Knowing how to measure dress shirt neck size correctly is one of the simplest upgrades you can give your wardrobe — and one of the most impactful. A neck that’s too tight is uncomfortable (and can ruin your tie knot); a neck that’s too loose looks sloppy and makes collars gape. This guide walks you through everything: accurate measuring methods, what allowance to add, collar styles and how they affect fit, converting between inches/cm and size labels, measuring without a tape, accounting for shrinkage and fabric stretch, measuring for children, bespoke considerations, and buying online with confidence.
Read on for step-by-step instructions, pro tips, conversion charts, and real-world examples so you always get the perfect collar fit.
Why learning how to measure dress shirt neck size matters
The collar is the frame for your face and the focal point when you wear a tie or blazer. A correctly measured neck:
- Improves comfort — you can breathe and turn your head without strain.
- Creates a clean, professional look — collars sit flush, no gaps or puckering.
- Ensures tie knots sit correctly — neither crushed nor floating.
- Avoids repeated returns when shopping online.
Many men (and women who wear dress shirts) rely on arbitrary size labels (S/M/L, 15/16, 39/40) and end up guessing. Measuring yourself — or measuring someone accurately — eliminates the guesswork.
The simple definition: what is “neck size” on a dress shirt?
Neck size = the circumference of the base of the neck where the collar sits, usually measured in inches (most common in U.S.) or centimeters. Dress shirts are typically sold by neck measurement (e.g., 15, 15.5, 16 inches) and sometimes paired with sleeve length (e.g., 15.5/34).
Important distinction: actual neck circumference vs collar size. Collar size on the label is the final product measurement (neck circumference + collar allowance). When you measure, you capture the body’s circumference; then you add a small allowance so the shirt is comfortable.
Tools you’ll need (and alternatives)
- Flexible cloth measuring tape (best).
- String or ribbon + a ruler (if you don’t have a tape).
- Pen and paper or phone to record measurements.
- A friend (helpful but not necessary).
- Dress shirt or tie to test fit (optional).
Pro tip: use a soft tailor’s tape. Rigid metal tapes (used for woodworking) don’t bend well and give inaccurate results.
Where exactly to measure: step-by-step (most accurate method)
When learning how to measure dress shirt neck size, follow this exact sequence:
- Stand or sit naturally. Don’t slouch; maintain a relaxed, neutral posture.
- Find the base of the neck. Feel for the bony ring at the bottom of the neck (just above the collarbone). The collar sits here.
- Wrap the tape around the neck. Position the tape horizontally, keeping it parallel to the floor and level front-to-back.
- Allow a finger’s gap. Insert one index finger (or about 1/2 inch / 1.3 cm) between tape and neck to ensure comfort; tighten tape so it touches skin but not tight.
- Record the number. Read the measurement in inches or centimeters. If using string, mark, then measure with a ruler.
- Round to nearest half-inch (or nearest centimeter). Shirt sizes commonly come in half-inch increments.
Example: if your measured neck is 15.1 inches, you’d typically choose a 15.5 inch collar size. If 15.8, opt for 16.
How much allowance should you add?
Allowance = room for comfort, breathing, and movement. Typical guidelines:
- If you always wear a tie: add ⅜–½ inch (≈1–1.3 cm). This keeps a snug look with a tie.
- If you rarely wear a tie or prefer looser collars: add ½–¾ inch (≈1.3–2 cm).
- For heavy sweaters or winter layering: add up to 1 inch (2.5 cm).
- For children: smaller allowances — ⅜ inch (1 cm) is usually enough.
So the formula:
Collar size to buy = Measured neck circumference + allowance.
Example: measured neck = 15.2 in → preferred allowance 0.5 in → buy 15.7 → choose 15.5 or 16; most choose the next half-inch up, 15.5 or 16 depending on comfort.
Quick reference chart — neck measurement → shirt collar size
Measuring without a tape: string & ruler method
- Wrap a piece of string or paper strip gently around the base of the neck.
- Mark where the string overlaps.
- Lay the string flat and measure the length with a ruler.
- Add allowance as above and round to the nearest half-inch.
This method is accurate if you keep the string horizontal and avoid stretching.
Measuring over shirts vs measuring bare neck
- Bare neck (recommended): most accurate for collar fit.
- Over light undershirt: OK if you always wear an undershirt but subtract thickness (≈1–2 mm).
- Over a dress shirt: rarely used; collar labels reflect finished collar size, not worn-over-shirt measurement.
