How to measure your back length

The back length of a shirt is measured from the base of the neck, at the collar seam, to below the buttocks. It is usually between 75 and 82 cm. At Swann, a Parisian made-to-measure shirt house, we show you how to take it on video, and by how much to shorten it if you wear your shirt untucked.

How to take the measurement

One of the essential steps in getting the right measurements for your men's shirt is taking your back length.

Measure your back length from the base of the neck, or from the collar seam of your shirt, to below the buttocks. This measurement is usually between 75 and 82 cm.

Tips

A few more pointers to get it right

If you would like a shorter shirt to wear untucked, take 2 to 3 cm off the measurement, but no more. The classic mistake is to take off more than that. Above all, avoid doing so, as the shirt could become unwearable.
Feel free to check against a shirt whose length suits you well.

Frequently asked questions about back length

Where does the back length measurement start?

From the base of the neck, at the collar seam of the shirt, down to below the buttocks.

What is the usual back length of a men's shirt?

Between 75 and 82 cm for most men. A classic shirt should cover the fly at the front.

By how much should I shorten a shirt worn untucked?

By 2 to 3 cm compared with the measurement taken, no more. The classic mistake is to take off more: the shirt then becomes too short and unwearable.

How can I check my back length?

Measure a shirt whose length suits you well, laid flat, from the collar seam to the bottom of the back, and compare it with the measurement taken on you.