Finding a perfect-fitting shirt should be a simple process however men’s shirt measurements can be difficult to understand. We explore why this is the case and how you can better understand the measurement systems in order to find your perfect fit every time.
Sizing standards
Have you ever bought a shirt only to find that it’s too tight, loose fitting or the wrong fit? Sometimes you’re a size Medium and sometimes you’re a size 15 34/35. This difference arises from the two primary methods of shirt sizing, namely: numerical sizing and alpha sizing. Men’s formal shirts typically use numerical sizing, whereas more casual shirts tend to use alpha sizing.
Alpha sizing is simple and relatively self explanatory, for example: small, medium, large, extra-large etc. Figuring out your right size in numerical sizing however might feel like solving mathematical equations.
Here’s a simple explanation: The first number on the size tag refers to the neck size and the second number is the sleeve length. So for example, a shirt size “15 34/35” means that the neck is 15 inches and the sleeve is between 34 and 35 inches.
Numerical sizing is mostly useful for business shirts since it is more specific than alpha sizing meaning one can typically get a more suitable fitting shirt.
How men’s shirt sizes are measured
Numeric sizing mainly includes neck and sleeve measurement but there are actually four measurements to take note of when looking for a perfect-fitting shirt i.e. chest, neck, waist, sleeve
Chest Measurements
In order to measure your chest, you may hold the start of the tape in place between your arm and side as you level it out and wrap it around yourself. Then go ahead and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest and backside. Typically in this manner the tape measure will run over top of your nipples and shoulder blades. To ensure an accurate measurement, hold the tape level and parallel to the ground.
To get the final measurement, take a small breath in. This will allow for a comfortable fit that doesn’t feel squeezed
Neck Measurements
This is one of the most important measurements in a shirt. The key factor to take into account is comfort, such that one should make sure to leave enough room for comfort in the measurement so that the measurement isn’t simply a measure of the distance around one’s neck.
In order to achieve this, wrap the measuring tape around your throat and slide one to two fingers between your neck and the tape. This will allow some room for comfort and breathing when the collar is buttoned.
Waist Measurements
Your waist is ideally the height at which you would be comfortable wearing your pants. To make this measurement, stand naturally wrap the measuring tape around the desirable waist area and place one finger between your body and the measuring tape.
Sleeve Measurements
Sleeve measurements are more than just the length of one’s arm. The way to go about this is to start measuring from where your neck intersects your shoulders and running the measuring tape along the top of your shoulder and on the outside of your arm toward your wrist. End the measurement where you want the cuff of your sleeve to sit. Allow some distance in the measurement by bending your arm slightly.
The length of each arm may be slightly different in most people so make sure to measure both sleeves and note the longer of the two. If your sleeve measurement is between two available shirt sizes, always opt to buy the longer of the two since it is easier to work with more fabric than less.
In Summary
With the insight and knowledge of how to go about finding your shirt measurements choosing a perfect-fitting shirt is hopefully easier and less of a hassle. Expert advice is always advisable where possible however at least you’ll have a good feel for what shirt measurements fit you best for your next purchase. Explore a wide range of men’s shirts from President’s Club available now.