Measure Yourself to Find the Perfect Dress Shirt Size

Dress shirts are an important part of your formal wear and business clothing. Not only is it important to know how to style them, but it's vital to get the correct fit to look your best. Our collection of men’s dress shirts comes in a variety of sizes so that every man can find the perfect fit.

To know what to choose, you must first measure yourself and then consult a sizing chart, which usually accounts for neck, chest, and arm length. This quick guide will show you how to measure yourself to find the perfect dress shirt that will look excellent with any of your formal or business attire.

Step 1: Determine Your Desired Fit

Dress shirts come in different fits to suit various body types and fashion tastes. Whenever you're in doubt, go for a traditional fit. This will be not too tight and not too loose, Falling within the expected fit range of a typical dress shirt. If you want your shirt to be a little tighter, then select a slim fit, which will be tailored closer to your body. For the most comfort, select this cut with a stretchy fabric that will enable you to move freely. If you need a custom fit, go for a tailored fit shirt that you can order based on specific measurements.

If you're under 6 feet 2 inches and are under the size XL, then you should select regular-sized shirts. If you’re above 6 feet 2 inches and fall within regular sizes, then you should select “tall” dress shirts. Custom fits don’t stop here either. If your neck measures larger than 17 inches and you have a wide chest, you can select “big” dress shirts, or you can select big and tall dress shirts if you’re both big and over 6 feet 2 inches. Now, it’s time to grab some measuring tape and get your exact measurements so you can find out where you fall on the size charts!

Tip: Save these measurements for when you need new men’s blazers or a men’s suit to cut your shopping time in half!

Step 2: Measure Your Neck

First, you need to measure the circumference of your neck. Place your measuring tape on your neck at the height where the collar would be. Rest the tape lightly on your skin and wrap it around, leaving one finger under the tape measure to give you enough wiggle room. If your neck is more than 17 inches around, then you qualify for "big" or "big and tall" sizing. If you’re below that measurement, proceed to regular or tall dress shirts.

Step 3: Measure Your Sleeve Length

This step is easier with a partner. If alone, grab a shirt that fits you perfectly and place one end of the measuring tape back of the shirt’s neck at the center. Then run it across the shoulder, allowing it to trail down to where your palm would be. If you have help, let your partner run the measuring tape from the center of your back, then across your shoulder, and let the measuring tape gently hang down to the top meaty half of your palm. This number is your ballpark sleeve length. Tall arm lengths vary depending on your size, so pay attention to your unique needs.

Step 4: Measure the Fullest Part of Your Chest

The final step is to measure the fullest part of your chest by running measuring tape around your chest at the fullest part, which is right under your armpits and over your shoulder blades. Make sure that your posture is relaxed and that you don’t flex or puff out your chest while doing this measurement. This will give the most accurate measurement for the perfect dress shirt.

Step 5: Measure The Shirt Length

If you would like to request a custom fit, you should also know the dress shirt length that works for you. Dress shirts are typically tucked into men’s dress pants, so they need to be longer than the typical button-down shirt.

Thankfully, If you already know if you fall within regular, big, or tall sizes, then you could simply choose a dress shirt that falls within either category. Any tall or big and tall dress shirt will have an extra torso length to accommodate your height.

Tip: Sneak in the measurement of your natural waist so that you can also grab a men’s belt that fits just right around your slacks.