The Definitive Guide to Shirt Sizing and Measuring | How do you measure sleeve length / / Shirt Sizing Guide Learn all you need to know about getting the perfect measurement Do the words ‘collar size’ bring with them waves of recognition or heavy pangs of bewilderment? Of course, they are about shirts, but do you know how to measure your collar size correctly? What about the sleeve length? This seems obvious enough, but where exactly do you measure from and to? Fear not! Even if these feel like terms you recognise but are not 100% sure about, you are not alone.
Every year, countless men across Britain end up buying the wrong size, so confused are they with the sheer range of options lurking behind a seemingly simple garment. So here, to redress the balance, is the definitive guide to shirt sizing. Shirt sizing options change between retailers, with some going for the simple small, medium or large options, whilst more traditional shirt makers opt for collar size as the key dimension.
The latter option is certainly the most accurate for fitting and, as a result, the most common for formal shirts. It is fine to have a more relaxed, open-collared shirt for casual wear but for work and specifically when a tie is involved the collar-size is crucial.
To measure your collar size correctly, use a flexible tape measure and come up from the shoulders by about an inch (essentially the widest point) as this will account for the raised collar of a shirt when fastened up to the top button. Then, pull the measuring tape taut so it is firm against the neck but doesn’t feel as though it’s choking.
Finally, add half an inch which will allow for movement. If you have a perfectly fitting shirt already, the measurements can be taken from the centre point where the button is attached to the middle of the button hole (if the shirt is new and unwashed, again add half an inch). 
Collar size is not the only measurement that should be considered for those serious about their shirts. Manufacturers will often have a chart in mind, where each collar size correlates to the body size that is typically be expected. Of course, arm lengths vary from person to person and are not related to the wearer’s size, hence all high-end shirt-makers will offer you a selection of lengths per each collar size.
- As before, the trusty tape measure will again be needed, as well as a willing friend to assist! First, stand with your arms relaxed and by your side.
- The error many people make here is to stand with their arms perfectly straight – taking up a stance in which they would typically not find their bodies at rest.
Instead, a slightly bent arm, bent enough to pop a thumb or finger into a trouser pocket, should be just right. Start with the end of the tape measure on the backbone at the nape or your neck. The measure should then run over the top of the shoulder (following a seam line, if one were to be there), down the arm to just below the wrist bone.
Alternatively, you can take the measurement from a trusty favourite shirt. On all good quality shirts the yoke will be split and it is from this point, beneath the collar that the start of the measurement is taken, if the yoke is not split, then take it from the middle of the yoke. Then, on the shirt laid flat, run the measure straight down the sleeve to the end of the cuff.
Usually, the end result will be between 32 and 36 inches but, again, may be higher or lower, dependant on the person. With the sleeve and collar measurements, it should be easy to find a shirt ‘off the peg’ that is the ideal size. For the ultimate fitting shirt try Bespoke, which will be tailored to the contours of your body by a professional and thus, unique to your personal requirements. 
By Just Another Observer, 18 Apr 2023 “You are part of the problem” – no, rather, there is more than one way to measure sleeve length. To the extent that all such methods will return the same result, why should anyone care how many there are? By Veronica, 20 Mar 2023 “You Are Part Of The Problem.” By Anonymous, 23 May 2022 Literally 20 paragraphs describing how to measure sleeve length? No wonder people find the topic bewildering.
I’m going to find another site that has simple instructions and photos. Thank you for your comment, we do appreciate your feedback! If you’d like straight-to-the-point instructions you can visit our size guide page for an illustration. Harvie and Hudson Customer service: Your email address will not be pulbished.
Required fields are marked* JOIN THE CLUB Sign up to our newsletter and be the first to know about any new arrivals, news and promotions, plus: 10% off your next order Exclusive Offers Sale Previews : The Definitive Guide to Shirt Sizing and Measuring | How do you measure sleeve length
Contents
Do you measure sleeve length from armpit?
How to Measure a Shirt: Sleeve Width Lay the shirt on its back. Spread the shirt sleeve out flat such that the seam along the bottom of the sleeve is where the sleeve is folded. Place one end of the measuring tape on the bottom edge of the sleeve, an inch from the armpit.
Measure up to the top of the sleeve such that the measuring tape is perpendicular to the top folded edge of the sleeve. Do not stretch the sleeve but be sure it is spread out flat. Tolerance: While we do our best to sew each garment, hand sewing and different fabric types naturally result in small variations.
We consider a tolerance of +0.1875″ to -0.1875″ acceptable for the Sleeve Width dimension. : How to Measure a Shirt: Sleeve Width
How long should sleeve length be?
