How to Effortlessly Measure Your Shirt Size

One quick way to sabotage your overall style and look is by wearing an outfit that is not true to your size. Not only are you left looking out of place, but chances are you are also looking sloppy. 

In this article, we will comprehensively break down men’s shirt measurements and how to get your perfect measurements, but let us first go through the men’s size chart for shirts.

Size Chart for Shirts

What is your shirt size? If your guess is as good as mine, this article is for you. You have probably come across shirt measurement chart terminologies such as extra-small, small, medium, large, extra-large, and many more.

You may have also come across a shirt measurements size chart like the one below, but it possibly led you to even more confusion. The several types of size charts for shirts vary according to the clothes manufacturing region. For instance, we have the U.S. (illustrated below), U.K., and European size charts, among others.

Size (U.S.)

Chest

Neck 

Waist 

Sleeve

XS

32" -34"

13" - 13 1/2"

26" - 28"

32

S

35" - 37"

14" - 14 1/2"

29" - 31"

33

M

38" - 40"

15" - 15 1/2"

32" - 34"

34

L

41" - 43"

16" - 16 1/2"

35" - 37"

35

XL

44" - 46"

17" - 17 1/2"

38" - 40"

36

XXL

47" - 49"

18" - 18 1/2"

41" - 43"

36

 

Online shopping can be tricky, especially if the shop in question lacks a return or exchange policy whenever you need to size up or down. However, your favourite comfort activity does not have to be a stressful venture. We got you!

Bombay Shirt Company is way ahead of the curve with its unique algorithm that generates the right shirt size by height, weight, shoulder type, body type, and preferred fit in just about 30 seconds.

The unique algorithm is known as Fitsmart technology. Out with the old, in with the new. Fitsmart technology’s size chart for shirts ranges from sizes 36 to 48. Bombay Shirt Company has shirts for all your occasions, and the men’s dress shirt size chart is also within the same range of shirt measurements.

What to Know About Men’s Size Chart for Shirts

The shirt size chart illustrated above could only be helpful after knowing your actual shirt measurements. The shirt measurement chart is a guide against which you use to compare the shirt measurements you have obtained.

The men’s shirt measurement chart may be a tough cookie to some, especially regarding its interpretation, as it is either in alpha or numerical sizing.

Alpha sizing is relatively easy to identify as it uses words such as small, large, and many others. (As is seen from the size chart for shirts on the farthest left or size column).

Many find themselves in a pickle while trying to decipher the numerical sizing. However, nothing is impossible with a bit of practice. 

For instance, if you come across a shirt tag 16- 35/36, firstly, remember that it bears two sizes. The former is the neck size in inches, whereas the latter is the range of the sleeve length in inches which in this case lies between 35 and 36 inches.

You will likely encounter numeric sizing when shopping for a dress shirt. Luckily, you will already be a step ahead since you can now interpret the men’s dress shirt size chart. Numeric measurements tend to be more size-specific and are therefore mostly recommended when shopping for formal shirts.

Casual shirts are more likely to require you to find your size or compare your measurements against a men’s alpha size chart for shirts. So how do you go about the process of taking your measures?

How to Take Men’s Shirt Measurements

Now that we have established the differences between alpha and numeric sizing, let us understand the main types of measurement information you need to achieve your preferred fit effortlessly. 

The basic measurements you will need to compare against a shirt measurements size chart include

  • Neck
  • Sleeve
  • Chest
  • Waist
  • Shirt length
  • Shoulder width

Firstly, you need a tape measure for a more accurate outcome. Alternative measuring methods you may employ include the popular string against a ruler technique. It may be a bit cumbersome, but at least it gets the job done.

You may also visit a professional tailor to get your measurements taken, and if you want to remain within the comfort of your home, using one of your best-fitting shirts may be your best bet at getting the correct size.

Here is how to go about taking your shirt measurements.

 

Collar circumference
First, unbutton your collar. The next step is to measure between the two points where the collar attaches to the collar band, then add half an inch to the measurement for a relaxed fitting.
Sleeve length
Neatly fold down your shirt sleeves, then place your tape measure where the sleeve meets the shoulder down to the edge of the cuff to get your final sleeve length.
Chest circumference
Neatly button up or button down your shirt and lay it flat (flatten out any creases). Place your tape measure just below the point where your sleeve meets the armpit, then measure evenly from one edge to the other and double the number obtained to get your final chest size.

Waist circumference

The waist area is usually about 8 inches from your shirt’s armhole. Thus, place your measuring tape 8 inches below each of your shirt’s armpits, then measure across, from one end to the other and double the result for your final waist size.

Shirt length

Place your tape measure where the shoulder seam and collar connect and measure down to your desired length. Tip- an ideal shirt should lay right at the middle of your pant’s zipper.

Shoulder width

Neatly button-up or button-down your shirt and lay it flat with its backside at the top. Place your tape measure at an inch below the shoulder tip and measure across the shirt to the other end to obtain your shoulder size.

Now that all the measuring work is complete, you can obtain your proper size by comparing the obtained measurements against a men’s size chart for shirts.

Next Steps

Have you figured out how to take your shirt measurements on your own? If not, you are welcome to walk into any of our outlets to have your measurements taken by our stylists.

If you want to look good in your shirt effortlessly, investing in custom-made shirts may be a solid step towards that.

If you still need more clarification on the alpha or numeric size chart for shirts, feel free to reach out to one of our stylists at Bombay Shirt Company to get personalised expert styling and men’s shirts size chart advice.

Connect with us today to help elevate your wardrobe with our timeless customisable pieces.