How to Measure for a Men's Dress Shirt

Learning how to measure for a men's dress shirt is easy, and it requires nothing more than a tape measure and some patience. Follow this systematic plan, and you get the perfect fit every time.

What You Need

To get the best fit in readymade men's dress shirts, you need to know some basic measurements: neck size, waist, and sleeve length. Neck sizes for dress shirts range from 14 to 18 ½ inches. Sleeve lengths range from 32 to 36 inches for regular and 33 to 37 inches for tall.

Measure Neck Size

To measure for neck size, drape the tape measure around the neck, starting at the back of the neck and bringing the tape toward the front. The tape should fit loosely over the Adam's apple, and it should not feel tight or constricting. Add one inch to the total measurement to allow for any shrinkage that occurs when laundering the shirt, as most shirt collars will shrink.

Measure Sleeve Length

Measure from the middle of the neck to the top of the shoulder. Write this measurement down. Bend the arm slightly before taking the next measurement.

Move the tape to the top of the shoulder, and measure down the arm to the top of the bone of the wrist. Add the two measurements together; the sum is equivalent to the sleeve length. As with the neck measurement, add one inch to allow for fabric shrinkage.

Measure Waist

Men's dress sizes are available in three basic styles: athletic cut, regular cut, and full cut. Knowing the waist measurement helps individuals decide which of the three cuts will give the best fit.

An athletic cut shirt is best for men who prefer a close fitting shirt. Most readymade shirts are regular cuts, so look for labels that state athletic or full cut if those are your preferences. Full cut shirts have extra fabric in the hip area and are typically longer.

To measure for waist size, put the tape around the natural waist. Keeping the tape level, pull it snug but not tight.

Measuring for Tall Sizes

Tall men should take one more measurement to ensure the best fitting dress shirt - the back length. If the back length is too short, the shirt will pull out of the trouser waistband and look untidy.

First, measure eight inches from the top of the natural waistline. This is the fullest part of the hips. Next, place the top of the tape measure at the top of the spine. Let the tape measure dangle naturally and then "eyeball" the point equivalent to the fullest part of the hips. This is the back length.

Now that you know how to measure for a men's dress shirt, you should be able to get the optimal fit every time. Keep a record of these measurements to make future shopping events easy and simple.

References: Author's personal experience as a men's custom clothier