A dress shirt is an essential garment, even though a suit jacket usually covers it. And these days, if you take off your blazer, the dress shirt defines your appearance. The way the fabric lays can make a big difference. In addition, dress shirts today come in a range of different sizes to cater to people with varying body shapes once you find your size, you will look great in your dress shirt.
Dress shirt size chart for men
| Alpha Sizing | Neck (Inch) | Sleeve (Inch) | Chest (Inch) | Waist (Inch) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 13" - 13 1/2" | 32 | 32" - 34" | 26" - 28" |
| S | 14" - 14 1/2" | 33 | 35" - 37" | 29" - 31" |
| M | 15" - 15 1/2" | 34 | 38" - 40" | 32" - 34" |
| L | 16" - 16 1/2" | 35 | 41" - 43" | 35" - 37" |
| XL | 17" - 17 1/2" | 36 | 44" - 46" | 38" - 40" |
| XXL | 18" - 18 1/2" | 36.5 | 47" - 49" | 41" - 43" |
For dress shirts, you can typically find two different types of sizing scales:
- Numerical sizing (based on neck and arm length): derive the chest and waist measurements from the neck and arm lengths. The sleeve mostly defines the length of the dress shirt. Depending on the cut (i.e. slim fit) the dress shirt has a looser or tighter fit at the chest and waist. The first number of the numerical sizing on the size tag refers to the neck width, the second number to the length of the sleeve. If the label shows for example“14 30”, then this means a neck width of 14 inches and a sleeve length of 30 inches.
- Alpha sizing (XS, S, M, L, XL): while these dress shirt sizes are available in most stores, they are arbitrary. Neck and sleeve length differ significantly between brands, and guidelines do not exist. In addition, the sleeve length is less important than the chest width in this sizing scale.
How do I know my dress shirt size?
- Neck: The neck is the body part you use when determining the right size for your dress shirt. Either wrap the measuring tape around your throat while keeping a finger between it and your neck. Another method is to take a shirt that fits you well and measure from the center of the collar button to the buttonhole’s end.
- Sleeve: Measure from the center back of your neck, over your shoulder, down on the outside of your arm to your wrist. It’s best if you bend your arm slightly while measuring.
- Chest: Measure around the widest part of your chest. Hold the measuring tape just under your arms and then extend it around your shoulder blades. Hold the measuring tape level and parallel to ground.
- Waist: Measure just below your waist at the length where you normally wear your pants (approx. 1 inch below your belly button). Ideally, keep one finger between the measuring tape and your body.
What are the most common dress shirt cuts?
- Traditional or classic fit: this cut’s straight lines along the body is ideal for men with a wider chest and/or waistline. This fit is cuts more generously across the shoulders, chest, and waist. It has a loose fit throughout the torso. The classic fit tends to billow a bit when you tuck it. Sometimes the classic fit also comes with a longer shirt-tail to prevent the shirt from coming out of your suit pants, jeans, or pants after sitting down.
- Modern fit: If a dress shirt billows too much when you tuck it in, you need a slimmer fit. In this case, you might choose a modern fit shirt or even a slim fit. The modern fit falls between the classic and the slim fit.
- Slim fit: These dress shirts are cut close to the body with a tapered waist and fitted torso. They cut a clean line that contours to a man’s V-Shaped build.
- Extra or Super Slim fit: As the name already indicates, these cuts are even trimmer and sleeker than the slim fits. They are ideal for very slender men.
Quick Links
- How to Find the Perfect-Fitting Suit
- A Sizing Guide for Men’s Suit Jackets
- A Guide to Measuring and Converting Jacket Sizes
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