If you measure over a bulky turtleneck, add that bulk to allowance; this rarely applies to dress shirts.
Collar styles and how they affect neck measurement & perceived fit
Different collars sit and appear differently — measuring remains the same, but your preference for allowance may change:
- Point collar / Classic — modest spread; standard allowance (⅜–½ in).
- Spread collar — sits wider; looks better slightly snug; go with standard to slightly smaller allowance.
- Cutaway / Extreme spread — frames a large tie knot; a snug fit complements this style.
- Button-down — casual; a little extra room is acceptable.
- Band collar / Mandarin — minimalist; precise neck measurement is important (smaller allowance).
Tailors often recommend a tighter collar (less allowance) for spread and cutaway collars to prevent gaping, while button-downs can be marginally roomier.
How to measure for a tied look vs open collar
- Tied / with tie: measure with one finger allowance (smaller).
- Open collar / casual: measure with two fingers allowance (wider look).
If you regularly switch between both, select a middle ground or own shirts in two collar fits.
Why sleeve length is often paired with neck size
Dress shirts are usually sold as neck/sleeve (e.g., 15.5/34). Measuring sleeve length is separate but important for total fit.
Quick sleeve measurement method:
- Start at center back of neck (where collar meets).
- Measure across shoulder to the wrist bone with arm slightly bent.
- Record length (typically 32–37 inches for adult men).
Don’t forget chest, waist, and shoulder measurements if getting a tailored fit.
Sizing systems: U.S. number sizes → S/M/L and international conversions
Most formal shirts: numeric collar sizes (in inches) used in U.S./UK. Europe sometimes uses cm (e.g., 39 cm = about 15.4 inches). Basic conversions:
- 14 in ≈ 35.5 cm → often labeled EU 35/36
- 15 in ≈ 38 cm → EU 38
- 16 in ≈ 41 cm → EU 41
General S/M/L mapping (approximate):
- S ≈ 14–14.5 in
- M ≈ 15–15.5 in
- L ≈ 16–16.5 in
- XL ≈ 17–17.5 in
Always use the exact neck inch/cm if possible; S/M/L categories are broad and less precise.
How fabric, shrinkage, and laundering affect neck fit
- Cotton: can shrink 2–5% if not pre-shrunk — expect collar to tighten slightly. Buy slightly looser if you plan hot water washes.
- Cotton blends / stretch: have more give; you can choose a slightly snugger collar.
- Silk & high-end fabrics: minimal stretch — exact fit needed.
- Pre-washed / pre-shrunk shirts: more stable; buy true-to-measure.
Washing tips: follow care label. If you want to avoid any post-wash tightness, opt for machine-washable, pre-shrunk shirts or choose a ¼–½ inch extra allowance.
Common mistakes when measuring neck size (and how to avoid them)
- Measuring too tight — you’ll end up with a suffocating collar. Always insert one finger for breathing space.
- Measuring too loose — collar will gape; avoid excessive slack.
- Slouched posture — gives a smaller neck reading; sit/stand upright.
- Measuring too high/low — measure at base of neck where collar sits.
- Using a non-flexible tape — get a cloth tailor’s tape.
- Not accounting for tie use — decide if you need additional allowance for ties.
Double-check your measurement after a short walk (to ensure comfort) before ordering.
Measuring neck size for children & teens
Children grow quickly; measure frequently. For kids:
- Measure at base of neck as above.
- Add ¼–⅜ inch (0.5–1 cm) allowance — kids tolerate less tightness.
- If buying for growth spurts, add ½ inch extra, but beware of collars that look too big.
For school uniform shirts, check school supplier charts; many list exact neck and sleeve sizes.
Measuring an existing shirt’s collar (if you don’t want to measure the neck)
If you don’t have the person available, measure a well-fitting shirt they already own:
- Lay the shirt flat, buttoned.
- Measure straight across the collar from edge to edge at the back (collar length) and double it for circumference OR measure inside the collar (where neck sits) from one inner edge to the other and multiply by two.
- Check the shirt’s label (often shows neck size).
This gives the finished collar size of that shirt; you can compare to new shirts.
Bespoke shirts & collar types — what tailors ask for
If getting measured by a tailor:
- They’ll record neck circumference, collar height, neck slope, Adam’s apple position, and torso posture.
- For bespoke collars, tailors may take multiple neck measurements (sitting, standing, swallowing) to perfect fit.
- Collars come with different heights (short or tall), so bespoke options adjust collar height to face shape.
Bespoke collars require more precise measurements but deliver the best fit.
