How to Measure Neck Size for Dress Shirts

Ready to zero in on how to ensure your dress shirts fit perfectly? The proper neck measurement is imperative to the overall fit of your dress shirt. Too tight and the discomfort can be unbearable. Too loose and your shirt can look untidy or sloppy — plus your tie won’t knot smoothly. When you wear a shirt with an accurate neck measurement, you’re assured of a perfect-fitting shirt.

If you’d like to know how to measure neck size for a dress shirt, this guide is for you. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions we provide and you’ll obtain an accurate measurement. Once you know your neck measurement, you’ll be able to buy dress shirts with a custom-looking fit that looks professional and polished.

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Why Neck Size Matters

Your dress shirt’s neck measurement directly affects the fit and comfort of your shirt. Whenever you wear a tie, whether for work or social events, your shirt collar will be buttoned. A necktie can either add to the discomfort of a too-tight collar or look slipshod and haphazard with a too-loose collar.

Either way, the neck size of your dress shirt matters! Even pricey, high-quality dress shirts can’t substitute for choosing a shirt with the proper size collar.

Measuring Neck Size for a Dress Shirt

Here’s how to measure dress shirt neck size for a perfect fit:

Tools Needed

You’ll only need:

• A flexible measuring tape used for sewing or tailoring.
• Assistance from a partner or friend to get a more precise measurement. If you’re measuring on your own, step up to a mirror so you can accurately see the numbers on the tape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Standing relaxed, place the measuring tape around your neck at the bottom of your larynx or Adam’s apple. Fit the tape so that it rests on your neck without extra space between the tape and your skin.
2. Write down the measurement. This measurement is your true neck size, but not your shirt collar size.
3. Add ½ inch to the measurement. This measurement is your dress shirt collar size.

Tip: Enter your dress shirt collar measurement into a note on your phone. With a digital note, you’ll always have the measurement with you wherever you shop for a dress shirt.

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Tips for Measuring Neck Size Accurately

Time of Day Matters

Your neck size can vary throughout the day. The measurement can depend on how hydrated you are or how you hold your body. Toward the end of the day, one’s body can swell ever so slightly, affecting your dress shirt collar measurement.

Your posture can also affect your neck measurement. Be sure to avoid slumping or hunching if you’re measuring your neck at the end of the day.

If you’re unsure about your hydration or posture, take your neck measurement in the morning and then again in the evening. Use the average of the two if the measurements are different.

Use a Shirt That Fits Well

For an additional reference, you can measure the collar of an existing shirt that fits you well, looks good, and feels comfortable.

1. Lay the shirt out on a table or bed with the collar facing forward.
2. Spread out the collar so that it lays flat.
3. Measure the collar from end to end.
4. Compare the shirt collar measurement with your neck measurement.

How to Choose the Right Neck Size for Comfort

Balancing Fit and Style

You want your collar to fit snugly but comfortably, without constricting movement or your breath. When the collar is buttoned, you should be able to fit one or two fingers between your neck and the collar.

Considering Shirt Fabric

Fabrics vary in their breathability, flexibility, wear, and washability. Most men find that dress shirts in natural fabrics are more comfortable than synthetics. Natural fabrics, like cotton and linen, absorb sweat and breathe.

Cotton is one of the most popular natural dress shirt fabrics available. You can find cotton shirts in a variety of fits, styles, colors, and textures. Many cotton dress shirts are easy-care and don’t require ironing.

However, cotton may shrink slightly after washing. When figuring how to measure your neck for cotton dress shirts, you must factor slight shrinkage of 1 - 2% when you measure.

Find Quality Dress Shirts at The Tie Bar

Don’t overlook the importance of accurately measuring your neck to ensure your shirts appear professional and polished.

Before you buy your next round of dress shirts, follow our measuring instructions. It only takes two minutes to wrap that tape snugly around your neck and note your neck size (don’t forget to add ½"!).

Explore The Tie Bar’s dress shirt collection for shirts that balance all-day comfort, perfect fit, and timeless style.

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