How to Measure Yourself for a Shirt

A shirt that fits well in the shoulders and chest but bunches at the waist is a sizing problem, not a tailoring problem — here's how to measure yourself properly before you order, so you're not guessing between two sizes every time.

Chest

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. Add 2–4cm for breathing room — a shirt measured to your exact chest size will pull at the buttons the moment you sit down or reach forward.

Collar

Wrap the tape around the base of your neck where a collar would sit, and add 1.5–2cm for comfortable movement. Too tight and the top button will strain against your throat by midday; too loose and the collar gapes even with a tie on.

"Most people size by chest alone and wonder why the collar never sits right — fit is three separate measurements, not one."

Sleeve length

With your arm slightly bent, measure from the center back of your neck, over the shoulder, down to just past your wrist bone. Shirt sleeves should end right at the wrist bone — not riding up when you move, not covering your hand at rest.

CAFE-X's specific size chart will be published here once product data is finalized.