How to Measure a Shirt

Shopping online has become increasingly popular and it obviously has its perks. On the other hand, buying clothing online can bring headaches of its own. Finding a well fitted shirt can be challenging, especially when you’re not sure about your size.

While you may be tempted to order the size you normally wear, the result may be not to your liking. From classic to contemporary or from tailored to slim: every brand has its own fits and dimensions.

Thankfully, you can easily find out what size to order in only a few minutes. All you need is a measuring tape, a well-fitting shirt and the size chart you'll find on each product page on our website. Follow the steps below to find what size to order.

Chest

Button up the shirt and place it on a flat surface with the arms naturally spread out. Straighten out the shirt and ensure it has no wrinkles so your measurement can be as accurate as possible.

Place the head of your measuring tape at the top of the seam where the body attaches to the sleeve – where your armpit should be. Then measure across to the same point on the other side in a straight line.

Waist

With the shirt still buttoned up and stretched flat, place the measuring tape at the narrowest part of the shirt. You should find this point about 5 or 6 buttons down. Then measure straight across to the other side of the shirt.

Shoulder

To measure the shoulder, turn your shirt over with the front facing down. Place the measuring tape right on the seam that connects the yoke with the sleeve, then measure straight across.

Make sure you’re touching the same point on the other side of the shirt, and don’t forget to straighten out the shirt as you measure.

Sleeve length

For the sleeve length, straighten out the shirt and place the head of your measuring tape on the shoulder seam. Measure from there all the way to the end of the cuff.

Back length

Straighten out the shirt and place the measuring tape directly on the seam where the collar joins the yoke. Measure straight down the back of the shirt, down to the hem at its longest point.

Collar

For the collar, you’ll need to unbutton the shirt and then lay it flat with the back facing down. Stretch the collar out flat then place the head of the measuring tape on the button of the collar.

Measure from there straight across to the middle of the buttonhole on the other side. Make sure to add 1cm to the collar size to account for shrinkage of the shirt you’re measuring.

If you need any help or advice with your sizing do not hesitate to contact us at customercare@besnard.co.