How to Measure Sleeve Length
Last updated September 7, 2023
Knowing how to measure sleeve length is important when you purchase a work shirt. Sleeve and neck measurements are essential to getting the best fit.
Read this guide and follow these steps to ensure you have the correct measurements. While you can take your own measurements, the numbers will be more accurate if you get someone to assist you.
Table of Contents
Put On a Sample Shirt
Measure Sleeve Length
Measure Neck Size
Calculate Shirt Size
Fit Tips
Put On a Sample Shirt
- Select a shirt that fits you well and is similar to the style you wish to purchase.
- Put on the shirt and fasten each button.
- Stand erect with your arms at your side. Bend your arms at the elbow slightly.
- Place a measuring tape slightly below the nape of your neck, in line with your spine.
Measure Sleeve Length
- Measure from the first point to the shoulder of your shirt. Record the result.
- Measure the length from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of your wrist bone. Record the result.
- Add the two numbers together to find your sleeve length.
Measure Neck Size
- Wrap the measuring tape around your neck at the point where your collar rests, about 1 inch from the point where your neck and shoulder meet.
- Pull the tape taut, but do not stretch it. Make sure the tape is level all the way around for greatest accuracy.
- Record the result; this is your true neck size.
- If the measurement ends in a quarter-inch, round up to the next half inch. For example, if your measurement was 14 3/4 inches, round this up to 15 inches.
- Add one-half inch to the measurement to get the shirt size measurement. In the preceding example, the shirt size measurement would be 15 1/2 inches.
Calculate Shirt Size
Men’s shirts are sized according to two numbers, usually separated by a slash. The first number is the neck measurement and the second is the sleeve length. For example, the shirt might be marked 15/33, indicating a neck measurement of 15 and a sleeve measurement of 33.
If the shirt is not marked with numeric sizes, you can estimate the equivalent with the following chart:
- Small Size | 14-14 1/2 neck | 32-33 sleeve
- Medium Size | 15-15 1/2 neck | 32-33 sleeve
- Large Size | 16-16 1/2 neck | 34-35 sleeve
- X Large Size | 17-17 1/2 neck | 34-35 sleeve
- 2X Large Size | 18-18 1/2 neck | 35-36 sleeve
Fit Tips
- Shirt sleeves should be long enough that a half-inch of sleeve shows when you wear a jacket over it.
- A shirt collar should not feel tight around your neck. If you can’t slip two finger widths into the space between the collar and your throat, the shirt should go up a half size in the neck.
- Read and follow laundering instructions for the shirt to prevent shrinkage.
The best way to ensure you will buy a comfortable, well-fitted work shirt is to know your sleeve length first. Once you've learned how to find your correct sizing, download The Home Depot Mobile App to check out work shirts and work wear for a variety of industries.
