If you are thinking of buying a shirt for yourself or for a friend, it is important to take the right measurements of the collar and sleeves. It is not difficult and the result is a shirt that fits perfectly. Read these steps to determine your measurements and the appropriate size for the shirt.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Taking Neck Measurements
Step 1. Start taking your measurements
Wrap a tape measure around your neck, starting an inch or two from where your neck and shoulders meet. This point may also coincide with the underside of your Adam's apple.
Step 2. Hold the tape firmly
Wrap the entire circumference, taking care not to leave any space between the measuring tape and the neck. Do not tighten too much to create excessive tension, just enough to take the actual measurement. Make sure the tape measure is aligned and straight.
Step 3. Make a note of the measured number
Refers to the actual neck measurement. The shirt size will be exactly 1.5cm larger. For example, if your neck circumference measurement is 38cm, your shirt size will be 39.5cm.
- If the measured measurement has decimals less than half a centimeter, round up to 0, 5. For example, if your measurement is 38.3 cm, round up to 38.5.
- Your neck size should be between 35.5cm and 48.5cm.
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Measure the Length of the Sleeves
Step 1. Get in the correct position
Before you start taking measurements, stand up straight with your arms at your sides. Keep your arms slightly bent, with your fingers inside the front pockets.
Step 2. Place the measuring tape
Start from the center of the upper back, slightly below the nape of the neck.
Step 3. Take the first measurement
Measure the length from the center of the upper back to the seam located on the shirt at shoulder height. Make a note of this measurement, it will be used later.
Step 4. Take the second measurement
Measure the length from the shoulder seam to the end of the wrist. Use the wrist bone as a reference for the tape measure. Be careful not to measure too much above the wrist, or the shirt sleeves will come too short.
Step 5. Determine the length of the sleeves
Add the two measurements together to determine it. The value should be between 81, 3 and 94 cm.
Method 3 of 3: Determine the Shirt Size
Step 1. Using your own measurements
Men's shirt sizes consist of two numbers. The first number listed on the label relates to the size of the neck, the second relates to the length of the sleeves. For example, a shirt might be size 36/90. Use both of your measurements to determine the most appropriate size for you.
Step 2. Use a reference table
If the shirt you found shows the size expressed in the traditional options "Small", "Medium", "Large" and so on, use the following table to determine the most suitable size for you.
| Shirt size | Neck Size | Sleeves Length |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 35, 5 - 36, 8 | 81, 3 - 83, 8 |
| Medium | 38 - 39, 4 | 81, 3 - 83, 8 |
| Large | 40, 6 - 41, 9 | 86, 3 - 88, 9 |
| X-Large | 43, 2 - 44, 4 | 86, 3 - 88, 9 |
| XX-Large | 45, 7 - 47 | 88, 9 - 91, 4 |
Advice
- The table above shows an approximation of the length of a shirt's sleeves. The length of the sleeves may be longer or shorter depending on your height or other factors, such as the natural length of your arms.
- When you try on a shirt, the collar should wrap around the neck comfortably, it shouldn't be tight. You should be able to easily slip two fingers (one on top of the other) between the collar and the neck.
- If you are in a tailor's shop, ask the clerk to measure your neck and sleeve length!
- When buying a jacket to put on your shirt, the sleeves should be long enough to show about an inch of the fabric below the cuffs.
- Make sure you know what material your shirt is made of so you can avoid shrinking it with washing.