How the sleeve length should fit – With your arms hanging relaxed at your sides and the cuffs of the shirt unbuttoned, the sleeves should come down to the center of the back of your hand (or the first knuckle of your thumb). This may seem too long for some folks, however, we find this works very well when the cuffs are also sized appropriately to the wrists.
Does sleeve length include shoulder?
To measure your sleeve length: Measure from your shoulder to just past your wrist bone to where you would like your shirt cuff to sit. Always slightly bend the elbow when measuring to allow for extra ease.
What sleeve length is 34 35?
1. What sleeve length is 34 35? – A shirt with a 34/35 sleeve length really has a 34.5-inch sleeve. The 34/35 indicates that the shirt is suitable for people wearing a 34 or 35. Often, mass producers use combo sleeve lengths to reduce the number of separate sizes they need to stock.
What is a 34 sleeve length?
Men’s Shirt Measurements: Get Your Size Right Men’s shirt measurements can be a struggle to understand. Different styles and sizing can make finding a shirt that fits you properly more complex than planning a trip abroad. Finding a shirt that makes you look and feel good should be simple.
- We’re going over everything you need to know about shirts so you never waste your time trying to figure out sizing and measurements again.
- Read on for everything your need to know about sizing and measurements.
- Or, skip ahead to the quickest way to measure your shirt size.
- Alpha and Numeric Men’s Shirt Sizing Shirt sizing can be comically convoluted.
Sometimes you’re a size Medium and sometimes you’re a size 15 34/35. That’s the difference between numerical sizing and alpha sizing. For men, formal shirts are typically sized numerically, whereas less fitted, more casual shirts tend to be measured in alpha sizing.
- Alpha sizing is pretty straight-forward; small, medium, and large are common enough.
- But trying to figure out numerical sizing for men’s shirts can feel like you’re deciphering hieroglyphics.
- Here’s the scoop: The first number on the size tag refers to the neck size and the second number is the sleeve length.
So a shirt size “15 34/35” means that the neck is 15 inches and the sleeve is between 34 and 35 inches. Numeric measurements are helpful for business shirts because it’s more specific than alpha sizes meaning you can typically get a more tailored-fitting shirt without needing alterations.
What does 36 37 sleeve length mean?
Numbers on the Shirt – You’ll generally see two sets of numbers, whether you’re considering a shirt on the rack or looking at sizing options online. The first is the shirt’s neck width and the second is the length of the sleeve. There is a range of lengths for sleeves because you can adjust the sleeve length using the cuff buttons.
What is the sleeve length of an XL shirt?
Shirts, Sweaters & Jackets
| Size | Neck | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|
| Large | 17 – 17.5 | 33.5 – 34 |
| XL | 18 – 18.5 | 34 – 34.5 |
| 2XL | 18.5 – 19 | 34.5 – 35 |
| 3XL | 19.5 – 20.5 | 35 – 36 |
What is the average sleeve length for a man?
A Quick Guide To Tuxedo Shirts Look top notch at your next formal event in a tuxedo shirt. Sporting a tuxedo shirt is easy, once you understand a few key features. Here’s what to know before selecting your TieMart tuxedo shirt. When it comes to tuxedo shirts, small, medium, large and so on actually coincide with your neck size.
S: 14-14 ½ inches M: 15-15 ½ inches L: 16-16 ½ inches XL: 17-17 ½ inches 2XL: 18-18 ½ inches
Arms come in different lengths, you guys. Which is why you’ll find tuxedo shirts with different sleeve lengths. The average men’s sleeve length is 32 to 33 inches, but don’t assume you’re average. Take a minute to measure your sleeve length. It’s easy, as long as you know what to measure.
30-31 inches 32-33 inches 34-35 inches 36-37 inches
Just like your everyday dress shirt, tuxedo shirts have different collar options. Though still formal, a standard collar is the most casual of the tuxedo shirt collars. A wing collar is the most formal collar.
Standard Collar
Versatile. Can be worn with any style of necktie or bow tie, including clip-on bow ties.
Wing Collar
Wear with a band collar or a self-tie bow tie Loop on the back of the collar keeps bow tie in place. Simply pull the bow tie collar through the loop before tying or securing.
Men’s Pleated Wing Collar Tuxedo Shirt Since tuxedo shirts are formal, they are usually worn with cufflinks. Pay attention to the shirt cuffs. The cuffs determine whether cufflinks can or must be worn.
