MASTERING MEN'S DRESS SHIRT SIZES: A FASHION EXPERT'S GUIDE

Boy and men dressing is quite a complicated aspect especially when it comes to selecting the right shirt to wear for formal events. There are so many sizing systems and measurement types it’s easy to get more confused than you were before. But, do not fret because this definitive guide will help you get a grasp of the men’s dress shirt sizes and make sure that you only get the correct size for your shirts. After reading this guide until the very end, you will know every single thing there is to know about men’s dress shirt size guide – everything from neck and sleeve dimensions to body types, the optimal ways of choosing the perfect size, and how to measure shirt size.

How to Measure Men’s Dress Shirt Size?

Different types of dress shirts are available in the market and have different sizes depending on the wearers’ body size and style. Generally, dress shirt sizes are categorized into two main systems: The first one is the alpha sizing and the second one is numeric sizing. This blog will lead the reader to understand the different systems of classifying shirts so that one can make the right choice.

• Alpha Sizing

Alpha sizing is more common for what can be referred to as workplace shirts or those shirts that are bought readymade. Sizes are grouped under the small, medium, large, and extra-large category indicators where sizes are depicted using letters S, M, L, XL, and so on. This system is easy and is good for shirts, where the degree of fitting is not a paramount requirement. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Small (S): Neck size 14/14. This garment was fashionable, its dimensions were as follows: length 5 inches, sleeve length 32-33 inches, chest 34-36 inches.

2. Medium (M): Neck size is from 15/15.5, Sleeve 5 inches, length 33-34 inches, chest 38-40 inches.

3. Large (L): Neck size: 16-16, Length back 59-60, length 5, sleeve length 34-35, chest 42-44.

4. Extra Large (XL): Neck size: 17 – 17. This particular garment features a 5-inch hemline, a sleeve length of 35-36 inches, and a chest measurement of 46-48 inches.

While this sizing system is good due to practicality it can be somewhat restrictive for those who need something more specific.

• Numeric Sizing

Numeric sizing which is mainly used for dress shirts is slightly better than this kind of sizing. This system is based on the measurements of the neckline size chart and sleeve which give a better fit for different figure types. The garment sizes are written in numbers: for example, 16/34 where the first number, 16 inches, refers to the neck size while the second one, 34 inches refers to the sleeve length. This system is rather helpful for people who require a better fit.

For instance, if a shirt has a 16/34 bust size, it means that the collar size of the shirt will be 16 inches while the sleeve length will be 34 inches. Such measurements help the shirt fit nicely around the neck and avoid constricting it while the sleeves are appropriately long.

Interpreting Different Size Charts

The size of the shirt also differs from brand to brand and therefore the brand chart should be sought to get the perfect size for the shirt. Below is a general guide on how to look for the different dress shirt size charts that are most often used.

Men’s Dress Shirt Size Chart

Here’s a standard men's dress shirt size chart for reference:

Key Dimensions for Men’s Dress Shirts

Unfortunately, there cannot be a better guide to coordinating the perfect shirt size than knowing how to measure your body properly. Now let’s demystify five key metrics every marketer should keep their eyes on.

• Neck Size

It is very important to measure the size of the neck as it is considered one of the most crucial parts of a dress shirt. It defines how snugly the collar will sit on your neck the minimal measurements define how loosely it will sit on your neck. To measure your neck size:

1. Don’t use a stiff measuring tape.

2. The plastic part should be wrapped around the base of the neck, where the collar part resides.

3. Do as much as add about half an inch as shirt fabric usually contracts slightly after washing.

• Sleeve Length

Sleeve length is also very important to make sure that your shirt sleeves cover just a little beyond the wrist bones. To measure your dress shirt sleeve length:

1. Begin at the middle of your back right above your waistline but below the neck.

2. With a measuring tape, measure from your shoulder [ shoulder width], across your elbow, and to your wrist bone.

3. While taking this measurement ensure that your arm is bent a little for more precise measurements.

• Chest Size

Chest girth is the measurement around your chest over the breath’s wideness, as it goes about the body. To measure your chest size:

