How to measure your chest

Your chest is measured standing, in a natural posture, with the tape measure passed under the armpits and across the top of the pectorals, at the widest point. It is the core measurement of a shirt, the one that best determines its size. At Swann, a Parisian made-to-measure shirt house, we show you how to take it in three steps, on video.

How to take the measurement

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

We will now measure your chest. Stand normally, without puffing out your chest. Pass the tape measure under your armpits, then across the upper part of your pectorals, where your chest is widest. Make sure the tape measure does not drop down your back, below your shoulder blades.

Tips

A few more pointers to get it right

Take care to keep a natural posture, without puffing out your chest and without rounding your shoulders forward or pulling them back.
Avoid wearing thick clothing.

Frequently asked questions about the chest measurement

Where should the tape measure go to measure the chest?

Under the armpits, then across the upper part of the pectorals, where the chest is widest. The tape should stay horizontal and not drop down the back below the shoulder blades.

Should I puff out my chest when I measure myself?

No. Stand normally, in a natural posture, without puffing out your chest, rounding your shoulders forward or pulling them back. A forced posture distorts the measurement.

Should I be dressed when I measure myself?

Avoid thick clothing. A thin shirt or a T-shirt is enough, otherwise the thickness of the garment would be added to the measurement.

Why does the chest measurement matter for a shirt?

It is the core measurement of a shirt, the one that best determines its size and cut. It serves as the reference for composing a made-to-measure shirt, together with the neck, the shoulder width and the sleeve length.

Measurements in hand? Design your made-to-measure shirt.