If you are buying a man's dress shirt, you may need to take additional measurements for the collar and sleeve. This all depends on the store that you are buying from, as some brands have custom neck sizes and sleeve lengths.^{[17]
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- Collar: Wrap the measuring tape around the base of your neck. Keep it loose enough so that you can slide 2 fingers under it.^{[18]
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  Expert Source
  
  Korri Burton-Universe
  Professional Tailor
  
  Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.}
- Sleeve (casual): Measure from your shoulder down to your wrist, or wherever you want the cuff to be.
- Sleeve (dress or formal); Measure from the back-center of your neck, over your shoulder, and down to wherever you want the cuff to end.
Find the measuring chart provided by the company you are shopping at, and compare your measurements to theirs. Read the size that your measurements correlate to, then buy a shirt in that size. Keep in mind that different companies use different sizing charts, so your size may change depending on where you go. You could be a size "medium" at one company, and a size "large" at another.

Paula J. Myers-McDevitt, Apparel Industry Veteran and Technical Design Authority

Taking accurate body measurements is crucial for good pattern drafting and garment fit. With the wide range of body shapes and sizes that exist, standardized sizing simply cannot accommodate everyone. This is why learning to take proper measurements and draft patterns based on those measurements is so important for good fit.

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I have a 18" neck and I need to know what shirt to order?

Pinkskates

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Your chest and waist measurements are much more important to your size. Take those and then look up the sizing chart for wherever you plan to buy from.

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How do you take shirt measurements?

Drew Hawkins1

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Taking basic measurements isn't too difficult and it can help you choose a shirt that fits you perfectly. Stand up and get yourself a tape measure. Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your chest. Keep your body relaxed and don't puff your chest out. Then, measure the narrowest part of your waist. Some shirts, especially women's shirts, need hip measurements so it fits well over your form. Simply wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your waist, including the buttocks. If you are buying a man's dress shirt, you may need to take additional measurements for the collar and sleeve. Once you've got your measurements, use them to help choose a shirt that fits you well.

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What are the measurements on dress shirts?

Drew Hawkins1

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Most dress shirts have 2 measurements that are necessary for a solid fit. You need your neck size and your sleeve length. However, there are additional measurements you can take to have a shirt that's tailor-made for you. By measuring your chest and back length you can choose a shirt that doesn't look baggy or over-sized on you. Measure the largest part of your hips to choose a shirt that tapers and conforms to your body. Make sure you relax and don't puff out your chest or flex your muscles when you get your measurements so they're accurate.

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Tips

Some tailors allow you to order in a slim-fit or loose-fit. Read their measurement instructions; sometimes they want you to add/subtract from certain measurements.

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If you are buying a shirt for a child, keep in mind that children grow fast. A larger shirt might be a good option.

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Some companies require you to add inches/centimeters to measurements, while others do not. Check the website that you are shopping at for specifications.

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