how to measure a shirt

Ever ordered a shirt online, only to have it arrive and fit completely differently than you expected? We’ve all been there. Size charts can be misleading, and vanity sizing varies wildly between brands. Knowing how to accurately measure a shirt, whether it’s one you already own and love or one you’re considering buying, is the key to achieving the perfect fit and avoiding the frustration of ill-fitting clothes.

Accurate shirt measurements are crucial for several reasons. They allow you to compare the dimensions of your favorite shirts to online size guides, increasing the chances of a satisfying purchase. They’re also vital if you’re selling shirts online or having custom clothing made, ensuring precise specifications. Mastering this simple skill will save you time, money, and closet space by helping you make informed decisions about your wardrobe.

What are the key points to measure and how do I do it properly?

Where on the shoulder should I measure for shoulder width?

Measure the shoulder width of a shirt from the highest point of one shoulder seam, where it meets the sleeve, straight across to the highest point of the other shoulder seam. This point typically aligns with the natural end of your shoulder bone.

To elaborate, identifying the correct starting and ending points for the shoulder measurement is crucial for accuracy. These points are *not* the very edge of the shirt’s shoulder, but rather the points where the shoulder seam connects to the sleeve on both sides. Feel for the slight indentation or change in plane where the sleeve is attached. This is the true shoulder point. Measuring beyond this point will include part of the sleeve and skew the measurement. It’s also important to lay the shirt flat, with the front or back facing up, and smooth out any wrinkles that might distort the measurement. Use a flexible measuring tape and ensure it follows a straight line across the back of the shirt. If the shirt has substantial shoulder pads, it’s generally best to measure *without* including the pads. Otherwise, the measurement won’t reflect your true shoulder width and the shirt will likely fit too broadly.

What’s the best way to measure sleeve length, from shoulder seam or collar?

The best way to measure sleeve length is from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff. This method provides a consistent and accurate measurement that accounts for the actual length of the sleeve extending from the body of the shirt.

Measuring from the collar can be unreliable because collar designs and sizes vary significantly. A high collar, a wide collar, or even a collar that isn’t perfectly centered can throw off the measurement, leading to an inaccurate sleeve length. The shoulder seam, however, is a fixed point where the sleeve is attached to the shirt’s body, making it a dependable starting point.

To measure sleeve length accurately, lay the shirt flat with the front facing up. Smooth out any wrinkles in the sleeve. Then, use a flexible measuring tape to measure from the shoulder seam (where the sleeve attaches to the shoulder) down to the end of the cuff. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters, depending on your preferred unit of measurement. This measurement represents the true sleeve length and is essential for determining the right fit.

How do I account for stretch or give in the fabric when measuring?

When measuring a shirt made from a stretchy fabric, it’s crucial to avoid pulling or stretching the fabric taut while measuring. Allow the fabric to lie naturally without tension to get an accurate representation of its relaxed size. The goal is to measure the garment as it would naturally fit on the body, not as it could potentially stretch.

To account for the fabric’s inherent stretch, especially when comparing to a non-stretch garment, consider the intended fit. Is the garment designed to be skin-tight, form-fitting, or loose? If it’s meant to be form-fitting, you can *gently* stretch the fabric a minimal amount while measuring, approximating the amount of stretch it will experience when worn. However, err on the side of measuring the fabric in its relaxed state to avoid overestimating the size. Consider the fiber content as well. Fabrics with high elastane or spandex content will have more give than those with only a small amount. If you’re concerned about the shirt being too small, it’s generally safer to size up, especially if the garment is designed to be comfortable and not overly fitted. Taking measurements of a similar stretchy garment that fits well can also provide a useful reference point. Remember that stretch fabrics can often accommodate a wider range of body sizes than non-stretch fabrics, so precise measurements may be less critical.

How do I measure the waist if the shirt has a tapered fit?

To measure the waist of a tapered shirt, lay the shirt flat on a surface, smooth out any wrinkles, and locate the narrowest point of the shirt between the armpits and the bottom hem. Measure horizontally across this point, then double that measurement to get the total waist circumference.

The tapered fit means the shirt isn’t a straight tube, so the waist measurement is crucial for understanding how it will fit around your torso. Finding the narrowest point is key. It might not be exactly halfway between the armpit and the hem; look for the visually smallest distance from one side seam to the other.

For the most accurate measurement, use a flexible measuring tape. Ensure the tape is lying flat and straight, not sagging or pulled taut. Measure from seam to seam at the narrowest point. If you’re unsure where that narrowest point is, gently pinch the fabric on both sides and slide your fingers up and down until you find the spot where there’s the least amount of excess fabric. This will generally correspond with the most tapered area.

Should I wash and dry the shirt before measuring for alterations?

Yes, absolutely wash and dry the shirt before measuring it for alterations. This is crucial because most fabrics, especially natural fibers like cotton, linen, and rayon, will shrink during their first wash and dry cycle. Altering a shirt before pre-shrinking it could result in a garment that’s too small after washing, rendering the alterations useless.

Washing and drying before alterations ensures that you’re measuring the fabric in its final, most-shrunken state. This provides a more accurate representation of the shirt’s true size and fit after laundering. This will allow the tailor or seamstress to make alterations based on the shirt’s post-wash dimensions, resulting in a garment that fits correctly and comfortably after future washings. Furthermore, consider washing and drying the shirt in the same manner you intend to regularly care for it. If you typically machine wash and tumble dry on high heat, do that before measuring. If you prefer to hang dry, do that instead. This will account for any residual shrinkage that might occur based on your chosen washing and drying methods. This also applies even if the shirt is pre-shrunk, since pre-shrunk doesn’t mean NO shrinkage.