Dress Shirt Size Guide
The dress shirt is the unsung foundation of any tailored ensemble. Its fit is governed by two critical measurements: the collar circumference, which determines comfort and proportion at the neckline, and the sleeve length, which governs that essential half-inch of cuff visible beyond the jacket sleeve. Our calculator translates your raw measurements into precise sizing across American, British, and European systems — from the ateliers of Jermyn Street to the shirtmakers of Bologna.
Collar & Sleeve
Essential for determining your precise dress shirt sizing.
Neck: Measure around the base of your neck where the collar sits. Place two fingers between the tape and your skin for comfort.
Sleeve: From the center back of your neck, over the shoulder point, and down to your wrist bone. Keep your arm slightly bent.
Dress Shirt Sizing — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my neck for a dress shirt?
Wrap a soft measuring tape around the base of your neck, where a shirt collar naturally sits. Insert two fingers between the tape and your skin to allow for comfort. Round up to the nearest half-inch. This is your collar size in US/UK measurements. For European sizing, measure in centimeters — a 15.5-inch neck corresponds to a 39 EU.
What is the difference between US and European shirt sizes?
US and UK dress shirt sizes use inches for the collar measurement (e.g., 15.5). European sizes use centimeters (e.g., 39). They refer to the same measurement — 1 inch equals 2.54 cm. Premium European shirtmakers like Turnbull & Asser or Charvet use centimeter sizing, while American brands like Brooks Brothers use inches.
How should a dress shirt collar fit?
You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the buttoned collar and your neck. The collar should sit flush against the skin without gapping. When tied with a necktie, the collar points should lay flat beneath the jacket lapels, and the tie knot should nestle snugly into the collar opening without strain.
What sleeve length do I need?
Sleeve length is measured from the center back of your neck, over the shoulder point, and down to your wrist bone with your arm slightly bent. The ideal dress shirt sleeve should extend approximately half an inch beyond the jacket sleeve cuff when your arm is at rest, revealing a clean line of linen or cotton.