How to Measure Men’s Shirt Size

Knowing your exact shirt size is critical when shopping online. Because you can't try anything on, your measurements are the only reliable stand-in for an actual fitting.

Size labels are also inconsistent across brands, countries of origin, and even product lines. A size medium from Brand A may be a completely different garment from a size medium at Brand B. And with returns becoming increasingly restricted, getting it right the first time is just more practical.

So how do you measure your shirt size?

What You’ll Need to Measure Your Shirt Size

Two things cover most of it:

A soft measuring tape, the fabric kind used for sewing
A well-fitting shirt you already own

How to Take Each Measurement

Chest

Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it horizontal across your back. Don't pull it tight. Alternatively, lay your well-fitting shirt flat and measure across the chest from armhole to armhole, then double it.

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Waist

around your natural waist, usually an inch or two above your navel. Again, horizontal and relaxed. On a flat shirt, measure across at the narrowest point and double it.

Collar

around the base of your neck where the collar sits. Add a finger's width so it isn't choking you. On a flat shirt, measure the inside of the collar band from end to end.

Shoulder length

from the point where your shoulder meets your arm on one side, straight across your back to the same point on the other side. On a flat shirt, measure seam-to-seam across the back yoke.

Sleeve

from the centre back of your neck, over the shoulder, down to your wrist bone. Have someone help if you can; it's hard to get right solo. On a flat shirt, measure from the centre back seam to the end of the cuff.

Cuff

around your wrist, then add an inch. This is the opening the cuff needs to pass over. On a flat shirt, measure the cuff opening flat and double it.

Shirt length

from the highest point of the shoulder, down to where you want the hem to fall. On a flat shirt, measure from the top of the shoulder seam straight down to the hem.

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Bottom (hem width)

around the hem opening when the shirt is laid flat, then double it for the full circumference. On a flat shirt, measure straight across the hem and double it.

Men’s Shirt Size Chart

The charts below are general guides only. Always cross-reference against a brand's own garment measurements before ordering.

Measurement	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Chest	92–97	97–102	102–107	107–112	112–117	117–122
Waist	68–73	73–78	78–83	83–88	88–93	93–98
Collar	35–36	37–38	39–40	41–42	43–44	45–46
Shoulders	38–39	40–41	43–44	46–47	48–50	51–52
Sleeve	79–81	81–84	84–86	86–89	89–91	91–94
Shirt length	69–71	71–74	74–76	76–79	79–81	81–84

All measurements in centimetres.

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Quick Tips for Measuring Men’s Shirt Size

The tape should rest gently against the skin. Snug but not tight. We have a natural instinct to pull the tape a little tighter. This results in a smaller number and produces a shirt that's too snug.
Resist sucking in your stomach or puffing out your chest. Stand the way you normally stand.
A lot have a slight difference between their left and right arm lengths. When buying off the rack, always go with the measurement from your longer arm.
Always check the size chart, even if you've ordered from the same brand before, as brands frequently alter fit, fabric, and style.

FAQ

Is shirt size 40 medium or large?

Size 40 is a Medium. The collar measurement of 40 cm falls within the M range of 39–40 cm.

Is shirt size 42 medium or large?

Size 42 is a Large. The collar measurement of 42 cm falls within the L range of 41–42 cm.