Convertible cuffs Can be secured with cufflinks (not included) or shirt buttons
The most formal tuxedo shirts are worn with four or five tuxedo studs. These are small, decorative alternatives to shirt buttons. (Think of it as cufflinks for the front of your shirt.) Tuxedo studs are removable so you can change up the style or use the standard shirt buttons instead.
Includes 4 removable tuxedo studs Remove and replace with your own tuxedo studs or use shirt buttons
Some tuxedo shirts have a bib. It’s an extra panel of fabric that runs up the front, mid-section of the shirt, doubling the fabric. Most often it’s pleated.
Pleated shirts feature a bib Pleats run vertical and measure ¼-inch wide
Men’s Pleated Tuxedo Shirt TieMart is an online retailer of men’s neckties, bow ties, pocket squares, socks and other clothing pieces. With an extensive range of products, TieMart stays on top of the latest fashion trends in men’s clothing. Shop TieMart for everyday basics and bold trends in men’s accessories.
choosing a selection results in a full page refresh press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection
: A Quick Guide To Tuxedo Shirts
Should shirt sleeves be longer than jacket?
How Long Should My Shirt Sleeves Be? – The ‘just right’ measurement of shirt sleeves depends on the person wearing it. What is ‘just right’ for one man may be too long or too short for another. Your shirt sleeves should come all the way down to your wrist bone or the base of your pinky fingers.
How long should casual jacket sleeves be?
For a perfect fit, the cuffs should hit right at the base of your hands. If your wrists are exposed, the sleeves are too short, but if your hands are swallowed up inside the cuffs, they’re too long.
What is the difference between shoulder and sleeve length?
–
Chest is measured with the jacket fully fastened and lying flat. Measure across the garment where the sleeves meet the body, then double the measurement. Waist is measured with the jacket fully fastened and lying flat. Measure across the garment at its most tapered point, then double the measurement. Sleeve Length is measured from the point where the armhole meets the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff. Shoulder Width is measured from shoulder point to shoulder point, straight across the back.
What does 32 33 sleeve length mean?
When it comes to dress shirts, the sleeve size is very important. A size 32/33 means that the shirt will fit someone with a 32″ chest and 33″ waist. This is important because it ensures that the shirt will fit properly and won’t be too tight or too loose.
Does shoulder width affect sleeve length?
How to Measure Sleeve Length – The sooner you learn more about measuring shirts – specifically how to measure sleeve length – the sooner you can say ‘so long’ to awkward fashion days or your tall men shirt struggles. While there are multiple measurements to account for when shopping for or tailoring the best-fitting menswear, sleeve length is one of the most important measurements to consider.
- However, understanding how to measure sleeve length may not be quite as obvious as what you’ve always assumed or been told.
- For one, not all shirt sleeves end at the same place on your shoulder, which means your arm length cannot always dictate your sleeve length.
- Not to mention that men have varying shoulder widths, and shirts have different shapes and sizes for their sleeve armholes,
Your shoulder width, along with the sleeve armhole shape – whether drop shoulders, straight, saddle, raglan, or set-in – both affect your sleeve measurement. So, where exactly do you measure to and from for sleeve length if it is not just based on your arm length?
What is my arm sleeve length?
Measure the length from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of your wrist bone. Record the result. Add the two numbers together to find your sleeve length.
How many cm is an arm?
The arm circumference for a bodybuilder – A complete weight training program for the arms leads to muscle mass gain. Muscles grow as a result of your physical activity and fat mass decreases in favor of lean mass, resulting in well-developed and well-sculpted muscles. Here is the correspondence table for men.
| Wrist size | Intermediate | Confirmed | Expert |
| 16 cm | 35 cm | 37 cm | 39 cm |
| 17 cm | 36.5 cm | 38.5 cm | 40.5 cm |
| 18 cm | 38 cm | 40 cm | 42 cm |
| 19 cm | 39 cm | 41 cm | 43.5 cm |
| 20 cm | 40.5 cm | 43 cm | 45 cm |
There are no ideal measurements, because again, it will depend on your height and build. However, the average in the table above gives you an idea.
Is your arm length the same as your height?
A project that measures up 
If you know your height, can you predict how big your arm span is? What about the length of your femur? Or the circumference of your head? Try this simple activity and find out how you knowing these simple ratios can even make you a better artist! Credit: George Retseck
Yarn Scissors A hardcover book A helper Pen and paper (optional) Measuring tape (optional)
Preparation
To compare the length of different parts of your body with your height, we will first create a string the length of your height. Take off your shoes. The easiest way is to lie on the ground with your heels pressing against a wall. Look straight up and have your helper place a hardcover book flat against the top of your head, resting on the ground. Get out from under the book and, together, span the yarn across the floor from the wall to the book, cutting the yarn just where it reaches it. Now you have a piece of yarn that is as long as you are tall. (If lying on the ground is not possible, you can also stand flat on the floor against the wall and have the book rest on top of your head and against the wall.)