Buying online: how to measure and buy with confidence
- Measure neck as instructed.
- Check brand’s size chart (different brands vary).
- Choose based on intended wear (tie vs open collar).
- Read reviews for whether shirts run large/small.
- Look for return/exchange policies — helpful for first-time purchases.
- Buy two sizes if unsure — try on, keep the best, return the other.
Many retailers offer virtual fitting tools — upload a photo or enter measurements for tailored recommendations.
Special considerations: women, gender-neutral, and nonbinary measurements
Dress shirts marketed to women or as gender-neutral have different cuts (darts, waist shaping). Measuring the neck is the same, but also measure:
- Bust/chest (fullest point)
- Waist (natural)
- Hip (if shirt is longer)
When choosing collar sizes for women, a slightly smaller allowance may be preferred for a slimmer look; however comfort is key.
When to get a professional measurement
If you:
- Are buying a bespoke or high-end shirt.
- Have an unusual body shape or neck (short neck, large Adam’s apple).
- Need shirts for formal uniform or stage wear.
A tailor’s measurement is worth the small fee — they’ll take posture into account and provide fitted recommendations.
Example measurement scenarios (real-world)
- Office worker (tie every day): measured neck 15 in → allowance 0.4 in → choose 15.5 collar with sleeve 34.
- Casual dresser (no tie, preference for relaxed fit): measured neck 16 in → allowance 0.6 in → choose 16.5 or 17 depending on brand.
- Teen (growing fast): measured neck 13.5 in → allowance 0.5 in for growth → buy 14 in with room for future growth.
Final practical tips and checklist
- Measure twice, record both inches and centimeters.
- Decide tie vs open collar ahead of ordering.
- Keep a list of brands that fit you well.
- Retain leftover buttons and tags — helpful for returns.
- Store a spare tape measure in your wardrobe for future checks.
This guide covered everything you need about how to measure dress shirt neck size — step-by-step measurement, allowance rules, collar styles, international conversions, fabric/shrinkage considerations, children’s sizing, online shopping tactics, and expert tips. With a reliable measurement in hand, you’ll choose collars that are comfortable, flattering, and reliably professional every time.
FAQs about How to Measure Dress Shirt Neck Size
Q1: What is the standard way to measure dress shirt neck size?
A: Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the base of your neck, where the collar naturally sits, and add about ½ inch (1.3 cm) for comfort. Round to the nearest half-inch for standard shirt sizes.
Q2: Should I measure my neck tight or loose?
A: Neither. The tape should be snug against your neck but not tight. Always insert one finger between your neck and the tape to ensure breathing and comfort.
Q3: What if my measurement falls between two sizes?
A: Always size up. For example, if you measure 15.2 inches, choose a 15.5-inch collar instead of 15. Shirts that are too small feel restrictive, while a slightly larger size offers comfort and flexibility.
Q4: Do all shirt brands use the same neck size chart?
A: No. While most follow similar half-inch increments, some brands run larger or smaller. Always check the brand’s size guide before purchasing.
Q5: How often should I re-measure my neck size?
A: At least once a year, or anytime you notice changes in weight or comfort in your current shirts. Neck size can change with age, weight fluctuations, or fitness levels.
Q6: Can I measure neck size without a measuring tape?
A: Yes. Use a string or ribbon to wrap around your neck, mark where it overlaps, and then measure the length against a ruler. Add your allowance, just as you would with a measuring tape.
Q7: Do women’s dress shirts use neck sizes the same way?
A: Not always. Many women’s dress shirts are sized by S/M/L or bust measurement. However, for formal shirts with collars, the neck is measured the same way as men’s.
Q8: How does shrinkage affect neck size?
A: Cotton shirts can shrink 2–5% after the first few washes, tightening collars slightly. If buying 100% cotton, consider sizing up by ½ inch or choosing pre-shrunk fabrics.
Conclusion
Understanding how to measure dress shirt neck size is the foundation of a well-fitted and professional wardrobe. A properly sized collar enhances comfort, frames your face elegantly, and ensures your tie sits correctly without being restrictive. By using a flexible tape, adding the right allowance, and considering fabric shrinkage, collar style, and brand variations, you can confidently select shirts that look sharp and feel comfortable all day.
Whether you wear dress shirts daily for work, occasionally for events, or as part of a tailored wardrobe, taking the time to measure your neck correctly prevents costly sizing mistakes and guarantees long-term satisfaction. In short, mastering neck measurement means mastering style, comfort, and confidence.