Fit is important, so don’t mess up yours with bad sleeve length measurements. Learn how to measure sleeve length, get the right size and nail your fit.
While it isn’t difficult to find the right sleeve length for your shirt, a lot of people miss the mark on this detail when they suit up. Maybe they just don’t know how a suit should fit, but it’s just as likely that they didn’t know how to measure for sleeve length, but gave it a shot anyway after googling it.
And while that may sound like your exact situation, we’re not letting you step out with awkward sleeves. Read on for the right fit, whether you actually measure it out or not.
Table of Contents
Understanding Shirt Sleeve Sizes
Find Sizes Without Measuring
How to Measure Sleeve Length
Tips for Getting Measured
Understanding Shirt Sleeve Sizes
Before you learn how to measure sleeve length, there are a few things you need to know about reading dress shirt sizes.
The size label on a dress shirt will include 2-3 numbers. The first number—typically between 13 and 20—is the neck size. These are typically whole numbers, but some brands do offer dress shirts in half-sizes.
The next numbers are the sleeve length, typically formatted with a dash when the size covers more than one sleeve length (i.e. 32-33). Most brands offer dress shirt sleeve lengths between 31-39.
Finally, you may see the “cut”—typically “slim” or “classic” noted on the dress shirt size tag.
Go back to Table of ContentsHow to Find Your Sleeve Length (Without Measuring)
TRY ON DRESS SHIRTS
As long as you understand how formal wear should fit, trying on dress shirts is an easy way to find your sleeve length and sizes. Make sure you’re wearing a light t-shirt, and try on as many dress shirts as you need until you get the right fit. You still may want to visit a showroom or store (or get a home try-on), but you won’t need measurements.
Once you find the right size, write it down. And remember to look out for “slim” or “classic” on the size tag—you’ll notice the difference if you get the wrong cut later.
USE OUR FIT TECHNOLOGY
The days of using the internet to teach your dog how to measure sleeve length are coming to an end, sadly. Proprietary fit and sizing technology (like ours) makes it easier than ever to find your dress shirt sleeve size.
For many people, their own suit sizes are a little mysterious. That’s okay—we ask simple questions that most people already know the answers to: height, weight, age, body shape, and shoe size. If you know anything about your fit preferences (slim, classic, etc.) or formalwear sizes, we’ll use that too. (If not, that’s fine.) Then, we use data gathered from hundreds of thousands of customers to calculate the most probable sizes for your perfect fit.
Anyone can do it—try it out now for free.
Go back to Table of ContentsHow to Measure Sleeve Length
If these measurements are required for you to rent from a traditional brick-and-mortar tux shop, we’ve got you. Below you’ll find instructions for taking the measurements for sleeve length and dress shirts—be as accurate as possible for the best results.
Need a tape measure? Grab one here.
Neck Measurement
Measure around the fullest part of your neck, but don’t measure too tightly—a finger or two should fit between the measuring tape and your neck.
Shoulder Measurement
Wear a shirt that fits you well, and measure the distance between armhole seams across your back.
Sleeve Measurement
Keep your shoulders relaxed and arms down at your sides. Hold the measuring tape at the edge of your shoulder (the armhole), and measure straight down to where your wrist meets your hand.
Need help measuring for your entire outfit? Learn how to measure for a suit here.
Go back to Table of ContentsTips for Getting Sleeve Length Measurements
There are benefits to having your measurements taken professionally, and expert guidance can really help. If you’re not confident in your ability to measure yourself, and fit technology isn’t an option, use the following tips to make the most of your fitting:
1. Always wear a dress shirt to get fitted.
Give the person taking your measurements a good idea of how you like your formal wear to fit.
2. Bring a photo of the fit you want.
If you have a specific look you’re going for—slim, etc.—bring a photo for reference. If you don’t, you’ll have to trust the eye of the person taking your jacket measurements.
3. Don’t argue with the pros.
If they make a recommendation you didn’t expect, ask a few questions and get their opinion before you bail completely.
A Better Way to Find Your Sleeve Length
Getting your sleeve length right is important, but if you’d rather skip learning how to measurement sleeve length, we’re right there with you. We weren’t satisfied with the options available for finding suit and formal wear sizes, so we created our own size calculator. It’s simple, quick, and backed by data and years of formal wear experience.
We’ve also modernized the experience of finding your sleeve length and suit sizes in person. Visit one of our 300+ showrooms to see our designer-quality collection of suits, shirts, and accessories, and let our experts help you find the right sizes and fit for your dress shirt and more.