Why is it important to measure accurately before buying a shirt online?

Accurate measuring helps us avoid returns, alterations and awkward fits by ensuring the shirt is comfortable across the shoulders, roomy where we need movement and neat at the cuffs, especially when shopping multiple brands or ordering online.

What tools and preparation do we need before measuring for a shirt?

We need a soft cloth measuring tape, a mirror, a chair or flat surface, and optionally a well-fitting shirt and a friend to help; wear a thin layer, stand naturally and measure on a normal breath out.

How should we measure chest, neck and shoulders for the most reliable fit?

For chest, wrap the tape around the fullest part, keep it level and allow one finger between tape and body; for neck, measure at the base and leave one finger’s space for comfort; for shoulders, measure edge-to-edge across the back where the shirt seam would sit, ideally with someone helping to keep the tape straight.

How do we compare our body measurements to a brand’s size chart or a flat-shirt measurement?

Compare your chest and neck (for formal shirts) or chest and shoulder (for casual styles) to the brand’s table, and if a chart gives flat-shirt widths double that number to match circumference; when between sizes, choose the larger for comfort or add 1-2 cm if you plan to layer.

How should we measure children or teens and allow for growth?

Measure children the same way as adults but add 2-4 cm to chest and waist for growth and prefer adjustable cuffs or roll-up sleeves to extend wear as they grow.

How to measure for shirt size: a clear, step-by-step

Why accurate measuring matters

A well-fitting shirt feels like it was made for you: comfortable across the shoulders, roomy where you need movement and neat at the cuffs. Measuring correctly at home saves returns, alterations and awkward fits - especially when shopping multiple brands or ordering online. Below we share the simple tools you need, a short checklist, and clear steps you can follow in twenty minutes or less.

What you need

Soft measuring tape (cloth tape measure).
A well-fitting shirt you already own (optional but useful).
A friend to help for best accuracy (especially for shoulders and back length).
Mirror and a chair or flat surface to lay a shirt flat.

Quick checklist before you measure

Wear a thin layer (a t-shirt or undershirt), stand naturally, and relax your shoulders. Measure on a normal breathing out - not slouched, not upright-stretched. If you plan to wear layered clothing or knitwear underneath, add 1-2 cm to the chest and waist measurements.

Step-by-step measurements

1. Chest (circumference)

Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, across the shoulder blades and under the armpits. Keep the tape level and parallel to the floor. You should be able to fit one finger between the tape and your body - this gives comfortable movement. Record the measurement in centimetres.

2. Waist (natural waist)

Find your natural waist - usually the narrowest point between ribs and hips. Measure around this point with the tape level. For shirts that sit over trousers, measure where the shirt hem will fall and note that number separately.

3. Neck (for collared shirts)

Place the tape at the base of your neck where the collar sits. Leave enough room to fit one finger between the tape and your neck for comfort. This is the collar size used for formal shirts.

4. Shoulder width (across back)

Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the other across the back where a shirt’s shoulder seam would sit. Ideally have someone help so the tape stays straight and taut. If measuring alone, use a mirror to check alignment.

5. Sleeve length

With your arm slightly bent, measure from the shoulder seam point (where shoulder meets arm) down the outside of the arm, over the elbow, to the wrist bone. For casual shirts you can allow 1-2 cm extra; for fitted dress shirts, stay precise.

6. Shirt length (back)

Measure from the base of the back of the neck (where a collar would sit) straight down to where you prefer the shirt hem to finish - often just below the hip for casual shirts or mid-zipper for tucked dress shirts. Note the style you want and record the exact length.

If you have a shirt that fits well, lay it flat and measure these same points across the garment (chest width, shoulder seam to shoulder seam, sleeve length from seam to cuff, and back length). Comparing body measurements to the flat-shirt measurements helps you understand how a brand sizes its shirts.

Need examples for brand sizing? Explore our Men section to see how different categories fit and shop shirts that match the measurements you've taken: Men.

Consideration: Different fabrics behave differently. Stiffer woven shirts (dress shirts) change little with wear; cotton knits and stretch fabrics can relax by 1-3 cm after a few wears. When in doubt, size for the body measurement plus 1-2 cm for ease.

When to measure a child or teen

Children’s measuring follows the same steps, but allow extra room for growth. For a growing child, add 2-4 cm to chest and waist measurements and prefer adjustable cuffs or roll-up sleeves. For kids’ style options and sizes, see Kids.

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How to convert measurements to shirt sizes

Each brand uses its own size chart. After measuring, compare your numbers to the brand’s sizing table - focus on chest and neck for formal shirts, chest and shoulder for casual and fitted styles. If a chart lists flat-shirt widths, double them to compare to your circumference measurements. When sizing falls between two options, choose the larger size for comfort or the smaller if you plan to tailor.

How to read size charts and common pitfalls

Check whether the chart uses body circumference or garment measurements.
Look for listed ease - some shirts include a note like "slim fit" or "relaxed fit"; that affects how much extra room is included.
Be careful with international sizing conversion - an "M" in one brand might match a different chest circumference in another.

Practical examples (South Africa scenarios)

Example 1: If your chest measures 98 cm and a brand’s size M lists a chest of 100 cm (garment), the shirt will fit close to the body - add 2-4 cm if you want room for a tee underneath. Example 2: For formal shirts, if your neck is 40 cm and a size lists 39-41 cm, pick 41 cm if you prefer a looser collar or plan to wear a tie.

Altering and tailoring tips

Small mismatches are often quickest fixed by a tailor: shortening sleeves, taking in side seams, or adjusting hem length. In South Africa, basic alterations like shortening sleeves typically start around R120-R300 depending on fabric and tailor - costs vary by city and fabric complexity.

Shopping smarter on Bash

When shopping on Bash, save your measurements in centimetres in your account notes. Use product pages and the brand’s size chart to match measurements rather than relying on letter sizes. If a product description mentions "relaxed fit" or includes a model’s height and size, use that as context - and when in doubt, check related articles for sizing advice: Where to buy authentic Bafana Bafana shirts in South Africa provides examples of how sports jerseys are sized differently from dress shirts and casual tees.

Final practical checklist before you buy

Confirm whether the size chart is body or garment-based.
Check the fabric description for stretch or preshrink instructions.
Save your chest, neck, shoulder and sleeve measurements in centimetres.
If buying a gift, ask for the recipient’s best-fitting shirt to measure, or choose adjustable styles.

Measuring at home gives you confidence and fewer surprises. Follow these steps, compare to the product chart, and when you need matching styles, browse Bash’s Men selection for shirts and sizing notes. If you’d like, we’ll guide you through reading a specific brand’s size chart - tell us the brand or product and we’ll walk through it together.

How to measure for shirt size: a clear, step-by-step guide

Measure key points

Sources

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Compare to charts

Account for fabric

Why accurate measuring matters

What you need

Quick checklist before you measure

Step-by-step measurements

1. Chest (circumference)

2. Waist (natural waist)

3. Neck (for collared shirts)

4. Shoulder width (across back)

5. Sleeve length

6. Shirt length (back)

When to measure a child or teen

How to convert measurements to shirt sizes

How to read size charts and common pitfalls

Practical examples (South Africa scenarios)

Altering and tailoring tips

Shopping smarter on Bash

Final practical checklist before you buy

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