If you are planning to buy a shirt for both yourself and your boyfriend, you need to know the right neck and sleeve sizes. It's easy to find the size, and the right size will make the shirt attractive and fit. Use the following steps to determine the correct measurement and dress size.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Finding Neck Size
Step 1. Start measuring
Loop the tape measure around the neck, starting about 2.5 cm from where the neck and shoulders meet. For some men this is right at the bottom of the Adam's apple.
Step 2. Hold the meter firmly
Wrap it completely around the neck leaving no space between the neck and the tape measure. Don't pull the meter too tight, just enough to get the measurement right. Make sure the meter is aligned and not held at an angle.
Step 3. Record the measurement results
This is the actual neck size. The shirt size is half an inch larger. For example, if your neck circumference is exactly 15 inches (38 cm), then your shirt size is 15½ inches (39.5 cm).
- If the neck measures around 1/4 inch, round to the nearest 1/2 inch. For example, if your neck size is 16.25 inches, round it off to 16.5 inches.
- Neck size should range between about 14-19 inches or 35.5-. 48, 3 cm.
Method 2 of 3: Finding Arm Size
Step 1. Stand up straight
Before starting to measure, stand still with your hands by your side. Hold arms slightly bent with fingers tucked into front pockets.
Step 2. Take the meter
Start in the middle of your upper back, slightly below the nape of your neck.
Step 3. Take the first measurement
Measure the length from the center of the upper back to the seam on the shoulder of the shirt. Write down the measurement results as they will be needed later.
Step 4. Take the second measurement
Measure the length from the top seam on the shoulder to the bottom of the wrist. Make sure the meter hits the wrist bone. Avoid measuring too high above the wrist, or the sleeves may become too short.
Step 5. Determine the length of the arm
Add these two values to find the arm length. The sum should be around 32-37 inches (81.3-94 cm).
Method 3 of 3: Determining Shirt Size
Step 1. Use the measurement results
Men's shirt size consists of two parts. The first number listed on the shirt mark is the neck measurement, and the second is the sleeve measurement. For example, a shirt size 16/34. Use your neck and arm measurements to find the right size.
Step 2. Look for ready-made shirts
If the shirt doesn't have an exact measurement but only selects "small," "medium" or "large,", you can use the measurement results to find the equivalent. Use the table below to determine the best shirt size for you.
| Shirt Size | Neck Size | Sleeve Size |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 14 - 14 ½ | 32 - 33 |
| Medium | 15 - 15 ½ | 32 - 33 |
| Large | 16 - 16 ½ | 34 - 35 |
| X-Large | 17 - 17 ½ | 34 - 35 |
| XX-Large | 18 - 18 ½ | 35 - 36 |
Tips
- The table above shows the approximation of sleeve length to shirt size. The length of the arm can be larger or smaller, depending on your height and other factors, such as the natural length of your arm.
- When trying on a shirt, the collar should feel comfortable around the neck and not suffocating. You should be able to slip two [overlapping] fingers into the shirt easily.
- When buying a coat to cover a shirt, the sleeves should be 1/2 inch longer than the fabric shows under the cuffs.
- If you're at the store, ask the salesperson to measure your neck and arms!
- Make sure you read the material of the shirt before buying it, for example whether it will shrink when washed.