1. Measure around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms then down to the tape and pen down the figure.

2. Pull it tight over across your back so that it is straight and secure, yet comfortable.

• Waist Size

It also includes the size of their waist, because, you don’t want the pants to be large and loose at the belly area only. It helps in establishing how well the shirt will fit you around your stomach or the waistline as may be preferred. To measure your waist size:

1. You must loop the tape around your actual waist which is just above the navel.

2. It should not be tight to cause any constriction, however should be as close to the body as possible.

Here are Some Tips for Sizing a Men’s Dress Shirt:

Now that you understand the basic measurements, here are some additional tips to ensure the perfect fit:

• Body Type: A man’s body shape should also come into play when you are selecting a shirt type. This is because slim trousers suit people with thin physiques since they hug the body tightly, but fit or classic fit suits people who are bigger since it is loose on the body.

• Comfort and Movement: The dress shirt that you wear should be one that will not restrict your movements and at the same time it should not have many fabric folds. For further testing, wear the shirt and attempt to move your arms and sit, attempt to do this.

• Shirt Length: The length of the shirt should be long enough so that it can be tucked in throughout the day but should not be too long as this will give the appearance of a bulky tummy.

The Importance of Correct Dress Shirt Sizing

Besides, a dress shirt fits well on the wearer making him or her appear smart and confident. A wrong-fitting shirt makes you to be unfit while a well-fitting shirt brings class to your appearance and makes you appear professional.

• Comfort and Confidence

If you wear a good-fitting shirt, then you will be more relaxed and this always leads to increased self-esteem. You will not be bothered so much by readjusting your clothes and instead, be all out making the impression.

• Versatility in Style

A shirt can be worn formally or informally; in a sense, one can have many outfits with a well-fitting shirt alone. It can be worn with a suit when going for a more formal event or may be worn with jeans for that business casual look.

• Common Mistakes in Men’s Dress Shirt Sizing

However, even when the appropriate measurements have been taken there are several mistakes that you need to avoid in a dress shirt.

• Ignoring Brand Variations

Some trademark owners have different measurements of men’s shirt sizes. It is always good to go through the actual size chart of the particular brand you intend to buy your clothes from irrespective of how much you think you know the size.

• Overlooking Sleeve Length

Sleeve length is many times left out, but it is very important if you want to look smart and classy. Make sure that the sleeves should ideally come exactly up to the wrist bone part.

• Choosing the Wrong Fit

Slim fit suits are meant for skinny people, regular fit suits are meant for average-built people and classic suits are meant for bulky-built people. Select the one, which is more suitable for framing your body shape to eliminate the chances of having either tight or baggy shirts.

How to Make Your Dress Shirt Fit You?

Despite great care being taken while using measurements, there are times when the only way to get a good fit is to ‘sew’ it in. It is easier for a professional to be able to take your shirt and fit it on your body to the least detail.

When to Consider Tailoring

• Benefits of Tailoring

Tailoring offers several benefits, including:

1. Perfect Fit: In most cases, it requires customized operations to make the shirt hug your body and shape.

2. Enhanced Comfort: Ideally, it will feel much better to put on tailored shirts, because these are generally made according to the sizes of the guy.

3. Professional Appearance: A tailored shirt makes such an impression as compared to an ordinary or off-the-rack shirt.

Bottom Line

It is all about measurement and learning how this measurement works to determine the correct size to fit the man’s dress shirt. When purchasing separate pieces of clothing or reading for a shirt that is going to cost a lot of money, the important points that should be emphasized are the neck, sleeves, chest, and waist. According to your body type, occasion, and style, you should be able to choose between these shirts and if this doesn’t justify your choice of shirt then a tailor is not far from helping you choose the most appropriate one. So now with this guide, you’re set to stand out well and feel comfortable in any dress shirt that you will have to wear.