How to Measure a T-shirt to Find the Perfect Fit and Size

T-shirts are one of the most essential building blocks of your wardrobe, and finding a flawless T-shirt can be difficult considering one maker’s measurements are different from another’s. That’s why it can help to know how to measure a T-shirt to find the perfect fit and size for you.

Every brand has its own sizing chart and unfortunately their measurements and sizing can be inconsistent. That’s why you might end up with a T-shirt that fits well in one area but not another. Or you might be wearing a T-shirt thinking it fits fine, but then it rides up when you lift your arms.

THE PERFECT FIT GUIDE: STEP BY STEP

1. Take a T-shirt that fits you well (preferably one that has already been worn and washed) and lay it out on a flat surface.
   
   
2. Make sure that the garment isn't stretched out or doesn't have any wrinkles
   
   
3. Ideally, your measuring tape will have the same system of measurement as the size chart of the website. For example , if the size chart mentions inches, use a measure with inches.Most US-based measurements are in inches. 

For all measurements, the measuring tape needs to gently sit on the garment and not be completely taut. This is to allow some moveability when you wear the shirt.

Chest:

1. With a measuring tape, measure across the chest, while leaving an inch below the underarms.
   
   
2. Ensure that the measuring tape runs straight from side to side.
    
3. Note the number that you have and double it to have your chest measurements. For instance, if the T-shirt measures 16 inches from side to side, the chest measurement would be 32 inches. 

Length: 

1. To find the length of the garment, turn the T-shirt over, smooth out the wrinkles and place the end of your measuring tape on the collar.
   
   
2. Bring it down to the hem of the garment and write down the measurements.
   
   
3. Alternatively, you can also measure the garment without turning it over. Start from the spot that is right next to the collar and bring it straight down to the hem. 

Sleeves:

1. Place the measuring tape at the point where the sleeve begins.
   
   
2. Measure from the shoulder seam to the edge of the arm cuff and note down this number.
   
   
3. Remember: your sleeves should hug your arms, but not squeeze them. So, pick a T-shirt that has a cozy fit. 

Keep in mind that the product measurements can vary by ½ inch. The steps remain the same for both men and women, however, size charts for men's and women's T-shirts have different measurements. For specific measurements, check out The Classic T-shirt Company Fit Guide.

For style inspiration, check our T-shirt guides for women and men.

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HOW TO TAKE BODY MEASUREMENTS FOR A PERFECT FIT T-SHIRT

Before getting started, stand upright and ensure that your body is relaxed. Breathe in and out, if you'd like, and imagine your body is hanging from a string connected to the middle of your head. This is a technique actors use to straighten out their body naturally while staying relaxed. 

Chest:

1. Hold the measuring tape in front of you. Loop it around your back, going under your arms, and bring it to your front. 
   
   
2. Measure the fullest part of your chest. Ensure that it's not too tight or loose, and note down the measurements.
   
   
3. Be sure to wear your everyday undergarments (bras, camisoles, undershirts etc.) underneath so that you have a better understanding of what the actual fit of the T-shirt will be like. This will give you the most accurate measurements.

Length:

1. Place the end of your measuring tape on the highest point of your shoulder.
   
   
2. Bring it down to the hem of the T-shirt that you're wearing and note down the measurements.
   
   
3. To be on the safe side, it can help to have someone around who can assist you. They can ensure you remain standing upright as they take the measurements and get a better read on your tape measure. 

If that's not possible, try to find a large mirror and note down the readings while ensuring that your posture is as proper as possible. 

Sleeves:

To measure sleeves, you’ll need another person to help

1. Have them place the end of the tape measure to the middle of your neck.
   
   
2. To measure for long sleeves, start at the top of the deltoid, and measure all the way down to the middle of the hand.
   
   
3. For a short sleeve, measure to your desired length from the deltoid. 

Related: Classic Vs. Regular Fit T-shirts

WHAT ABOUT T-SHIRT SHRINKAGE?

Our classic T-shirts are preshrunk, so you don’t have to worry about calculating the size of your T-shirt after you wash it. Other T-shirts can vary in how much they shrink for a number of reasons:

The Quality of Cotton 

Organic and inorganic cottons are of different qualities, which can affect softness and elasticity. The higher quality, the less shrinkage you should expect because high quality cotton is made of longer, healthier strands whereas lower quality cotton is made with shorter strands that were hastily grown in a mass production model. These models also use chemicals to artificially soften the cotton or prevent shrinkage.

Learn more about the difference premium T-shirts make here.

Washing and Drying Too Hot

Most fabrics will shrink when exposed to high temperatures, so it’s better for your clothes (and the environment) to wash in cold water and tumble dry on low if not air drying them. 

Organic cotton dries quickly enough that you could air dry your Classic T-shirts. This method also happens to be more environmentally friendly than using machines. That said, if you’re throwing it in with the rest of the laundry, make sure to tumble dry on low settings to protect your T-shirt.

YOUR T-SHIRT MEASUREMENTS MATTER

The Classic T-shirt Company has very strict standards to ensure precision in our product and your fit. Designed with longevity and durability in mind, you can expect to wear the same T-shirt wash after wash after wash without compromising the size or the feel. Hear from other customers’ T-shirts are holding up by checking out our best customer reviews. 

When in doubt about finding the right T-shirt size, it’s always best to order a size up. You can always tuck in any overhang, but don’t feel like you’re stuck with a T-shirt that’s too large. If you need to exchange, we’ll be happy to take care of that for you--we offer free returns within the first 100 days of your order. So feel free to experiment with different T-shirt styles and see what works best for you!