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How to Measure Yourself for a Custom Dress Shirt: 7 Easy Steps
How to measure yourself for a custom dress shirt starts with three simple tools: a soft tailor’s measuring tape, a mirror, and about ten minutes at home — no professional tailor required. This guide walks through each measurement Panache Bespoke uses to make a shirt to your exact fit, plus what to do if your numbers fall between standard sizes.
What You’ll Need
- A soft, flexible tailor’s measuring tape (a fabric ribbon works if you don’t have one)
- A mirror
- A close-fitting t-shirt (or measure over bare skin)
- Pen and paper to record each measurement
- A second person to help with the shoulder measurement (optional, but more accurate)
How to Measure Yourself for a Custom Dress Shirt in 7 Steps
Follow these seven steps with a soft tailor’s measuring tape to get an accurate, made-to-measure fit at home. Takes about 10 minutes, and is easier with a second person helping for the shoulder measurement.
Measure Your Neck
Wrap the tape around your neck at the point where a shirt collar naturally sits, just below the Adam’s apple. Keep one finger between the tape and your skin so the collar isn’t too snug.
Measure Your Chest
Run the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your armpits and over your shoulder blades. Let your arms hang naturally and breathe normally — don’t puff your chest out.
Measure Your Waist
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your stomach, usually at belly-button height. Keep the tape snug but not tight.
Measure Your Shoulder Width
Measure straight across your back from the edge of one shoulder bone to the edge of the other. This one is much more accurate with a helper, since it’s hard to keep the tape straight across your own back.
Measure Your Sleeve Length
Starting at the center back of your neck, run the tape over your shoulder and down the outside of your arm (keep your elbow slightly bent) to the wrist bone.
Measure Your Cuff (Wrist)
Wrap the tape around your wrist bone, leaving enough room to slide two fingers underneath comfortably.
Measure Your Shirt Length
Measure from the base of your neck straight down your back to where you want the shirt hem to fall. Add a few extra inches if you plan to tuck the shirt in.
Supply:
- Soft (flexible) tailor's measuring tape, a mirror, a close-fitting t-shirt, pen and paper
Tools:
- Tailor's measuring tape
Tips for Accurate Measurements
- Stand naturally — don’t puff your chest out or suck your stomach in.
- Keep the tape snug against your body, not pulled tight.
- Measure everything twice and use the average if the two numbers differ.
- Get a second person to check the shoulder and back measurements — they’re difficult to do accurately alone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Measuring over a thick jacket or sweater instead of a close-fitting shirt
- Holding the tape too loose (adds inches) or too tight (makes the shirt uncomfortable)
- Guessing the shoulder measurement alone instead of asking for help
- Forgetting to note whether the shirt length was measured for tucked-in or untucked wear
Avoiding these mistakes is most of what it takes to get how to measure yourself for a custom dress shirt right on the first try.
Ready to Order Your Custom Shirt
Now that you know how to measure yourself for a custom dress shirt, select “Custom Size” on any product page and enter your measurements — custom sizing is included at no extra charge on every order. Browse our Business Shirts collection or explore Custom Made Shirts to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have a tailor’s measuring tape?
A flexible cloth or fiberglass tape works best. If you only have a rigid tape measure, use a piece of string or ribbon to measure, then lay it flat against the tape measure to read the length.
Can I measure myself accurately, or do I need help?
Most measurements (neck, waist, sleeve) can be done alone in front of a mirror. Shoulder width and back length are easier and more accurate with a second person helping, since it’s hard to keep the tape straight across your own back.
What if my measurements fall between two standard sizes?
This is exactly what custom sizing is for. Instead of picking the closest standard size, select the “Custom Size” option on the product page and enter your exact measurements — there’s no extra charge for this.
How often should I re-measure myself?
Body measurements can change over time, so it’s a good idea to re-measure every 12 months or after any noticeable weight change, rather than reusing old numbers indefinitely.
Does Panache Bespoke charge extra for custom measurements?
No. Every shirt can be made to your exact measurements at no additional cost — just select “Custom Size” and enter your details when ordering.
What’s the difference between shirt length “to tuck” and “untucked”?
If you plan to tuck your shirt in, add a few extra inches to the length so it stays tucked when you move. If you’ll wear it untucked, measure to just below the belt line for the cleanest look.