How to Measure a T-Shirt?

This guide shows you everything you need to know about measuring a T-Shirt. Before we start with the measuring, lay down the garment on a flat hard surface and smooth out any wrinkles.
Written by
Nella Cheng
Published on
June 25, 2024

Table of Content

Monthly newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter and get monthly seller tips & tricks.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

First Things First

Before we start with the measuring, lay down the garment on a flat hard surface and smooth out any wrinkles.

image of a T-shirt for measuring size
T-Shirt Example Template

Steps to Measure a T-Shirt

  1. Neck to Shoulder: Measure from middle of the neck to end of shoulder (where sleeve starts).
  2. Sleeve length: Measure from the shoulder to the wrist.
  3. Shoulder to Shoulder: Measure this length from one shoulder to another.
  4. Chest: Place the tape close under the arms and make sure the tape is flat across the back.
  5. Waist: Measure across the waist area while having the t-shirt laying flat.
  6. Hem: Measure from one side to another.
  7. Front Length: Measure from the highest point of the shoulder to the desired hemline.
  8. Sleeve: At the widest point of the sleeve, measure its across while laying flat..
  9. Done!
Pro Tip: If you are selling clothing online, sign up for the free size chart creator.

Tips for Taking Measurements:

  • Take all measurements lying flat. Lay the T-shirt out on a flat surface. The front should be facing up. Hanging clothes can stretch as you measure and if you have them on a model of a different size this can skew your measurement.
  • Use a flexible tape measure at least 36″ long. Don’t try to take clothes measurements with standard 12″ ruler you’ll end up with an inaccurate measurement. If you have no tape measurement handy and this is somewhat of an emergency, you can always download a printable measuring tape online.
  • Measure twice! If you don’t get the same measurement both times try again.
  • Record measurement to the nearest 1/4 inch. Anything more specific is irrelevant but remember lying flat measurements are generally doubled (e.g. lying flat waist of 12.5″ can be understood as a 25″ waist) so a 1/4 inch could make a difference.
  • Take measurements when you’re taking photos. Trying to measure as your listing at your desk ends up taking a lot more time and energy moving back and forth between tasks.
  • Not all manufacturers make their clothes to the same specifications. Always check the size chart before you buy online.


Selling Clothing Online?

Solve the Size Issue & Create Size Charts that Reduce Returns and Keep Your Customers Happy.

A green check mark on a black background

Cut Returns by 50%

A green check mark on a black background

Boost Sales by 26%

A green check mark on a black background

Create in Seconds

A green check mark on a black background

300+ Designs

A green check mark on a black background

Automatic Conversion

A green check mark on a black background

Platform Agnostic

Discover our latest blog posts

Size, Sell, Succeed

Your comprehensive guide to online selling, buying tips, and the latest in fashion trends.
Selling Tips

Profit Boosters: Selling the Right Clothing During the Right Time

Sell more on eBay, Poshmark and other platforms by knowing when to sell. Knowing the timing is critical and can help you boost sales.
Eddy
July 13, 2017
5 min read
Selling Tips

The Complete Guide to Successfully Selling Vintage Clothing Online

In today's digital age, selling vintage clothing online has become a lucrative business opportunity for many entrepreneurs. With the right strategies and resources, you can turn your passion for fa...
Alize Mendez
September 21, 2023
5 min read
Selling Tips

Avoiding eBay Fees: Tips for Higher Profit

eBay is a wonderful “middle man” platform for any seller, whether you’re a novice or seasoned purveyor of goods. It offers so many amazing selling...
Alize Mendez
August 20, 2018
5 min read

COPYRIGHT © SIZELY 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.