To provide the shoppers of your fashion e-commerce shop with the best possible fit for a dress shirt, it is critical that you are familiar with the basic measurements to add to your size chart.
Before you begin, you should know that the measurements of dress shirts can be taken in two different ways, directly on a model or on the dress shirt itself. These are called body measurements and finished garment measurements, respectively.
For your customers, it makes more sense to add body measurements to your size chart, as they will most likely consider their own dimensions when evaluating the size of a garment.
In order to arrive at finished garment measurements, your customers would have to measure a dress shirt that they already own and that fits them well. Many shoppers will find this difficult and inconvenient.
In this article, we will describe how to take measurements for a dress shirt, first starting with body measurements and then moving on to garment measurements. For indications on how to measure clothes other than dress shirts, please refer to this article.
How to measure for a dress shirt (body measurements)
When taking body measurements, keep in mind that the most important aspect of each garment is comfort. This means that when measurements are made, the tape measure should not be pulled tight on the body but maintain a certain tolerance, that is, inserting a finger between the tape measure and the body. This will ensure maximum comfort of the garment.
Following are the main points on the body where measurements should be taken for a dress shirt.
Chest circumference (also called bust circumference)
Take the measurement around the widest point, possibly during inhalation, and make sure the model has a relaxed posture. Keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor.
Waist circumference
Measure the waist at the narrowest point, which is usually above navel level. The measurement should be taken with the tape measure parallel to the floor.
Hip circumference
Measure the waistline at hip height. Make sure the tape measure adheres to the body but always keeping a finger of tolerance. The tape should be kept parallel to the floor.
Neck circumference
Measure the circumference of the neck at its largest point with a tape measure. Insert your index finger between the tape measure and the neck to achieve the desired comfort.
Shoulder width
Point the tape measure where the shoulder joins the arm. Measure to the other end of the shoulder at the same point, making sure that the tape follows the contour of the back, passing under the most prominent point on a slight curve.
Arm length
Measure the arm starting from the end of the collarbone down to the wrist, making sure the arm is bent to get the right extension.
Bicep circumference
Measure the circumference of the biceps in traction if possible. For a proper fit, the tape measure should adhere to the biceps, always keeping a finger of tolerance between the body and the tape.
Forearm circumference
Place the tape measure on the forearm, always keeping a finger of tolerance between the body and the tape.
Wrist circumference
Measure the circumference of the wrist at the height of the joint.
Back length
Take the measurement with the tape measure parallel to the back, from the base of the neck to below the buttocks.
Dress shirt measurements (finished garment measurements)
To start measuring, lay your dress shirt out on a hard, flat surface. The reference points are the same as those provided for the body measurements, except in the measurements listed below.
Collar length
Open the shirt and spread out the collar, measure with a tape measure from the center of the buttonhole to the center of the corresponding button to get the right measurement.
Cuff circumference
Lay out your shirt cuff and measure the width between the button and the center of the buttonhole.
Now that you know how to make accurate measurements, you can focus on your shop’s performance. To increase conversion rates and reduce shoppers’ indecisiveness, we suggest you use a free sizing solution like Sizefox.
With Sizefox, you can offer size recommendations to your customers and create sleek size charts for your shop.
Interested in testing Sizefox? Create your free account or follow Sizefox on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest development in fashion-tech.
