Dress Shirt Sizes Explained: Neck, Sleeve and How to Measure
Dress Shirt Sizes Explained: Neck, Sleeve and How to Measure
A traditional dress shirt size like 16 34/35 is two measurements in inches: the first number is your neck (collar) size and the second is your sleeve length, measured from the center of the back of your neck, over the shoulder, to your wrist. Many brands, including &Collar, use letter sizes (S, M, L) instead, with each letter covering a range of neck and sleeve measurements, plus a fit (like Slim or Athletic) that sets how much room you get through the chest and waist.
Here's how to read both systems, how to measure yourself in five minutes, and how to pick between sizes when you're in between.
What do the numbers on a dress shirt mean?
Take a shirt labeled 16 34/35:
- 16 is the neck size: the collar measures 16 inches around when buttoned.
- 34/35 is the sleeve length. A slash or dash means an average sleeve: one shirt is cut to fit people with a 34- or 35-inch sleeve, usually with an extra button on the cuff so you can tighten it if your arms are on the shorter end.
- A single number like 16 34 is an exact sleeve, cut for one length only. Exact sleeves fit more precisely; average sleeves can leave a little extra fabric between the elbow and wrist on shorter arms.
How do I measure my neck size?
- Stand up straight and look ahead; don't tuck your chin.
- Wrap a soft tape measure around your neck where a collar sits, just below the Adam's apple.
- Slide one finger under the tape so it rests lightly and doesn't squeeze. That finger is your breathing room.
- Read the number. If you land between half-inch sizes, round up.
No tape? Measure the buttoned collar of a dress shirt that already fits you: lay it flat and measure from the center of the top button to the far end of the buttonhole.
How do I measure my sleeve length?
This one is easier with a helper.
- Stand relaxed with your arm at your side, elbow very slightly bent.
- Start the tape at the center of the back of your neck (the bone at the base).
- Run it across the top of your shoulder, down the outside of your arm, to your wrist bone.
- That total is your sleeve length. Some makers measure a little past the wrist toward the palm, which is one reason sleeves vary between brands.
A sleeve that fits shows about a quarter to half an inch of shirt cuff past a jacket sleeve, and the cuff shouldn't slide down over your hand when your arms are at your sides.
How do letter sizes (S, M, L) compare to neck sizes?
There's no universal conversion; every brand sets its own ranges. That's why the size chart for the specific shirt matters more than the letter. As an example, here's how &Collar's ranges work:
| &Collar fit | Sizes | Collar range | Sleeve range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slim | XS–XL | 14.5" (XS) to 17" (XL) | 32.5" (XS) to 35" (XL) |
| Athletic | S–3XL (select styles to 5XL) | 15.75" (S) to 19.5" (3XL) | 33" (S) to 35.5" (3XL) |
Full measurements for every size, including chest, waist and length, are on the &Collar size guide.
What's the difference between slim, athletic and classic fit?
- Slim fit tapers through the chest and waist. Good for leaner builds, and it tucks in without billowing.
- Athletic fit keeps the waist reasonably trim but adds room through the chest, shoulders and arms. Good if you lift, have broad shoulders, or find that shirts fitting your chest hang like a tent at the waist. See Dress Shirts for Big and Athletic Guys.
- Classic (or regular) fit is roomy all over. Comfortable, but it can blouse out above the belt.
Stretch fabric changes the math a little. A shirt with real four-way stretch, like an &Collar performance dress shirt, can be cut closer without pulling at the buttons when you reach or sit down.
I'm between sizes. Should I size up or down?
- Collar decides for dress shirts you'll button with a tie. If the collar is tight, size up; a tailor can take in a body, but nobody can fix a choking collar.
- Chest and shoulders decide for shirts you'll wear open-collared. If buttons pull across the chest, you need more room or the athletic fit, not a bigger size overall.
- Tall? Size for your neck and chest, then look for tall lengths. &Collar's tall white dress shirt adds length in the body and sleeves.
Quick fit check once it's on
| Area | It fits if… |
|---|---|
| Collar | One finger slides in when it's buttoned |
| Shoulders | The seam sits at the edge of your shoulder bone |
| Chest | No pulling or gaps between buttons |
| Sleeves | The cuff reaches your wrist bone |
| Length | It stays tucked when you raise your arms |
More detail in How Should a Dress Shirt Fit? Five Checkpoints.
Frequently asked questions
What does 15.5 32/33 mean on a dress shirt?
A 15.5-inch neck and an average sleeve that fits a 32- or 33-inch arm.
Is a 16 neck a medium or large?
It depends on the brand. A 16-inch neck often falls in a medium or large, so check that brand's size chart rather than guessing from the letter.
Do dress shirts shrink?
Cotton shirts can shrink a little, especially in a hot dryer. Polyester-and-spandex performance shirts generally don't; &Collar's performance fabrics are made without materials that shrink.
Should a dress shirt collar be tight?
No. You should be able to slide one finger between the collar and your neck when it's buttoned. Tighter than that is uncomfortable and puckers the collar under a tie.
How do I find my size without a tape measure?
Measure a shirt that already fits you well: collar from button to buttonhole, and sleeve from the center back of the collar to the end of the cuff. Then compare with the brand's size guide.