1. Neck
When measuring the neck, make sure you can move the tape easily. Do not tighten the tape measure. Make sure that the tape is at the base of the neck where the neck and shoulders meet or at the height where the collar would be if you were wearing a shirt.
2. Chest
Stand up straight, relax and take a deep breath with your hands down at your side. This measurement should be taken around the chest and under the arms.
3. Waist
Stand up in a relaxed posture. Do not hold your breath or pull in your stomach. If you have a slimmer build, this measurement should be taken at the narrowest point. If you have a heavier build, this measurement should be taken at the widest point.
4. Hips
This measurement should be taken around the hips at the widest point. Stand up in a relaxed posture and keep the tape parallel.
5. Shoulder
This measurement should be taken across the shoulder from one edge to the other. Ensure you take the curved contour over the top of the shoulders as shown. If you are wearing your best fitted shirt measure up the shoulder seams.
6. Sleeve Length
This measurement should be taken from exactly the same point you used earlier for the Shoulder measurement. Make sure you measure to the point at your wrist where you want the sleeve to end. Do not bend your arm.
7. Wrist/Cuff
This measurement should be taken around your wrist bone. You may also consider adding ¼” to ½” if you wear a heavier watch.
8. Bicep
This measurement should be taken around your upper arm at the widest point.
9. Shirt Length
Stand up in a relaxed posture. This measurement should be taken from the topmost point of the shoulder at a point near the neck at the collar seam, along the front of your body, to a point where you want the shirt to end.
10. Armhole
Place the tape measure under your arm and around the top of your arm. To ensure a comfortable fit, take the armhole measurement with one finger inside the tape measure.
After you have the measurements down, it's time for the fun part – choosing fabric! There are some truly incredible shirting fabrics being produced today. Check out our post on the history of men's suiting for some inspiration.