Did you know you only need to two measurements in order to determine your dress shirt size? Men’s dress shirt sizes typically work based on two primary measurements: neck size and sleeve length. And in order to get these measurements, all you need is a tape measure  and a friend in order to determine these measurements! Let’s get started.

How to take your neck measurement

Because men’s dress shirt sizes are determined by using the collar size, you will need to measure the circumference of your neck.

To measure your collar size, follow these steps below:

1. Place your tape measure flush around the neck closest to wear the collar of the dress shirt will be.
2. Place three fingers under the tape measure at the point in which they meet. This will give you a comfortable and accurate neck measurement. Dress shirts will shrink when taken to the dry cleaners so its extra important to place those three fingers under your tape measure.
3. Take note of the measurement.

When it comes to dress shirt collar sizes, these are usually measured in inches or centimeters. Common sizes range from about 14 inches (35.5 cm) to 18 inches (45.7 cm) or more.

How to measure sleeve length

In order to take your sleeve measurement, first, you will want to bend your arm slightly at the elbow like you are looking at your watch. By doing so, you can be sure that the sleeves will have enough length to accommodate movement without pulling up too much when the arms are relaxed.

To measure your sleeve length, follow these steps below:

1. Place the tape measure on the top center of the man’s back (closest to the vertebrae) and measure to the peak of the shoulder.
2. Take the measurement from the peak of shoulder down to the elbow.
3. Take the measurement from the elbow down to the wrist bone.
4. Add all three measurements together to get your correct sleeve length.

Sleeve lengths are commonly measured in inches or centimeters. Standard sizes for sleeve lengths often range from about 32 inches (81 cm) to 36 inches (91 cm) or more.

Men’s dress shirt sizes are usually labeled with both the neck size and the sleeve length. For example, a shirt labeled “15.5/34-35” would have a 15.5-inch neck size and a sleeve length that fits arms with a measurement falling within the 34 to 35-inch range. Some brands may offer shirts in a range of neck sizes with standard sleeve lengths (e.g., S, M, L, XL) or vice versa.

If you do not have a friend to properly measure you for a shirt check out your local men’s clothing store or a tailor so that you can get properly measured before buying any shirts. Wearing a proper dress shirt size is not only comfortable but attractive and shows that you care about the way you look.