3 Ways To Measure Shoulder Width - WikiHow

Home » How To Measure Shoulder Length » 3 Ways To Measure Shoulder Width - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Take Your Shoulder Measurements (With or Without Help) PDF download Download Article Get precise shoulder measurements so you can order clothes that fit perfectly Co-authored by David Reeves and Aimee Payne, MFA

Last Updated: October 11, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Measuring by Yourself
    • |
  • Measuring with an Assistant
    • |
  • Measuring with a Shirt
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by David Reeves and by wikiHow staff writer, Aimee Payne, MFA. David Reeves is a Bespoke Tailor and the Founder of Reeves: Modern English Tailoring, based in New York City. David has been in the bespoke tailoring business for over 25 years and specializes in designing and creating custom, high-end suits. David has worked with influential names in the United Kingdom and the United States such as Richard James of Savile Row, Prada, Commes Des Garcons, and Timothy Everest. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 710,966 times.

If you're getting a shirt tailored to your measurements (or you want to make sure that the piece you're buying online will fit perfectly), you'll need to know your shoulder width. Luckily, finding your measurement is easy enough when you know how. We talked to Bespoke Tailor David Reeves to help us walk you through the process. Read on to learn more!

How to Take Your Own Shoulder Measurements: Quick Steps

If you don't have someone to help you, stand up straight against a wall and use a pencil to mark on the wall where each arm meets each shoulder. This is usually the boniest part of your shoulder. The distance between the two marks is your shoulder width.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Measuring Shoulder Width by Yourself

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Stand against a wall with your head up and shoulders back. 1 Stand against a wall with your head up and shoulders back. Stand with good posture and your feet flat on the ground about shoulder-width apart. Keep your chin level, and your shoulders relaxed.
    • Pull your stomach in and put your weight on the balls of your feet to stay balanced.
  2. Step 2 Make a mark on the wall where your arm meets your shoulder. 2 Make a mark on the wall where your arm meets your shoulder. This is usually the boniest part of your shoulder close to the seam at the top of your shirtsleeve. Use a pencil to make a light mark that is easily erased when you’re done. Reach across the body with your right hand to mark where your left shoulder joint is, and use your left hand to mark your right shoulder joint.[1]
    • Keep your shoulder line as straight as possible for the most accurate measurement.
    • Tape sheets of paper to the wall in a row wider than your shoulders if you don't want to make pencil marks on it.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Measure the distance between the two marks on the wall. 3 Measure the distance between the two marks on the wall. Once you’ve marked the placement of both shoulder joints on the wall, use a measuring tape or yardstick to measure the distance between them. This is your shoulder measurement.
    • This method will be less accurate than having a friend help you take your shoulder measurement, but it’s close enough to help you find a ready-made shirt size.
    • If you’re having a tailor make or alter your shirt, they may ask you to come in for more accurate measurements.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Measuring Shoulder Width with an Assistant

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Ask someone for help. 1 Ask someone for help. Since standard shoulder width measurements are taken along the upper portion of your back, having another person take this measurement for you is preferable.
  2. Step 2 Wear a shirt that fits well. 2 Wear a shirt that fits well. While not strictly necessary, a tailored dress shirt is ideal because the seams of the shirt help guide the tape measure, but any well-fitting shirt will work to provide helpful guide points.[2]
    • If you are wearing a dress shirt that fits your upper body correctly, you can use it as a guide. The shoulder seams on the back of your shirt usually match up with your actual shoulder points, so when in doubt, measure from there, Reeves suggests.[3]
  3. Step 3 Standing with your shoulders relaxed, locate your shoulder points. 3 Standing with your shoulders relaxed, locate your shoulder points. These two points should also be the points at which the shoulder meets the arm or the points at which the shoulder begins curving down into the arm. They’re actually marked by your acromion bones, which can be found at the upper tips of your shoulders.[4]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Shoulder Width 4 Measure the space between your shoulder points. Have your helper position the end of the tape measure flat against your back at the first shoulder point, suggests Reeves.[5] Your helper should measure up and over the curve of your shoulders, across your back, and then back down to the outside edge of the other shoulder point. “Typically, you would measure what we call a point-to-point or PTP, which would be across the shoulder blades from one end to the other,” Reeves adds.[6]
    • Remember to measure across the broadest part of your shoulders. This usually lands roughly 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) below the neckline.[7]
    EXPERT TIP David Reeves

