A well-fitting dress shirt is essential for a polished and professional appearance. Measuring for a dress shirt accurately ensures that the shirt fits comfortably and looks great. You will be able to order the right size from online stores. Whether you wear a silk button-down shirt or a button-up shirt, it should fit you. Let’s try to learn how to measure for a dress shirt.
How to Measure for a Dress Shirt?
Neck
Wrap the Measuring Tape Around Your Neck: Stand straight and relax. Place the tape around the base of your neck, where the collar of a silk button down shirt would sit.
Record the Measurement: Ensure the tape is snug but not tight. Add half an inch to this measurement to ensure comfort.
Sleeve Length
Position Your Arm: Bend your arm slightly and place your hand on your hip.
Measure from the Center of Your Back: Start from the middle of the back of your neck. Measure across your shoulder to your elbow and down to your wrist.
Record the Measurement: This is your sleeve length.
Chest
Wrap the Measuring Tape Around Your Chest: Place the tape under your armpits and around the fullest part of your chest.
Record the Measurement: Keep the tape level and snug, but not tight.
Waist
Measure Your Waist: Wrap the tape around the narrowest part of your waist, typically just above the belly button.
Record the Measurement: Ensure the tape is level and snug.
Shirt Length
Measure from the Top of Your Shoulder: Start at the top of your shoulder, where the collar of a shirt top would sit.
Measure Down to Your Desired Length: Typically, this will be to the bottom of your buttocks for a dress shirt.
Shoulder Width
Measure from Shoulder to Shoulder: Place the tape at the edge of one shoulder and measure across to the other shoulder.
Record the Measurement: This ensures the shirt fits well across your back.
Type of Fit
Standard Fit: This is the most common fit, offering some breathing room in the chest and a looser fit in the shoulders.
Modern Fit: This style fits closer to the chest than a traditional dress shirt.
Slim Fit: This sharp style fits snugly across the chest and offers a more tailored fit in the shoulders, sleeves, and armholes. Shirts in this style will have a tighter fit in the waist as well.
Additional Tips
Use a soft measuring tape (tailor's tape) since it is the easiest to wrap around your body. If you don't have access to tailor's tape, you can use a piece of string and then lay the string flat out on a tape measure.
Compare your dimensions to standard sizing charts to ensure a good fit. If your measurements don't match up to standard sizes, consider opting for the larger size and visiting a tailor.
When measuring, do not worry about adjusting for shrinkage. The measurements will be accounted for automatically by the manufacturer or tailor.
How to style tailored shirts?
Classic Black Suit
A classic black suit pairs well with almost any shirt. For a sophisticated look, try a purple dress shirt. A yellow dress shirt adds a bold contrast to a black suit, making it perfect for daytime events.
Navy Blue Suit
Navy suits are ideal for the office. A purple button up shirt creates a sharp, professional appearance. For a touch of elegance, opt for a silk shirt mens in white or light blue.
Gray Suit
Gray suits offer a more subtle look. Pair with a yellow dress shirt for a vibrant yet balanced outfit. A silk button down shirt in a darker shade adds a modern twist to a gray suit.
Tan or Khaki Suit
Tan suits are great for less formal occasions. Match with a purple button up shirt for a standout look. Yellow shirts bring a fresh and summery vibe to tan suits.
Selecting the Right Tie
Solid Color Ties
For a purple dress shirt, choose a tie in a contrasting color like silver or gold. A yellow dress shirt can be paired with a dark blue or black tie for a striking contrast.
Patterned Ties
Pair a solid silk button down shirt with a patterned tie to add interest. For example, a mens silk shirt in a solid color can be paired with a striped or paisley tie.
If your shirt top has a subtle pattern, opt for a tie with a more pronounced pattern or a solid tie to avoid clashing.
Silk Ties
Silk ties enhance the elegance of silk shirts for men. Choose a silk tie that complements the shirt’s color and texture.
Conclusion
Measuring a dress shirt accurately is crucial for a comfortable and stylish fit. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can ensure that your dress shirt fits perfectly. Remember to take your measurements in a relaxed position and compare them to standard sizing charts for the best results. Ties2You offers shirts in a variety of sizes. Make sure you measure your size and order according to your style