The garments are available in standard sizes which however vary according to the manufacturing company. While in a physical store you always have the option to try on a shirt, this is not possible when ordering it online, so knowing how to measure for a shirt of your size is important and can help you buy the right one. It can also come in handy if you need to order a bespoke shirt or ask a tailor to change one for you.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Take the Fundamental Measures
Step 1. Keep your body relaxed while taking measurements
You must not inflate your chest, hold your belly, or contract your muscles, otherwise the measurements will not be accurate and the shirt will not fit well on you. Keep the tape measure a little loose so it can slide easily.
It is best if someone else takes the measurements for you, so that during the operation you will be sure that your body is straight
Step 2. Measure your chest at the widest point of the circumference
Wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest. Relax your body and don't bulge your chest.
Step 3. Measure the narrowest part of the waist
Again: relax your body and don't push your belly in. Wrap the tape measure around your waist and keep it loose just enough to allow you to breathe.
Step 4. Measure the fullest point of your hips
This measurement is necessary for most women's shirts, but may also be used for some men's shirts. Simply wrap the tape measure around the fullest point of your waist including your buttocks.
Step 5. If necessary, measure the collar and sleeve as well
Some brands have custom sizes for the collar and sleeve length, so depending on the store, you may need these measurements to buy a dress shirt as well.
- Collar: wrap the tape measure around the base of the neck leaving it a little loose, so that 2 fingers can pass inside.
- Sleeve (casual): Measure from the shoulder to the wrist or to the point where you want the cuff to be placed.
- Sleeve (elegant or formal): Measure from the center point at the back of the neck, working over the shoulder and then down to where you want the cuff to end.
Step 6. Take your measurements with you when you go to buy the shirt
Look for the size chart of the store where you are shopping and compare its data with yours. Read what size the measurements you took correspond to and buy the corresponding shirt. Remember that each company uses different size charts so depending on where you go, yours may change: in one store you may be a "medium" size and in another a "large" size.
Method 2 of 2: Taking Measurements from a Dress Shirt
Step 1. Find a dress shirt in your size
One of the best ways to measure for a dress shirt is to base yourself on one you already own and like the way it fits your body. Look for one in your wardrobe, try it on to make sure it still fits you well, and once finished, take it off.
This method involves taking measurements from an elegant button-up shirt, but you can also use it for other types of shirts
Step 2. Button the shirt completely and lay it flat on a flat surface
Find a flat surface, such as a table or hardwood floor, and lay your shirt over it, removing any wrinkles. Make sure you button it well, also closing the buttons on the collar and cuffs.
Step 3. Take your chest measurement just below the armpits
Find the seams that join the sleeves to the shirt and place the measuring tape right under them. Make sure the end of the tape measure is aligned with the left side seam, then slide it towards the right side seam to measure and write it down.
Step 4. For waist circumference, measure your bust at the narrowest point
Men's shirts also shrink in the middle of the bust. Find your waistline on the shirt, then measure from the seam on the left side to the seam on the right side.
This is a bit difficult to find on a men's shirt; on the women's ones and on the tightest shirts it is more evident
Step 5. To measure your hips, slide the tape measure from side to side of the bottom hem
Find the lower left corner of the shirt and measure from this point to the lower right corner. Do not take the measurement of the rounded part of the bottom of the shirt, but that of its length, from the left seam to the right one.
In some shops the measurement of the hips is called "seat"
Step 6. Measure the length of the shirt on the back, from the collar to the hem
Turn the shirt over and take out any wrinkles. Place the measuring tape at the base of the collar (right where it joins the shirt), slide it down to the hem and make a note of the measurement.
- If your shirt has a rounded bottom, bring the measuring tape down to the hem.
- Keep the tape as straight as possible. If the shirt is striped (or checked), help by following the lines.
Step 7. Take your shoulder width measurement at the back, right across the yoke
Unfold the shirt with the back facing you. Place the tape measure on the seam of the left shoulder, slide it from one end of the yoke to the other up to the seam of the right shoulder and take note of the measurement.
- The shoulder seam is the area where the sleeve connects to the body of the shirt.
- In some places there is talk of "spur measurement" in this regard.
Step 8. To determine the length of the sleeve, measure from the shoulder seam to the cuff
Place the end of the tape measure on the shoulder seam (where the sleeve begins), slide the tape measure down to the bottom edge of the cuff and note the measurement.
In some places, however, you will be asked to measure from the center back of the collar
Step 9. Unfold the collar and cuff before measuring their circumference
Open the collar and straighten it. Place the tape measure against the point that holds the button attached to the fabric, slide it along the collar to the center point of the buttonhole and note the measurement. Repeat this step for the cuff.
- In some places, however, you are asked to measure up to the outer edge of the cuff buttonhole.
- If you are measuring a short-sleeved shirt, simply measure along the hem, from the seam to the folded edge.
Step 10. Make a note of any other information that the tailor or seamstress may need
The measurements in this article are the most common and most basic, but some tailors and seamstresses may ask you to add more, such as biceps, elbow and forearm measurements. Measure your shirt following their instructions.
Step 11. Take your measurements with you when shopping
In many places you will find a table of sizes that you can compare with those you have taken to understand what your size is and buy the corresponding shirt. Remember that this table may vary from company to company and that in one store your size may be "medium" and in another it may be "large".
Advice
- Some companies ask to add a few centimeters to the measurements, others do not. Check the site where you are shopping for any indications in this regard.
- Some tailors allow you to order the shirt in a slim or loose fit. Take your measurements following their instructions but be aware that sometimes they will ask you to add or subtract certain measurements.
- When buying shirts for children, remember that they grow up fast and that opting for a larger model might be a good solution.
- Take your measurements as accurately as possible and, unless a tailor asks you to, don't round them off or take lower values.
- Try to stay as natural and relaxed as possible when taking your measurements. Do not distort them by inflating the chest or retracting the belly.