    David Reeves

    Bespoke Tailor David Reeves is a Bespoke Tailor and the Founder of Reeves: Modern English Tailoring, based in New York City. David has been in the bespoke tailoring business for over 25 years and specializes in designing and creating custom, high-end suits. David has worked with influential names in the United Kingdom and the United States such as Richard James of Savile Row, Prada, Commes Des Garcons, and Timothy Everest. David Reeves David Reeves Bespoke Tailor

    Accurately measuring shoulder width is vital for proper tailoring. Precisely measuring shoulder width is important in tailoring — it's about understanding the individual's unique body, not just numbers. Specific measurements like point-to-point cater to body type for impeccable fit. This accounts for important variations like shoulder blades.

  5. Step 5 Use your shoulder measurement to determine your shirt size. 5 Use your shoulder measurement to determine your shirt size. Read your measurement in inches or centimeters and save it for your records for tailoring and comparing with sizing charts. When selecting a shirt size, if your measurements fall between sizes, it’s usually best to go with the larger size and have it altered to fit so you can dress to impress with perfectly tailored clothing.
    • Standard shoulder width is often used for men's tailor-fit dress shirts and blazers.
    • You also need this measurement when determining the best possible sleeve length for a shirt or blazer.
    • Average shoulder width measurements for men range from 15.8 inches (40 cm) to 20.9 inches (53 cm). Women’s shoulder widths range from 13.4 inches (34 cm) to 18.9 inches (48 cm).
    • You may need to take additional measurements of your neck, sleeves, chest, and waist for the best fit.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Measuring Shoulder Width with a Shirt

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Find a shirt that fits well. 1 Find a shirt that fits well. A tailored dress shirt is your best option, but any shirt that fits your shoulders correctly will work as long as that shirt has sleeves. If you want a looser fit than the shirt you’re measuring, add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to the measurement after taking it.
    • This measurement can be substituted for your back or standard shoulder width measurement, but it’s not quite as accurate as one measured across your actual shoulders.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Shoulder Width 2 Lay the shirt flat and locate the shoulder seams. Place the shirt on a table or other flat working surface. Smooth it out so that the material lies as flat as possible. Locate the shoulder seams or the points where the sleeves meet the top seam of the shirt.[8]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Shoulder Width 3 Measure the shirt from the left shoulder seam to the right shoulder seam. Place the end of the tape measure at the top of the left shoulder seam. Bring the tape measure straight across the top of the shirt until it meets the top of the right shoulder seam.[9]
    • The tape measure should lie flat and horizontal and aligned with the bottom of the shirt.
    • Write down your results. This measurement is your shoulder width. Consider marking it down and saving it in your records.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Are there any other tips on properly measuring a shoulder blade? David Reeves David Reeves Bespoke Tailor David Reeves is a Bespoke Tailor and the Founder of Reeves: Modern English Tailoring, based in New York City. David has been in the bespoke tailoring business for over 25 years and specializes in designing and creating custom, high-end suits. David has worked with influential names in the United Kingdom and the United States such as Richard James of Savile Row, Prada, Commes Des Garcons, and Timothy Everest. David Reeves David Reeves Bespoke Tailor Expert Answer You can also do a halfback measurement because somebody might have particularly sticky-out shoulder blades. For example, a tennis player might actually even have one prominent blade on the right if they are right-handed, and you've got to watch for things like that. So the point-to-point measures the actual shoulder width, and then the halfback measures things like the actual back and the shoulders. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
  • Question What is the measurement for an off shoulder dress? Community Answer Community Answer Your best bet would to be to have someone measure the width of your upper arms across your body. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 7
  • Question Can a female's shoulders be 22 inches? Eria .S Eria .S Community Answer Yes! My own shoulders measure about 21 inches, and my mother's are wider. It's perfectly normal, if wider than general averages. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 18
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Measure Your Neck Size and Sleeve LengthMeasuring Neck Size & Sleeve Length for a Perfect Dress Shirt Fit Measure Your Shirt SizeHow toMeasure Your Shirt Size Measure Sleeve WidthHow toMeasure Sleeve Width How toMeasure a Man's Sleeve Length Take Body MeasurementsHow toTake Body Measurements How to Measure for a T-Shirt Measure Arm WidthHow toMeasure Arm Width Take Clothing Measurements Without Measuring TapeHow toTake Clothing Measurements Without Measuring Tape Measure Arm LengthHow toMeasure Arm Length Measure Jacket SizeHow toMeasure Jacket Size Measure an Arm HoleHow to Measure an Arm Hole With & Without Help Measure for a SuitHow toMeasure for a Suit Measure Torso LengthHow toMeasure Torso Length How toMeasure Chest Size Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about body measurements, check out our in-depth interview with David Reeves.

