How to Measure for a Shirt

The most important thing when choosing a shirt is to get the right fit. A great fitting shirt works in all the right places to give you a smart look, a defined silhouette, and the confidence that comes from knowing you are impeccably dressed. Getting the best fit is easy once you know some of your basic measurements. From collar size to sleeve length, we will take you through the measuring process in order to find that perfect Charles Tyrwhitt shirt.

SHOP SHIRTS

COLLAR SIZE

Measure your collar size by taking the tape measure and placing it flush around your neck. To get the most comfortable fit, place two fingers between the tape measure and the neck when measuring.

SLEEVE LENGTH

  • Step 1
    Start at the top of the centre back, just below the collar. Place the tape measure here and measure to the peak of the shoulder, then note down this measurement.
  • Step 2
    Next, place the tape measure at the peak of the shoulder, and measure down towards the elbow.
  • Step 3
    Measure from the elbow to just above the wrist bone, or wherever you prefer the shirt cuff to sit.
  • Step 4
    Finally, add these three measurements together to calculate your sleeve length.

UNDERSTANDING SHIRT MEASUREMENTS

SLEEVE

The measurement for the length of the sleeve starts at the middle of the collar from the back, down past the shoulder seam and to the end of the cuff.

SHIRT LENGTH

The shirt length isn’t taken from right at the top of your shirt as your shoulders, neck, and back fill that out a little. Instead, lay your shirt flat with the buttons done up, and measure from halfway down the collar right to the tail end.

COLLAR

Undo all the buttons and lay your shirt flat to measure the collar width. Place the tape around the base through where the top button is, not from collar tip to tip.

CUFFS

Open your cuff and lay it flat, measuring from the outer edge of the button or cufflink hole to the centre of the button.

SHOULDER LENGTH

Button up your shirt and lay the front facing down. This measurement runs from the top of the two shoulder seams, end to end. This is to be measured flat and is not a circumference measurement.

BOTTOM

Also known as the seat, this is the widest part of the shirt. Measure across from the end of the side seam to the other. This is to be measured flat and is not a circumference measurement.

WAIST

The waist measurement depends on how slim-fit and tapered, or classic and straight-cut your shirt is. Either way, measure across the narrowest part of the waist. This is to be measured flat and is not a circumference measurement.

CHEST

This measurement runs between the bottom of the sleeve seams, just at the armpit. This is to be measured flat and is not a circumference measurement.

CUSTOM SHIRTS

We always start with a proper shirt, and there’s nothing better than a proper shirt made just for you. Have it fitted to your measurements. Pick your fabric, collar, and cuffs. Then add the details - like pocket style, contrast trim and a monogram - that make it one of a kind.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR SHIRT

EXPLORE MORE