How to Measure Mens Shirts
This article shows you how to measure mens shirts six main fit points: size, stomach fit, sleeve fit, sleeve length, and overall length.
Contents
Measuring will vary
Although there are standards for how to measure mens shirts, there are still variations in where the measurement should start on the garment.
If you’re providing measurements to a company or comparing measurements to a size chart, first get familiar with how the company measures—and expect some variations between how you measure and how they measure.
Detail-minded men who care about fit use us
We specialize in manufacturing a wide range of fit options designed to help men solve fit problems and improve the fit of their shirts.
Fit points
This how to measure mens shirts guide reflects how we measure here at Todd Shelton and is a tutorial for our customers. Please keep in mind other companies may measure differently.
Size (shoulders and chest)
Your shoulder and chest width determine your Size.
We offer 11 Sizes, including In-Between Sizes for fine tuning. 1/2″ across the shoulders and 1″ across the chest separate the sizes.
How to measure mens shirts: shoulders
To gauge your Todd Shelton shirt size, you can measure a shirt you already own.
Start with your best fitting shirt through the shoulders. Button all the buttons on the placket. Lay your shirt face down on a rigid table (not a bed or other soft surface) like shown below. Measure from shoulder point to shoulder point.
Measure again to make sure your measurements are consistent. Match your measurement to the shirt size chart.
Think about how you would change the shoulder fit to make it better.
How to measure mens shirts: chest
Chest is measured 1″ below the armholes, across the shirt.
Measure your best fitting shirt across the chest – this may be the same or a different shirt than you used for the shoulder measurement. Button all the buttons on the placket. Lay your shirt face up on a rigid table and measure 1″ below the armhole to mark the 1″ point, then across the shirt (like shown below).
Measure again to make sure your measurements are consistent. Match your measurement to the sizing chart.
When matching your shoulder and chest measurements to the sizing chart, you may find your shoulder and chest match up to different sizes on our shirt size chart. In this case, put more emphasis on the shoulder measurement when selecting your size.
Stomach fit
Stomach Fit is the area around your navel. With 4 stomach fit options, you can control how much fabric you have around your stomach, with each fit separated by 1″ across the shirt at stomach.
How to measure mens shirts: stomach
To gauge your stomach fit, you can measure a shirt you already own.
Start with your best fitting shirt through the stomach. Button all the buttons on the placket. Lay your shirt face up on a rigid table, like shown above. Smooth out all creases and folds, especially hidden folds on the backside of the shirt. Measure across the shirt halfway between armhole and bottom hem.
Measure again to make sure your measurements are consistent. Compare your stomach measurement to the shirt size chart.
Sleeve fit
Sleeve Fit accounts for the roominess throughout your sleeve, from bicep to forearm. Two Sleeve Fit options successfully fit all of our customers.
If you have larger than average biceps, you’ll need Standard Sleeve Fit. If your biceps are average or leaner than average, Slim Sleeve Fit is the more popular option.
How to measure mens shirts: sleeve fit
Sleeve Fit is measured at the elbow, across the sleeve. To understand the Sleeve Fit you need, you can measure a shirt you already own. Measure across the middle of the sleeve, like shown above. Compare your measurement to our shirt size chart.
Sleeve length
Sleeve Length requires basic math to calculate. To calculate Sleeve Length, you need to combine two measurements: 1) your sleeve length and 2) half of your shoulder width (the width of the shoulders has an impact on sleeve length).
How to measure mens shirts: sleeve length
To gauge your sleeve length, you can measure a shirt you already own.
Choose your shirt with the best sleeve length. First, measure down the sleeve, from top of the shoulder seam to end of cuff, like shown above. Next, measure across the shoulders (as we described earlier in the article), and divide by 2. Then add those two measurements.
For example, if your sleeve length measured 25″ and half of your total shoulder measurement is 9.5″ – your sleeve length totals 34.5″. We offer sleeve lengths in 1/2″ increments.
Overall length
Your height, belly size, and whether you plan to tuck your shirt (or not) will determine your necessary Overall Length option. We offer 5 Overall Length options for fine tuning.
If you plan to wear your shirt untucked, we recommend the bottom of the shirt hem ends at mid-zipper or 1″ below mid-zipper of your jeans or pants.
If you plan to wear your shirt tucked, you’ll want enough length so the shirt doesn’t come untucked when you reach above your head.
How to measure mens shirts: overall shirt
We measure Overall Length by measuring placket length. The placket is the part of the shirt at the center front, with buttons and buttonholes. The placket length is measured from the neckband seam down to the bottom hem.
To gauge your overall length, you can measure a shirt you already own.
Choose your shirt with the best fitting length. Measure from neckband seam to bottom of hem, like shown above. Using the size you determined during the Size (Chest and Shoulders) section earlier in the article, compare your measurement to sizing chart.
Think about how you would change the length to make it better.
Length options are also available in 2″ Shorter, 1″ Shorter, 1″ Longer, and 2″ Longer – than Standard. For a complete list of length option measurements, see our shirt size chart.
We specialize in helping you find your fit. We recommend starting a conversation with us about your fit using our Find Your Fit questionnaire.
Todd Shelton is men’s clothing brand based in New Jersey. Founded by Tennessee native Todd Shelton, the brand’s collections offer industry-leading fits that are manufactured in the company’s NJ factory and sold exclusively online.
