How To Measure Chest Size: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

To measure your chest size, all you need is a fabric tape measure. If possible, ask a friend or family member to help you, since it can be hard to position the tape measure correctly by yourself. Before you start, take off your shirt, since the fabric can add extra bulk and make your measurement less accurate. However, if you normally wear a bra or a binder, leave it on. Wrap the tape measure around your chest from behind so it passes under your armpits and sits parallel to the ground. Make sure the tape crosses over the widest part of your chest or breasts, which is usually right over the nipples. Pull the tape tight enough so that it doesn’t sag, but don’t make it so tight that it digs into your skin, or your measurement will be too small. Avoid flexing your chest muscles or pushing out your breasts. Just relax and stand normally. Look for the spot where the end of the tape measure overlaps with the length that’s wrapped around your chest, and read the number at that spot to find your chest size. If you don’t have a cloth measuring tape, don’t worry. You can take the same measurement by wrapping a length of string around your chest. Use a marker to mark the spot where the end of the string overlaps the main length of the string, then line the string up with a stiff tape measure, a yardstick, or a meter stick. The distance from the end of the string to the mark you made is your chest size. When you’re using your chest size to buy clothing, always round up if you fall between two sizes. If you want a garment to fit a little loosely around your chest, add 2 inches (5 cm) to your chest measurement when choosing your size. To learn a few key differences between male and female chest measurements, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo