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How do I find the right shirt size?

A Grail accessible to all!

Among the clothes we wear every day, the shirt can be the most pleasing or the most problematic, depending on the choices we make and the mistakes we make.

The right size above all

When it comes to taste and style, there's nothing anyone can do.

When it comes to size, cut and measurements, on the other hand, there are rules that can help us improve our look, emphasize our assets, structure our silhouette and erase our flaws. There are proportions to be respected, patterns to be avoided, collar styles that will look great on us, and others that will not. Finally, there are size guides for men's shirts to refer to, and precise patterns to follow.

Choosing the right size for the right shirt is the first step towards masculine elegance in a key everyday garment that's much more complex than it looks...

shirt size

Common mistakes that lead us to choose the wrong size.

For all the people mentioned above, but not only, online made-to-measure clothing is an excellent alternative to ready-to-wear, which, let's be honest, no longer suits many people in terms of fit and value for money.

  • The first classic mistake that both men and women regularly make: ignoring a change in morphology. At 20, 30, 40 and beyond, many men's bodies change. Weight gain or loss, muscle gain or loss, our bust lives and changes over the years, sometimes without our being immediately aware of it. We often have to wait for an external reflection or a photo before the truth comes to us: we need to change size, and this change is rarely insignificant.

    A good test is to choose your favorite shirt from your wardrobe and look at it. Detail what fits and what doesn't, on the shoulders, the buttoning, the stomach - you're in for a surprise.

  • A second common mistake can be to cling to a good-quality shirt that fits perfectly, and think that this size M in this brand corresponds to the same size in all other brands. Certain “fetish shirts” thus convey false ideas about our real size. Indeed, from one brand to another, depending on the nature and elasticity of the fabric, the way the shirt is assembled and the pattern, shirts can vary completely.

  • Another common counter-intuitive is to choose a shirt that's always too big to feel comfortable, with comfort taking precedence over style. In a casual and relaxed spirit, this is acceptable. On the other hand, this is not the right size for everyday office wear, nor is it the right size to enhance the figure: for a slender person, it will reinforce the impression of thinness and not benefit them at all. For a corpulent person, on the other hand, the risk is to appear more imposing than you already are. If the collar is too big or too small, it can create an unflattering imbalance and a problem of comfort.

Your shirt size,
the one that makes you look your best.

There's only one, yours.

It's never too late to do it right. The shirt of your dreams is the one that meets your criteria while respecting proven standards.

Don't try to wear an ultra-constricting shirt if you're overweight or, on the contrary, if you're particularly skinny. The key is to find a size that not only shows you off, but also makes you feel comfortable. Yes, there is such a size, even if you'll have to look for it in a made-to-measure garment.

Shirt in the right size

You are short or very thin.

Go for slim cuts that will emphasize your look rather than trying to gain thickness. To enhance your silhouette, you can play with colors, patterns, thick fabrics and layering. Fitted shirts, but not tight-fitting ones.

You're very tall.

Think about what's most important to you about the shirt, what often causes problems when you try it on: is it the length of the sleeves? The length of the back? There are some basic elements you can't do without if you really want your shirt to fit. Find out what they are, so you can be sure that your standard shirt size is the right one.

You're round.

Plus-size ready-to-wear shirts tend either to be too tight in certain places, or to swallow you up because you go up a size for comfort. Once again, choose the criteria that are essential for you to find your basic size. The rest is a matter of alterations and measurements.

US, ISO, French sizes...

How to find your way around?

If you've been wearing shirts for many years, you may be aware of the size correspondences between brands and countries around the world. Beware, however, that it can be difficult to find your way around, because in the end it's really only the collar size that counts as a shirt size. If you buy a size 40, you're sure to get a 40 collar, but the rest of the shirt can vary greatly from one brand to another, depending on whether they “cut small or large”. The important thing is to refer to a chart to compare sizes with your measurements and the measurements of the corresponding shirt.

Shirt Size Guide
Tape measure

The tape measure, your new ally

Investing in this little object will cost you around 3 euros, a meagre price for a new life companion with magical powers. Because taking your measurements is the only way to achieve the level of precision required to look good in your shirt, whether dressed up or down. There are 2 ways to measure yourself: the first involves calculating the full circumference, which requires the help of a third party. The result will be exact and reliable. The second way is to refer to a shirt that you consider perfect for you in every detail, and measure the half-sizes with the shirt flat. If you find a few flaws, such as sleeves that are too short, add a centimeter or two to get the ideal size.

How do you take your measurements?

For all the people mentioned above, but not only, online made-to-measure clothing is an excellent alternative to ready-to-wear, which, let's be honest, no longer suits many people in terms of fit and value for money.

  • The neckband : stand normally and measure the base of the neckline, just below the Adam's apple, passing a finger between the neck and the tape measure.

  • Chest circumference : the width should be measured horizontally at the widest point, passing under the armpits.

  • Waist circumference : should be measured at navel level.

  • Pelvic circumference : you need to measure at pelvic level, i.e. with the tape measure at mid-buttock.

  • Shoulders : Make sure you're wearing a shirt that fits you at the waist so you can follow the existing seam with the tape measure. Place the end of the tape measure at the left shoulder drop, where the arm begins, then follow the seam of your shirt to the right shoulder drop. The shoulder head bone is often a good reference point.

  • Sleeve length : Stand normally, arms relaxed but not tense. Start from the shoulder drop, and measure the arm up to the base of the thumb.

  • Wrist circumference : As with the neck measurement, be sure to place a finger between the tape measure and the wrist. The measurement should be taken at wrist bone level.

  • Back length : it is measured from the base of the neck (at the base of the shirt collar) to below the buttocks.

Finding your ideal shirt size from collar to cuff is no easy task, but if you take the time to observe and measure yourself, it's an easy choice. A shirt that fits perfectly is the beginning of style. Then it's up to you to add your own unique touch.

Create your measurement profile

With our tool "Smart Measurements" Fill in your height, weight and age, and we'll automatically suggest the right measurements for you.

Check these measurements against your own by following our guides and video tutorials. We'll then create your shirt pattern that you can easily reuse later. No more sizing problems!

Does your weight change over time? No problem, your pattern is not fixed and can easily evolve. You can also create several patterns for your weekend and office shirts, for example.

Taking your measurements

Start measuring

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