How To Measure Men's Shirt Size
It takes only a few minutes to measure your shirt size; all you need is a measuring tape and a mirror. If you feel like ordering shirts online is a huge gamble because you are never sure about your shirt size, well, the simple solution here is to measure your shirt size.
Buying a shirt online can feel like a gamble. You struggle through size charts and finding your exact measurements, then you think, maybe I should order a large size just to be safe. And at last, when your shirt arrives, it is either hanging on your body like a tent or it is so tight that it's practically squeezing your body.
All of this can be easily avoided by measuring your shirt's size. When you know your measurements, you get to buy the right-sized shirts that actually sit well on your body and give you a better overall look, just like the polos from The Cotton Leaf. So stop wasting money on shirts that don't fit you and learn with us how you can measure your shirt's size.
What Will You Need?
A Measuring Tape
It is suggested to use a soft fabric measuring tape. Using a stiff kind of measuring tape will not be helpful in this case. The soft measuring tape is the one that tailors use all the time. If you don't have a measuring tape, don't worry, simply grab a piece of string. You can measure these pieces of string against a ruler and note down the number.
A Well-Fitting Shirt
Grab one of the shirts you already own. Remember that you need a well-fitted shirt for this. You will be using this shirt as a reference point, so it has to be the one that is a perfect fit for you.
Someone To Help (Optional)
You can totally take measurements yourself. However, if you are not alone then it is better to use someone's help in taking measurements. It can make things quicker and easier.
A Mirror
When you are taking your measurements, it is critical to ensure that the measuring tape is leveled and sitting straight across your body. So, to ensure this, you must use a mirror to see and confirm that the tape is always straight. If there is someone else available, then they can guide you about this, and then you can skip the mirror.
What Measurements Will You Need?
You must have experienced this when shopping online for men's clothes in Pakistan, that most websites have a size chart, and these size charts ask you for some basic standard measurements, mainly including:
Chest
The first and most important measurement is the chest. This measurement tells you how wide your shirt needs to be across your torso.
Shoulder Width
To ensure that the shoulder seams of the shirt sit at the right place, we have to measure shoulder width right at the edge of your shoulders. Remember, right at the edge, not drooping down your arms or pulling tight.
Sleeve Length
To know the perfect sleeve length that ends at the right spot on your arm, you must measure the sleeve length.
Shirt Length
This measurement tells us how long your shirt would be. Men often ignore this measurement, thinking every shirt has a standardized length, but how long the shirt is from top to bottom and how it looks on your body when you wear it are very important.
Neck Size
This is not something every size chart has, especially when it comes to regular t-shirts and polos. But for buttoned collars and dress shirts, knowing this measurement is a must-have.
How To Take All These Measurements?
Measuring The Chest
Stand up straight and completely relax your shoulders. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest. Make sure that the tape is snug, not too tight or too loose. Another important thing to ensure is that it must be leveled across your chest. When taking the measurement, do not hold in your breath; it is important to keep breathing normally.
Tip: Never pull the tape too tight; your shirt must fit comfortably, not like something you will burst out of.
Measuring The Shoulder Width
Shoulder measurements must be taken from the edge of one shoulder to the other. The point where the shoulder meets the arm is called the edge of the shoulder. Place the tape on one shoulder's edge, and then all the way across your back, take it to the other shoulder's edge. Once again, make sure that the tape is straight and resting flat across your upper back.
Tip: If you can find someone to help with this step, that is better because it can be a bit difficult to see your own back easily and clearly.
Measuring Sleeve Length
Start from where the collar sits, i.e., the center back of your neck. First measure across the top of your shoulder and then down to your wrist. Make sure you keep your arm slightly bent. Do not stretch it out straight.
Tip: If you are measuring yourself, it is easier to use a well-fitted shirt you already have. Lay it flat on a flat surface and then measure the sleeves all the way from the centre back collar to the end of the cuff.
Measuring The Shirt Length
From the highest point of your shoulder, where the shoulder seam would sit, measure all the way down to where you want the shirt to end. For casual shirts, mostly measuring till mid-hip is ideal. For dress shirts, however, it is suggested to go just a little bit longer.
Tip: Always consider how you will be wearing and styling the shirt. If you want an untucked look, a shorter length will do. And if you want to tuck in your shirt, you will need a longer length.
Measuring Neck Size
Wrap the tape around your neck at the point where the collar would sit. This point is usually right below your Adam's apple. Make sure the tape is snug but never too tight. A good test is to see if you can comfortably fit two fingers between the tape and your neck.
Tip: Always go up if you are between two sizes, because if you get a small and a tight collar, it will be extremely uncomfortable to wear.
Why Cotton Leaf Makes Online Shopping Easier
When it comes to the perfect fit and sizing for men's shirts, The Cotton Leaf makes things super simple. We understand that when you buy men's clothes in Pakistan online, your biggest concern is finding the right fit, and this is why we have consistent sizing options. You will see that all our products, like polos, t-shirts, and other products, have consistent sizing all across. What we mean by this is you just need to know one time what your right size is. Then you can rest assured that the size that fits you perfectly for our Exclusive Coffee Brown Polo will also be the size that fits you perfectly for all our products, like Exclusive Charcoal Pique Polo or Exclusive White Polo.
Our size guides are accurate and clear, and we will never leave you guessing. In most brands, you will experience that different products have different sizing instructions, but not us. Pair up any one of our polos with the right pants, and you will instantly create an unforgettable yet effortless look, but the polo should be the right size; otherwise, the whole look will appear to be uncoordinated.
Another plus point of our products is the fine construction and top-quality fabric we use in making them. Our polos hold their shape well even after repeated use and washing, for example, our Exclusive Burgundy Pique Polo. The sleeves hit at the right length, the shoulder seams sit where they should, and the cut is modern yet modest. When you buy from us, it becomes a super easy process to build a reliable and perfectly fitting wardrobe.
Conclusion
It is crucial for men to be aware of their right shirt size. When you don't know your shirt's size, you end up with either a shirt that is too tight or a shirt that is too loose. You can easily measure your shirt size at home in just five minutes or less. Using a measuring tape and a mirror, note down all the important measurements that you see in size charts. When you know your right shirt size, you can confidently shop for your favorite shirts from The Cotton Leaf.
FAQs
Q1. Are shirt sizes the same in Pakistani and international brands?
That is not the case because international brands often run larger. If you are a size large in an international brand, then you will be a size medium in Pakistani brands. So it is not suggested to buy from Pakistani brands based on your size according to the European or American standards.
Q2. What is the difference between slim fit and regular fit sizing?
Slim fit shirts are cut in a way that they sit closer to your body, not tight, but snug. There is less fabric around the waist and arms in a slim fit design. However, a regular-sized shirt has more room and an overall relaxed shape.
Q3. How to figure out if a shirt will shrink after washing or not?
Check the fabric label to find that out. 100% cotton shirts with no pre-shrinking treatment usually shrink up to 3-5% after washing.