Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Measure the (standard) shoulder width at the back
• Method 2 of 3: Measure the shoulder width at the front
• Method 3 of 3: Measure shoulder width with a shirt or shirt
• Necessities

Shoulder width measurement is generally done while designing or tailoring shirts, blazers and other tops. Measuring your shoulder width is a fairly straightforward procedure.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Measure the (standard) shoulder width at the back

1. Ask someone to assist you. Since shoulder widths are normally measured along the top of the back, someone else will have to do this for you.
   • If you can't find anyone who can help you with this, use the method "Measure shoulder width with a shirt". This can be done without help and usually produces an accurate result.
2. Wear a shirt that fits well. While not strictly necessary, a tailored shirt is ideal, as you can use the shirt seams to hold the tape measure along.
   • If you don't have a made-to-measure shirt, any shirt that fits well in the shoulders is perfect. You don't have to measure the shirt with this method, but a good shirt can provide useful target points.
3. Determine where the shoulder points are. These points are basically indicated by the acromion (protrusion of the shoulder blade), which indicates the top points of the shoulders.
   • These two points should also be where the shoulder and arm meet, that is, the point where the shoulder slides down and merges into the arm.
   • If you're wearing a shirt that fits properly, you can use that as a guide. The shoulder seams on the back of your shirt are generally on top of the actual shoulder points.
   • If your shirt doesn't quite fit, use your knowledge of how loose or tight the yoke pads fit and adjust the two end points accordingly to improve this.
4. Record the reading. This is a measure of your shoulder width. Make a note of it and keep it for later use.
   • The standard shoulder width can be used for both men's and women's clothing, but is most commonly used by men for tailoring shirts and blazers.
   • Shoulder width measurement essentially measures the width of the yoke of a shirt of ideal dimensions.
   • You also need these measurements to determine the best sleeve length for a shirt or blazer.

Method 2 of 3: Measure the shoulder width at the front

1. Ask someone to help you with this. Even though you are now measuring at the front of your body, making it easy to handle the tape measure yourself, you still need to hang your shoulders and arms as naturally as possible during the measurement. That is why it is more convenient if someone else measures for you.
   • Note that if you are asked for the "shoulder width" and not specifically the "shoulder width at the front" you always measure the shoulder width at the back. This is the standard, while the one at the front is much less common.
   • The shoulder width at the front will usually be (almost) equal to the shoulder width at the back, but small differences are possible, depending on age and weight. Certain conditions, such as scoliosis and osteoporosis, can cause the differences to be much greater.
2. Wear the right shirt. To measure the shoulder width at the front, take a well-fitting shirt with a wide neckline or wear a shirt with straps if necessary.
   • These measurements are more about the supporting points of your shoulders and not the actual width. Therefore, it is better to wear a shirt where you can clearly see how far these support points are from each other, than a tight-fitting shirt with a standard or high neckline.
3. Measure along the front or your body. Ask your assistant to lay the end of the tape measure flat along one shoulder point. Your assistant should then stretch the tape measure along the front or your body, following the natural curve of your shoulders, until the opposite shoulder point is reached.
   • The tape measure will not remain square in the horizontal direction while measuring. It will have to bend slightly with your shoulders.
4. Write down the dimensions. These are the measurements of the shoulder width at the front. Make a note of it and keep it for future reference.
   • The front shoulder width can technically be used for both men's and women's clothing, but it is most commonly used in the design of women's clothing.
   • These measurements are usually used when designing or customizing the neckline. The shoulder width at the front is the maximum width that the neckline can have without falling off your shoulder. These dimensions also make it easier to position straps on shirts / bodices so they don't slide off the shoulders.

Method 3 of 3: Measure shoulder width with a shirt or shirt

1. Find a well-fitting shirt. A tailored shirt is the best choice, but any shirt that fits your shoulders is fine, as long as it has sleeves.
   • The accuracy of this method of measurement depends on the shirt you want to measure, so choose a good one. To do this as accurately as possible, you need a shirt that fits the shoulders as well as possible. If you want the clothing to be more spacious, you can always add 2.5 cm to the measurements, after you have taken all measurements.
   • You can use these measurements as a substitute for the back or standard measurements of the shoulder width. However, do not use this as a substitute for front shoulder width measurements.
   • Since these measurements are not as accurate as measuring with a tape measure along your own shoulders, you should only use this option if you are unable to use the traditional measurement method.
2. Lay the shirt flat. Place the shirt on a table or other flat work surface. Smooth it so that the fabric is as smooth as possible.
   • To keep the results as constant as possible, you can place the shirt with the back up on the table during the measurement. However, this doesn't matter much, as the location of the shoulder seams is almost always the same as the one in the front.
3. Write down the dimensions. These measurements are your shoulder width. Make a note of it and keep it in an archive.
   • While not as accurate as actually measuring your shoulders, this method will almost always provide an estimate of your true shoulder width that is sufficiently accurate.
   • These measurements are most commonly used for making menswear, but can be used for both the top / top for men and women.

Necessities

• Measuring tape
• Shirt, "fitting" in the shoulders (optional)