How to Measure a Dress Shirt

A well-fitting dress shirt can make you look polished and professional. Accurate measurements are crucial for finding the perfect fit, ensuring that the shirt is comfortable and flattering. When you wear a shirt that fits correctly, it can boost your confidence and make a great impression on others.

To measure a dress shirt, follow these steps:

• Measure the collar size
• Measure the sleeve length
• Measure the chest width
• Measure the waist width
• Measure the hip width
• Measure the shirt length
• Measure the shoulder width

In this article, we’ll provide a detailed, easy-to-understand guide on measuring a dress shirt. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to confidently choose the perfect size for any dress shirt you wear.

How to Measure a Dress Shirt

To find the perfect dress shirt size, there are several measurements to take. These include collar size, sleeve length, chest width, waist width, hip width, shirt length, and shoulder width. By taking these measurements, you’ll be able to choose the right size shirt based on the manufacturer’s sizing chart.

Tools Required for Measuring a Dress Shirt

But before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• A flexible measuring tape is essential for taking accurate measurements. Make sure the tape is long enough to measure the entire length of the dress shirt, and ensure that it’s not stretched or damaged.
• A flat surface, such as a table or the floor, is needed to lay the dress shirt out. This will make it easier to take accurate measurements and ensure the shirt is smooth and wrinkle-free.
• You’ll need a dress shirt to measure. Choose one that’s clean and pressed, as wrinkles can affect the measurements. If possible, pick a shirt that you feel fits you well, as this can help you get the most accurate measurements.

1. Measuring the Collar Size

1. Locate the collar seam at the back of the shirt, where the collar meets the body.
2. Place the measuring tape at the center of the collar seam, and wrap it around the collar until it meets the starting point.
3. Record the measurement, rounding up to the nearest half-inch, to determine your collar size. Ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not twisted for accurate results.

2. Measuring the Sleeve Length

1. Locate the shoulder seam on the top of the shoulder, where the sleeve joins the shirt’s body.
2. Measure from this point to determine the sleeve length. Place the measuring tape at the shoulder seam, and follow the sleeve’s natural curve to the end of the cuff, recording the measurement.
3. To find the total sleeve length, add the shoulder seam measurement to the arm length measurement. Use this number to select the appropriate shirt size from the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Ensure the shirt is flat for accurate results.

3. Measuring the Chest Width

1. Locate the shirt’s widest part under the armpits by laying the shirt flat and aligning the front and back.
2. Place the measuring tape level and parallel to the floor from one side seam under the armpit to the other side seam.
3. Record the measurement at the other side seam to determine the chest width. Double this measurement to get the full chest circumference when using a size chart.

4. Measuring the Waist Width

1. Locate the narrowest part between the chest and hips, typically around the third or fourth button from the bottom. Smooth out wrinkles and place one end of the measuring tape at the side seam of the shirt.
2. Stretch the tape level and parallel to the floor to the other side seam, keeping it flat and not twisted.
3. Record the measurement where the tape reaches the other side seam to determine the waist width. Double this number to get the full waist circumference when using a size chart.

5. Measuring the Hip Width

For the hip width, locate the widest part near the shirt’s bottom by laying it flat and aligning the front and back.

Place one end of the measuring tape at the side seam of the shirt at the widest part of the hips. Stretch the tape level and parallel to the floor to the other side seam, keeping it flat and not twisted.

Record the measurement where the tape reaches the other side seam to determine the hip width. Double this measurement to get the full hip circumference when using a size chart.

6. Measuring the Shirt Length

1. Start measuring the shirt length from the base of the collar at the back, where the collar meets the body.
2. Place the measuring tape at the collar’s base and stretch it down the back of the shirt until the bottom edge is reached.
3. Record the measurement for the shirt length, ensuring the tape is flat and not twisted or wrinkled.

7. Measuring the Shoulder Width

1. Measure the shoulder width by placing one end of the measuring tape oat the shoulder seam on one side of the shirt and stretching it horizontally to the shoulder seam on the other side.
2. Keep the tape level and parallel to the floor, and record the measurement where the tape reaches the other shoulder seam.
3. Use this number to select the appropriate shirt size from the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Ensure the tape is flat and not twisted or wrinkled for accurate results.

Comparing Measurements to Size Charts

Size charts are provided by dress shirt manufacturers to help you find the correct size based on your measurements. Compare your measurements to the chart, and choose the size that best matches your numbers.

Men’s Dress Shirt Size Chart

Women’s Dress Shirt Size Chart