Consider having someone take your measurements for you. This will ensure that your body is straight while you are taking them. [2] X Expert Source Korri Burton-UniverseProfessional Tailor Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.
Collar: Wrap the measuring tape around the base of your neck. Keep it loose enough so that you can slide 2 fingers under it. [7] X Expert Source Korri Burton-UniverseProfessional Tailor Expert Interview. 12 January 2021. Sleeve (casual): Measure from your shoulder down to your wrist, or wherever you want the cuff to be. Sleeve (dress or formal); Measure from the back-center of your neck, over your shoulder, and down to wherever you want the cuff to end.
This method assumes that you will be measuring a button up men’s dress shirt. It may work for other styles of shirts too.
This can be a little hard to find on men’s shirts; it is more evident on women’s shirts and fitted shirts.
Some places refer to this as the “seat” measurement instead. [12] X Research source
If your shirt has a curved bottom hem, pull the tape down to the curved hem. Keep the measuring tape as straight as possible. If your shirt has a striped or checkered pattern, use the lines as a guide.
The shoulder seam is the area where the sleeve connects to the body of the shirt. Some places refer to this as the “yoke” measurement instead. [15] X Research source
Some places will require you to start the measurement at the back-center of the collar instead. [17] X Research source
Some places will require you to measure to the outside edge of the cuff buttonhole instead. [19] X Research source If you are measuring a short sleeve shirt, simply measure across the hem, from seam to folded edge. [20] X Research source
