How to measure your sleeve length

The sleeve length of a shirt is measured with the arm relaxed along the body, from the shoulder point, where the shoulder width ends, to the base of the thumb. It is usually between 62 and 67 cm. At Swann, a Parisian made-to-measure shirt house, we show you how to take it on video, without adding any allowance for shrinkage.

How to take the measurement

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

Measure your sleeve length with your arms relaxed (and certainly not stretched out) along your body. At the top of the arm, place the tape measure at the shoulder point (where you ended the shoulder width measurement). At the bottom, place the tape measure at the base of the thumb, at the first joint. This measurement is usually between 62 and 67 cm.

Tips

A few more pointers to get it right

Do not add extra centimetres to allow for shrinkage. We take it into account when cutting the fabric
Take care to keep a natural posture in your back and shoulders so as not to distort the measurement
The shoulder width and sleeve measurements are linked. Left sleeve + shoulder width + right sleeve = the full span of the shirt. So the sleeve measurements begin exactly where the shoulder width measurement ends. Take care not to overlap these measurements at the shoulder points.

Frequently asked questions about sleeve length

Where is the sleeve length of a shirt measured from and to?

From the shoulder point, where the shoulder width measurement ends, to the base of the thumb, at the first joint, with the arm relaxed along the body.

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

Between 62 and 67 cm for most men. With the cuff unbuttoned, the sleeve should fall slightly onto the base of the thumb.

Should I add extra centimetres to allow for shrinkage in the wash?

No. Swann allows for it when cutting the fabric. Give your actual measurement, with no margin.

Should I stretch out my arm to measure the sleeve?

No. The arm should be relaxed along the body, neither stretched nor bent, with a natural posture in the back and shoulders. A stretched arm distorts the measurement.

How are shoulder width and sleeve length related?

Left sleeve, shoulder width and right sleeve together make up the full span of the shirt. The sleeve measurement begins exactly where the shoulder width ends, at the shoulder point, without overlapping.