References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/pDkRf287N3A?list=PLG7xK8Staudc3YHTDHCCe2APF0_zGrbUV&t=23
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/6wyy_j6VHzw?t=5
  3. ↑ David Reeves. Bespoke Tailor. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.innerbody.com/image_skel21/skel12.html
  5. ↑ David Reeves. Bespoke Tailor. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ David Reeves. Bespoke Tailor. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/FQtk6UeXEUE?t=8
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/GgTywBYJd08?t=5
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/GgTywBYJd08?t=10

About This Article

David Reeves Co-authored by: David Reeves Bespoke Tailor This article was co-authored by David Reeves and by wikiHow staff writer, Aimee Payne, MFA. David Reeves is a Bespoke Tailor and the Founder of Reeves: Modern English Tailoring, based in New York City. David has been in the bespoke tailoring business for over 25 years and specializes in designing and creating custom, high-end suits. David has worked with influential names in the United Kingdom and the United States such as Richard James of Savile Row, Prada, Commes Des Garcons, and Timothy Everest. This article has been viewed 710,966 times. 7 votes - 86% Co-authors: 12 Updated: October 11, 2025 Views: 710,966 Categories: Featured Articles | Sewing Skills | Sewing Tops Article SummaryX

To do a standard shoulder width measurement across the back of the shoulders, first put on a shirt that fits well. A tailored dress shirt will work well for this. Stand with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Locate the points at the tips of your shoulders where your shoulder meets your arm. If you’re wearing a well-fitting dress shirt, there should be seams that cross these points on both sides, where the arm attaches to the body of the shirt. Have someone measure the distance between these points with a soft tape measure. Ask them to make sure that the tape measure follows the natural curve of your back for a more accurate measurement. Your shoulder measurement should be the widest distance between your shoulders, and it usually falls about 1-2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) below the neckline of the shirt. Either you or your helper should write down the measurement so you don’t forget it. To learn how to measure shoulder width from the front or with a shirt, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Russian Italian Spanish French German Portuguese Indonesian Dutch Arabic Chinese Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 710,966 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Ruthanne Daluisio

    Ruthanne Daluisio

    Jul 9, 2017

    "I found measuring my back shoulder points was a lot easier with me having osteoporosis, because there was a..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. David Reeves Co-authored by: David Reeves Bespoke Tailor Co-authors: 12 Updated: October 11, 2025 Views: 710,966 86% of readers found this article helpful. 7 votes - 86% Click a star to add your vote Ruthanne Daluisio

Ruthanne Daluisio

Jul 9, 2017

"I found measuring my back shoulder points was a lot easier with me having osteoporosis, because there was a..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Oct 17, 2017

"What I liked is how descriptive it was in finding the right points to measure." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Is My Face Shape QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizWhich Male Body Type Do I Have QuizWhich Male Body Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Kibbe Body Type QuizWhat Is My Kibbe Body Type QuizTake QuizWhat Do I Look Like QuizWhat Do I Look Like QuizTake QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizTake QuizWhat's My Body Type QuizWhat's My Body Type QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Measure Your Neck Size and Sleeve LengthMeasuring Neck Size & Sleeve Length for a Perfect Dress Shirt FitMeasure Your Shirt SizeHow toMeasure Your Shirt SizeMeasure Sleeve WidthHow toMeasure Sleeve WidthMeasure a Man's Sleeve LengthHow toMeasure a Man's Sleeve Length

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Featured Articles

250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color QuizWhat Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas100+ Creative Ways to Say Good Night100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special

Watch Articles

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & Beyond30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)Which of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson) Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersWhat’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What School Subject Are You?What School Subject Are You?

Quizzes & Games

Am I Pretty QuizAm I Pretty QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat Gender Should I Have Been Born As QuizWhat Gender Should I Have Been Born As QuizTake QuizWhat's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)What's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)Take QuizRight Brain vs Left Brain TestRight Brain vs Left Brain TestTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Crafts
  • Sewing
  • Sewing Clothes
  • Sewing Tops
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --580

Tag » How To Measure Shoulder Length