Measuring Self-Sleeve T-Shirts: A Quick Guide To Sizing

Whether you're buying a T-shirt or a dress shirt, knowing how to measure your sleeve length is key to getting the right fit. While you can take your own measurements, getting someone to help will make the numbers more accurate. To measure your sleeve length, put on a shirt that fits you well and fasten each button. Stand up straight with your arms at your sides and your elbows slightly bent. Place a measuring tape slightly below the nape of your neck, in line with your spine. Measure from the first point to the shoulder of your shirt, then from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of your wrist bone. Add these two numbers together to find your sleeve length.

Measuring sleeve length

Preparing to Measure:

First, decide whether you are measuring your body or a shirt. If measuring your body, use a flexible measuring tape. If measuring a shirt, lay the shirt flat on a hard surface, preferably with the back facing up, and smooth out any wrinkles.

Measuring the Sleeve Length:

If measuring your body, place one end of the measuring tape at the base of the centre of the back of your neck. Run the tape over your shoulder and let it hang down to your hand. Measure to the centre of the meaty part of your palm.

If measuring a shirt, place the measuring tape at the top of the seam where the sleeve attaches to the body of the shirt. Measure to the same point on the other side of the shirt. Don't worry if you measure beyond the side seam; simply measure the shirt flat across.

Additional Tips:

When measuring your body, ensure your arms are relaxed and slightly bent. If measuring a shirt, pull the fabric taut without stretching it. When measuring yourself, do not adjust for shrinkage, as the manufacturer will do this for you.

Interpreting the Measurement:

Men's shirt sizes are typically indicated by two numbers, with the second number denoting sleeve length. For example, a shirt marked 15/33 indicates a neck measurement of 15 and a sleeve measurement of 33.

By following these steps, you can ensure you have an accurate sleeve length measurement, which is crucial for finding a well-fitted shirt.

Measuring collar size

Measuring your collar size is a crucial skill that can elevate your look from good to great. It is not just a minor aspect; it is essential for a sharp, put-together appearance that complements your frame and boosts your confidence.

To measure your collar size, you will need a flexible tape measure. Place the tape measure at the base of your neck, where the shirt collar would rest. This is typically at the bottom of your Adam's apple. It is important to keep the tape measure level, snug, and comfortable—not too tight or too loose. As a rule of thumb, leave just enough space for two fingers between the tape and your neck. This is a critical collar sizing tip that promises a balance between comfort and a neat appearance.

Stand in front of the mirror and drape the tape measure around your neck, situating it at the base where the collar would naturally rest. Then, place your index finger beneath the tape measure to ensure there is enough room for the collar to fit comfortably without constricting your neck. Make sure the tape is level all the way around for the greatest accuracy.

If you are measuring a shirt, unbutton it and spread it out on its back. Place one end of the measuring tape at the centre of the button where the button stitching comes through to the inside of the collar band. Pull the collar tight so that any curve to the collar band becomes straight. Measure straight across the collar band to the far edge of the buttonhole. Round this measurement to the nearest quarter of an inch.

If you already have a perfectly fitting shirt, the collar size can be taken from the centre point where the button is attached to the middle of the buttonhole. Collar sizes typically range from 14 to 19 inches but can, of course, be higher or lower, depending on the individual. This number will then correlate with the shirt collar size.

Measuring shoulder width

Measuring your shoulder width is an important step to finding the right fit for your clothes. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to do it:

With a Partner:

• Stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides. Ensure you are standing in a natural posture with your shoulders level.
• Ask your partner to locate the acromion bone, which is the bony protrusion at the top of each shoulder. They can do this by running their finger along the top of your shoulder until they feel a small bump.
• Once the acromion bones are located, your partner should stretch the measuring tape across your back, from one acromion bone to the other. Ensure the measuring tape is straight, level, and touching both acromion bones equally.
• Record the measurement in centimetres or inches, whichever you prefer. Make sure to write it down accurately so you can refer to it when buying clothes.

By Yourself:

• Grab a well-fitting T-shirt.
• Lay the T-shirt flat on a table or the floor. Spread it out evenly and ensure there are no wrinkles that could skew the measurements.
• Take your tape measure and measure from one shoulder seam to the other, across the back of the T-shirt.
• Record the measurement in centimetres or inches, depending on the size chart you are comparing it with.

Tips for Accurate Shoulder Measurements:

• Stand up straight with good posture when taking your measurements. Slouching or hunching over can affect the accuracy.
• Consider your body shape. If you have broader-than-average shoulders, consider sizing up when purchasing clothes online.
• Take note of shoulder measurements for different types of clothing. Jackets, suits, and other structured garments may have padded shoulders or thicker materials that require you to size up.

Measuring sleeve width

To measure the width of a sleeve, you can either measure a shirt directly or measure your arm to find the ideal sleeve width.

Measuring a shirt

Lay the shirt flat on a hard surface, smoothing out any creases or wrinkles. Pull the sleeve out from the torso so that the armpit seam is lined up with the bottom of the sleeve. Place a fabric tape measure on the sleeve seam, measuring 1 inch (2.5 cm) in from the armpit. Stretch the tape measure straight up, perpendicular to the sleeve's top edge, until it reaches the top crease of the sleeve. This will give you the width of the sleeve.

Measuring your arm

To measure your arm, first, find the widest part of your bicep, 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) down from your shoulder. Wrap a fabric tape measure tightly around your bicep, ensuring that it is horizontal and flat against your skin. Take the measurement with your arm relaxed, and then add 1 1/2-2 inches (3.8-5.1 cm) to this number to allow for a full range of motion. This will give you the ideal sleeve width for a comfortable fit.

Measuring body length

Measuring your body length is essential to finding the right fit for your T-shirt. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you with the process:

Preparation:

Before you begin, ensure that your body is relaxed. Stand upright, breathe in and out, and imagine your body hanging from a string connected to the middle of your head. This technique is often used by actors to straighten their bodies naturally while staying relaxed.

• Shoulder Measurement: Take your measuring tape and place it between the two vertical seams opposite the collar, where the sleeves begin. If your shirt doesn't have these seams, you may need to estimate where these lines would be. Shoulder seams are typically located at the bend near your underarm.
• Chest Measurement: On a T-shirt, the chest measurement will stretch from the bottom of the vertical shoulder seam, across the broadest part of your chest, and to the other side. Ensure you maintain a relaxed posture without puffing out your chest. The measuring tape should be loose enough to move around.
• Waist Measurement: Wrap the tape measure around the narrowest part of your waist, which is a few inches above your hips and right below your rib cage. Do not suck in your stomach, and maintain your natural standing posture. The tape should be loose enough to move around your body.
• Hip Measurement: Place the measuring tape at the very bottom of your shirt, likely an inch or so above the bottom seam. Find the centre of your hip bone, and from there, measure around the largest part of your hips, including your buttocks. The tape should go where most of your T-shirts naturally fall, usually below the belt line.
• Overall Length Measurement: To find your overall body length, start by placing one end of the measuring tape at the top edge of your neckline seam. Pull the tape all the way down to the bottom of the front hem.

Tips:

• It can be tricky to measure yourself, so consider having someone assist you in taking the measurements.
• If you are unable to get assistance, try using a mirror to ensure your posture is proper and the tape measure is straight.
• For women, it is important to wear regular undergarments, like a bra, to ensure accurate measurements for daily wear.
• Remember that your sleeves should hug your arms comfortably without squeezing them, so choose a T-shirt with a cozy fit.

By following these steps, you will be able to accurately measure your body length and find T-shirts that fit you perfectly.

Frequently asked questions