When designing or tailoring dress shirts, blazers, and other tops, shoulder width measurements are commonly used.It's fairly simple to measure your shoulder width.
Step 1: You can ask for help.
Since shoulder width is measured along the upper portion of your back, another person will need to take it for you.If you can't find someone to help you with the measurement, use the "Measure Shoulder Width with a Shirt" method.An accurate result can be produced by that method.
Step 2: It's a good idea to wear a shirt that fits.
Since you can use the seams of the shirt to help guide the tape measure, a tailored dress shirt is ideal.If you don't have a tailored dress shirt, any shirt that fits in the shoulder area will work.A good shirt can provide helpful guide points, so you don't need to measure when using this method.
Step 3: Stand with your shoulders elevated.
Your shoulders need to hang in a relaxed position if you want your back to be straight.
Step 4: The shoulder points should be found.
The points are marked by your acromion bones at the upper tips of your shoulders.The points at which the shoulder meets the arm should be the two points.If you wear a dress shirt that fits your upper body correctly, you can use it as a guide.The back of your shirt will usually match up with your shoulder points.If your shirt does not fit perfectly, use your knowledge of how loose or snug the shoulder fit is and adjust your two end points accordingly to make improvements.
Step 5: Take the space between your shoulder points.
At the first shoulder point, place the end of the tape measure against your back.Your helpers should measure up and over the curve of your shoulders, across your back, then back down to the outside edge of the other shoulder point.You should be measuring across the broadest part of your shoulders.This usually lands about 1 to 2 inches below the neckline.During this measurement, the tape measure will not be straight.It has to bend at a gentle curve.
Step 6: Write it down on a piece of paper.
The measurement is your shoulder width.Save it for later.Standard shoulder width is most often used for men's tailor-fit dress shirts and blazers.The width of the yoke is the measure of your ideal shirt size.The best sleeve length for a shirt or blazer will be determined by this measurement.
Step 7: If you need help, ask it.
Even though this measurement is taken across the front of your body, it is easier for you to handle the tape measure yourself, and your shoulders and arms should still hang as naturally as possible.Asking someone else to take the measurement is a good idea.If you are only asked for "shoulder width" and not specifically for front shoulder width, you should use your measurement.The standard measurement is back shoulder width.Depending on your age and weight, there can be slight differences between your front and back shoulder width.Scoliosis and osteoporosis can yield dramatic differences.
Step 8: The shirt you wear is the right one.
For a front shoulder width measurement, look for a tailored shirt that has a wide neckline or a shirt with straps.The supporting points of your shoulders are measured instead of the truth width.A shirt that shows how far the supporting points are is better than a snug shirt with a high neckline.
Step 9: Stand with your shoulders turned back.
Your chest should be out and you should have a straight back.With your arms at your sides, keep your shoulders loose and relaxed.
Step 10: The correct shoulder points are located here.
Use your fingers to press into the flesh along the top of your shoulder and look for the mass.You have your front shoulder point.Do the same thing on your other shoulder.The back shoulder point should land in the same area as the shoulder points, just to the inside of where your arm starts dropping off.The points do not always match up because of your weight and age.Your front shoulder point is the part of your shoulder that is able to support a neckline or strap.You could use your shirt as a guide.If the straps or neckline of your shirt are as wide as they can be without slipping off your shoulders, they are aligned to your front shoulder width.Your front shoulder points will match up with the inner point of each strap or side of the neckline.
Step 11: Take a measurement of the front of your body.
The end of a tape measure should be laid against one shoulder point.The tape measure should be extended across the front of your body until it reaches the opposite shoulder point.The tape measure is not going to be parallel to the floor.The natural bend of your shoulders is what it must bend subtly along with.
Step 12: The measurement can be written down.
This is your shoulder width measurement.Write it down and save it.When designing or tailoring women's attire, front shoulder width is the most commonly used width.When designing or tailoring necklines, this measurement is used.Your front shoulder width is the maximum width you can have on your shoulder.It is easier to fit straps on your shoulders with this measurement.
Step 13: Look for a shirt that fits well.
A tailored dress shirt is your best option, but any shirt that fits your shoulders correctly will work as long as that shirt has sleeves.The accuracy of this measurement depends on the shirt you choose to measure, so make sure you pick a good one.If you want to be accurate, use a shirt that fits in the shoulder area.If you want a looser fit, you can always add 1 inch to the measurement after you take it.This measurement can be used for your shoulder width measurement.Don't use it to substitute for your shoulder width measurement.If you can't use the traditional method of measurement, you should only use this option.
Step 14: Lay the shirt down.
The shirt can be placed on a table.Make sure the material is as flat as possible.As you measure, you may want to keep the back facing up.The location of the shoulder seams is the same on both the front and back of your shirt.
Step 15: There are shoulder seams.
The shoulder seam is where the sleeves meet the torso portion of the shirt.
Step 16: Measure from one side to the next.
The tape measure should be placed at the top of the shoulder seam.Bring the tape measure across the top of the shirt to the second shoulder seam.The tape measure should be straight across the shirt.It should be parallel to the bottom of the shirt.
Step 17: Write your results down.
The measurement is your shoulder width.You can mark it down and save it in your records.It's not as accurate as a shoulder width measurement taken from your shoulders, but it will always provide a close approximation.This measurement can be used for both men and women's tops.