T-Shirt Sizing: A Guide To Measuring For The Perfect Fit

Dress shirt sizing can be confusing, with different companies using different measurements. However, there are two primary types of dress shirt sizing: alpha sizing and numerical sizing. Alpha sizing is the more simplistic approach, with sizes such as S, M, and L. However, these sizes can vary significantly between brands. Numerical sizing, on the other hand, uses neck and sleeve measurements, such as 15/32 indicating a 15-inch neck and 32-inch sleeve. This method allows for a more precise fit. In addition to these two main types, dress shirt companies also offer different fits, such as standard and slim, catering to different body types.

Shoulder width

When measuring for a T-shirt, it's important to get accurate measurements for your shoulders. This is a critical piece of information to ensure your T-shirt fits like a glove.

Measuring Your Shoulders:

First, stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides. Ensure you're standing in a natural posture with your shoulders level. If you have a helper, ask them to locate the acromion bone—the bony protrusion at the top of each shoulder. It's easy to find by running a finger along the top of your shoulder until you feel a small bump.

Once the acromion bones are located, stretch the measuring tape across your back, ensuring it's straight and level, touching both acromion bones. Record this measurement in centimetres or inches, depending on your preference and the sizing chart you're referring to.

Measuring a T-Shirt:

If you're measuring a T-shirt, lay it flat on a table or the floor. Spread it out evenly and ensure there are no wrinkles that could skew the measurements. Then, take your tape measure and measure from one shoulder seam to the other, across the back of the T-shirt. Record this measurement, noting whether you're using centimetres or inches.

Tips for Accurate Shoulder Measurements:

• Stand up straight: Slouching or hunching can affect the accuracy of your measurements.
• Wear fitted clothing: If someone is helping you measure, wear fitted clothing to help them find the right points to start and end the measurement.
• Consider your body shape: If you have broader-than-average shoulders, consider sizing up when purchasing clothes online.
• Take note of different clothing types: Jackets and suits may have padded shoulders or thicker materials that require you to size up.
• Compare with a well-fitting T-shirt: If you have a T-shirt that fits you well, you can use this as a guide to measure your shoulders accurately.

Chest size

To measure your chest size for a T-shirt, you will need a measuring tape.

First, wrap the tape around the widest part of your chest. Ensure that your body is relaxed and that you do not puff out your chest, as this will affect the accuracy of the measurement.

Next, wrap the tape around the narrowest part of your waist. Again, keep your body relaxed and do not suck in your stomach. The tape should be loose enough that you can breathe normally.

If you are measuring for a dress shirt, the process is slightly different. Place the measuring tape across the shirt, just below the seams where the sleeves attach to the body. Ensure the end of the tape is aligned with the left side seam, then measure across to the right side seam.

Sleeve length

Measuring Sleeve Length:

• Choose a T-shirt that already fits you well. It's preferable to use one that has been washed and worn to allow for any potential shrinkage.
• Lay the T-shirt flat on a smooth surface, ensuring it is free of wrinkles and creases.
• Place the measuring tape at the shoulder seam, where the sleeve starts.
• Pull the tape towards the bottom edge of the cuff and take the measurement. Ensure the tape follows the natural curve of the sleeve.
• Make a note of the sleeve length in inches or centimetres, depending on your preferred unit of measurement.
• For long sleeves, you may want to measure from the top of the deltoid (the muscle on the outside of your upper arm) down to the middle of your hand. This will give you a more precise idea of the sleeve length for long-sleeved T-shirts.
• If you're measuring a short-sleeved T-shirt, simply measure from the shoulder seam to the sleeve opening or your desired sleeve length.

Additional Tips:

• It's important to keep your body relaxed during the measuring process. Avoid puffing out your chest or flexing your muscles, as this will impact the accuracy of the measurements.
• Consider having someone assist you with the measurements to ensure your body is straight and the tape measure is level.
• When buying a T-shirt, pay close attention to the sizing charts provided by the brand. Sleeve lengths can vary between brands, so it's essential to refer to their specific measurements.
• If you're ordering a custom-made T-shirt or planning to alter one, having precise sleeve length measurements will be especially important.

Collar size

Measuring Your Collar Size

To measure your collar size, wrap a flexible measuring tape around your neck, ensuring it sits at the base of your neck, or the bottom of your Adam's apple. The tape should be level, snug, and comfortable, with just enough space for two fingers between the tape and your neck. Stand in front of a mirror to ensure the tape measure lies flat against your skin and is not too tight.

Measuring a T-Shirt Collar

To measure a T-shirt collar, lay the T-shirt flat, ensuring it is not stretched out or wrinkled. Measure from the middle of the buttonhole to the centre of the collar button.

Measuring a Dress Shirt Collar

For a dress shirt, unbutton the shirt and lay it flat on its back. Place one end of the measuring tape at the centre of the button where the stitching comes through to the inside of the collar band. Pull the collar tight so that any curve becomes straight. Measure straight across the collar band to the far edge of the buttonhole. Round this measurement to the nearest 1/4 inch.

Tips for a Comfortable Collar

When measuring your collar size, remember to allow for breathing space and comfort. You can do this by adding half an inch or a centimetre to your neck measurement. Alternatively, you can use the two-finger rule, ensuring there is enough space for two fingers between the tape and your neck.

It is important to note that your collar size may not directly correspond to your neck size. For example, if your neck measures 15 inches, you may need a 15.5 or 16-inch collar for comfort. Additionally, new shirts may shrink, so consider this when choosing your collar size.

Now you have all the tools to measure your collar size and find T-shirts and dress shirts that fit you perfectly!

Hip size

To measure your hip size for a men's T-shirt, you'll want to take a measurement around the widest part of your hips. This typically includes the area where your hip bones are located. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Put on a pair of pants or trousers that fit you well and represent the type of clothing you typically wear. This helps you simulate the conditions in which you'll be wearing the T-shirt.
• Stand straight and relax your body. It's important to maintain good posture during the measurement to ensure accuracy.
• Take a flexible tape measure and wrap it around the widest part of your hips. Make sure the tape measure is parallel to the ground and fits snugly but not too tightly.
• Position the tape measure so that it rests just above your hip bones. This is generally where you want the T-shirt to sit comfortably.
• Check that the tape measure is horizontal and not tilted. You can use a mirror to ensure it is positioned correctly.
• Take the measurement in inches or centimetres, whichever you prefer. Record this number as your hip size for the T-shirt.
• It's a good idea to take this measurement a couple of times to ensure accuracy. If you're in between sizes, you may want to consider opting for the larger size to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Keep in mind that different brands may have slightly different sizing, so always refer to the size chart provided by the specific brand you're interested in. Their size chart may provide specific guidance or measurements that differ from standard sizing.
• If you don't have a flexible tape measure, you can use a piece of string or a length of ribbon to take the measurement. Simply compare the length of the string to a ruler or measuring tape afterward to get your hip size.
• Remember that hip size is just one aspect of finding the right T-shirt fit. You'll also want to consider factors such as shoulder width, chest size, and sleeve length to ensure the T-shirt flatters your body type and provides the desired comfort and style.

Frequently asked questions