Procedure
First, we examine your arm span to height ratio. Your arm span is the distance between the middle fingertips on each hand when you stretch your arms out as far as they can reach. How do you think your height compares with your arm span? Would it be similar, way longer or way shorter? Now stretch your arms out as far as they can reach. Your arms will be parallel to the ground. Hold one end of the piece of yarn you just cut off with the fingertips of your left hand. Let your helper span the yarn toward the tip of your right hand’s middle finger. Is piece long enough, way longer or way too short? What does this tell you about how your arm span compares to your height? For most people, their arm span is about equal to their height. Mathematicians say the arm span to height ratio is one to one: your arm span goes once into your height. Now let’s explore another ratio: the length of your femur bone to your height. The femur bone is the only bone in your thigh. To measure its length, sit down and span a new piece of yarn over your thigh from the hip joint to the edge of your knee and cut the yarn there. Make an estimate. How many times would this piece of yarn go into the piece that is as long as you are tall? Can you find a way to test your estimate? There are several ways to compare the length of the two pieces of yarn: You might cut several pieces of the length of your shorter string, lay them end to end next to your longer piece, and count how many you need. Another way is to fold the longer string into equal parts so the length of the folded string equals the length of the shorter string. The number of folds needed is exactly the number of times your shorter string goes into your longer string. Did you see that the length of your femur bone goes about four times into your height? You can also say that if you divide your height in four equal pieces, you have the length of your femur bone, or the length of your femur bone is one fourth of your height. Mathematicians call this a one to four ratio. Now let’s move on to a ratio that might help you make more realistic drawings: the head to body ratio, How many times would the length of your head fit into your height? Maybe four, six or eight times? To test six times, fold the yarn with length equaling your height into six equal pieces. Have your helper place a book flat on your head and hang the folded string from the side of the book. If the other end of the string is about level with your chin, your height would be about six times the length of your head, or your head to body ratio would be one to six. Which number of folds fits best for you? There are many more bodily ratios you can explore: the circumference of your head compared with your height, or the length ratios of your forearm and foot or thumb and hand. Use pieces of yarn to measure, compare and detect these and/or your other bodily ratios. Extra: You have explored some ratios in your body and might wonder if these hold for other people as well. Do you think they hold for most people of your age? What about adults or babies? Do you think these ratios hold for them or would some be different? Make a hypothesis, find some volunteers, measure and compare, Was your hypothesis correct? Extra : This activity uses pieces of yarn to compare lengths. You can also measure your height, arm span, femur bone, etcetera with measuring tape, round the values and write the ratios as fractions, Can you find a way to simplify these fractions? Extra : Draw some stick figures on a sheet of paper. Can you apply some of the bodily ratios you explored (like the arm span to height or the head to body ratio) to the figures? Which ones look most realistic to you? Extra : Ratios are all around us. Can you find other places where ratios play an important role? To get you started, think about a recipe and the ratio of the quantity of one ingredient to another, For avid bikers, can you find the ratios that correspond to the different gears on a bike?
Observations and results You probably found your arm span to height ratio approximately to be one to one whereas the femur to height was approximately one to four. This is expected because on average and over a large age range the human body has an arm span that is roughly equal to its height and a femur bone roughly a quarter of its height.
- The head to body ratio is a little more complex as it changes from a ratio of about one to four for a small child to about one to eight for an adult.
- A five-year-old is likely to have a head to body ratio of about one to six.
- It is good to remember these ratios are averages over a large group of people.
Individual variations occur; some might even be used to one’s advantage—for example, having exceptionally long arms can be advantageous when playing basketball. More to explore Simple Ratios of the Human Body, from Bedtime Math Stepping Science: Estimating Someone’s Height from Their Walk, from Scientific American Earthquake-Proof Engineering for Skyscrapers, from Scientific American Size of a Human: Body Proportions, from The Physics Factbook Ideal Proportion at Various Ages, from idrawdigital This activity brought to you in partnership with Science Buddies
How are arm sleeves sized?
How arm sleeve sizing works – The first and most important thing to understand about arm sleeve sizing is that the width of the arm sleeve at your bicep area has to be smaller than the width of your relaxed bicep or else it will not stay up. Typically, an arm sleeve will be about,5 to 1.0 inches smaller than the width of your relaxed bicep.