The shoulders are a key component to your body’s proportions. If your shoulders are noticeably wider than your hips and waist, you probably have broad shoulders. However, your shoulder width is only one part of the equation; other factors, such as your chest size and musculature, also affect the appearance of your shoulders.
To measure your shoulders, stand straight with your back against a wall and your arms hanging naturally at your sides. Ideally, ask someone for assistance with this measurement, as it’s difficult to accurately measure your own shoulders when standing up. Position the flexible measuring tape at the base of your neck, where it meets your upper spine. Move the tape horizontally across your shoulder until it reaches the same point on the opposite side of your neck. This is your shoulder girth.
The shoulder measurement is used in conjunction with the neck and chest girth measurements to determine your suit’s body measurements, which are then applied to a standard sizing chart. It’s important to take all three of these measurements to ensure that your new suit fits perfectly.
For the sleeve length, button up your shirt and lay it flat on a hard surface, making sure that there are no wrinkles underneath or on top of it. Start the tape measure at the seam where the yoke attaches to the collar band and extend it down the center of the front of the shirt. Place a finger on the tape to keep it in place and then measure straight to the point where your pinkie would touch the cuff if you were wearing a long-sleeved shirt.