How To Measure Your Shoulder Width - Nimble Made

Written by Tanya Zhang

Short answer: Locate the bony tips of your shoulders (acromion points) and measure a straight line across the back from point to point. For a shirt, measure seam-to-seam across the back yoke.

Steps • Diagram • Find the points • Body vs garment • Fit tips

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Note: Nimble Made is a slim-fit brand.

3 steps (quick)

1. Stand relaxed: Shoulders natural, not shrugged. It helps to have a friend measure.
2. Point to point: Place the tape at the acromion on one side and measure straight across to the other acromion. Keep the tape level.
3. Record: Note the number to the nearest ½″ (or 1 cm). Write it down.

Shoulder width diagram

How to find the acromion points

• Run fingers along the top of the shoulder to the outer bony tip (where many shirts’ shoulder seams sit).
• If you feel soft muscle, move outward until you hit the firm bony edge — that’s the acromion.
• Mark both sides lightly with tape or eyeliner for accuracy.

Body vs garment measurement

Type	How to measure	Use for
Body shoulder width	Acromion-to-acromion across the back	Comparing to brand size charts
Garment shoulder (shirt)	Back yoke seam-to-seam (straight line)	Comparing shirts you already own

Fit tips

• Seams should sit at (or just shy of) the acromion. Past it = too big; inside it = too small.
• Drop-shoulder or relaxed styles will measure larger by design—judge by intended style.
• If between sizes, choose the closer shoulder and tailor sleeve/side as needed.

 

Knowing your shoulder measurements ensures that you’ll get better-fitting clothing. Whether a blazer, dress shirt, or jacket, your shoulder measurements plays a significant role in finding better fitting clothes.

The best part is that measuring your shoulders is quick and easy. In fact, we’re going to walk you through the process step-by-step. We have separate guides for how to measure sleeve length.

Importance of Shoulder Measurement for Men

Shoulder measurement is an important aspect of men's fashion and clothing because it can have a significant impact on the overall fit and appearance of a shirt. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Proper fit: The shoulders are one of the most important areas to measure when it comes to clothing because they are the foundation of the garment. A well-fitting shirt should sit comfortably on the shoulders and allow for a full range of motion. More here on how a dress shirt should fit.
2. Visual balance: The width of the shoulders can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of a man's body. The right shoulder measurement can help create a visually balanced and proportionate look, which can be important for both formal and casual attire.
3. Confidence: Wearing a properly fitting garment can help a man feel more confident and comfortable in his own skin. When a shirt fits well, it can enhance natural features and create a flattering silhouette.
4. Professional image: In certain professions, such as business or law, a well-tailored suit or blazer paired with a crisp white or blue dress shirt can be essential for projecting a professional image. Shoulder measurement is a crucial part of achieving a polished and put-together look. Browse business dress shirts and bestselling dress shirts from Nimble Made.

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Getting shoulder measurements and finding the best fit can impact the fit, appearance, and overall confidence of the wearer.

Getting Started: Measuring Shoulder Width

When taking measurements for clothing, it’s almost always better to have a helping hand. This is especially true with shoulder width. While it’s possible to measure your shoulders from the front, your measurement will be more accurate when it’s taken from the back.

As such, you’ll likely need some help to complete this process. When you’re ready to proceed, follow Step 1 to get started.

Step 1: Wear a Good Fitting Shirt

Unlike how to measure chest size, you don’t need to be shirtless to measure your average shoulder width. In fact, the opposite is true. Wearing a slim fit dress shirt will actually assist you in getting an accurate width.

It’s certainly not a necessity, but the shirt can be used as guide points, thereby making measuring easier. 

Step 2: Stand in a Natural Position

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Before taking your shoulder measurement, it’s important to make sure your shoulders are relaxed and in a natural position. Also, your back needs to be straight without tensing your shoulders.

If this position doesn’t come naturally to you, relax your shoulders as best you can. When you keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed, you are sure to get the most accurate measurement possible.

The slightest arching or tensing will only serve to throw off the placement of your tape measure, thus affecting your true shoulder width. 

Step 3: Locate Shoulder Seam on Shirt

 

When ready, you want to find your shoulder points. Known as the acromion bones, these are the pointy parts or the shoulder seams. It’s also the point where the tips of your shoulders where your shoulder meets your arm.

Once again, your shirt can serve as a guide for finding these points as long as it fits well, especially around your upper arm. Dress shirts are marked with stitching where each shoulder seam is located. What’s more, there should be seams on the back of your shirt that match up with the shoulder points.

If the shirt you’re wearing doesn’t provide the best fit, make the necessary adjustments from one shoulder seam to the other until the shirt is just right. Then, you can use your tape measure to record the proper length. 

Step 4: Measure from Shoulder Point to Point

When you’re ready, measure the distance between each shoulder seam. The person taking the measurement needs to place the tape measure flat against your back. Be sure that the measuring tape lays flat the entire time, as this will ensure an accurate measurement.

Next, place the starting end of the measuring tape on top of one shoulder point and stretch the measuring tape across your back to the other shoulder point. You now have your average shoulder width.

Step 5: Follow Upper Portion of Back

Before you record your measurement, there are a couple of things to consider. When measuring, it’s important to make sure that the measuring tape follows the upper portion of your back.

Unfortunately, measuring shoulder width can be subjective so you can also find an average shoulder width measurement by recording a few tries. As such, the measuring tape is likely to curve outward slightly. This is because it should be following the broadest point between your shoulders.

If you need help finding the right section of your back to measure across, try measuring one to two inches below your neckline or, as mentioned earlier, take an average shoulder width instead.

Step 6: Record Shoulder Width

With your tape on each shoulder point, you now have your shoulder width measurement. This method is ideal for ensuring that your upper articles of clothing fit comfortably, especially around the upper arms, and not peak out too far over your own shoulder muscle or shoulder blades.

Be sure to save your measurement, as it will come in handy when you shop for new clothes. Combined with your other measurements, you can look forward to wearing clothing that complements your body shape perfectly. 

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Alternative Method to Measuring Shoulder Width

You can also get a relatively accurate shoulder width measurement with one of your shirts. Simply lay your shirt on a flat surface with the back facing up. Using the same steps from above, measure the distance between shoulder seams and record your total.

When measuring with this method, your tape should be perfectly flat against your shirt. Furthermore, you want to make sure that your tape remains level throughout the process. 

If one side is lower than the other, it will result in you getting an inaccurate measurement.

Is There an Average Shoulder Width?

The average shoulder width for adult males is generally around 16 to 18 inches (41 to 46 cm), measured from acromion to acromion, the outermost points of the shoulder bones. Back shoulder width is the standard measurement, while front shoulder width is much less common.

The average shoulder width can vary due to several factors, including genetics, age, and ethnicity. For instance, shoulder width tends to increase slightly with age during the growth years and can be influenced by physical activity levels, particularly exercises that build the deltoid and upper back muscles.

Ethnic and genetic backgrounds also play a significant role in determining bone structure and thus shoulder width.

In addition to these biological factors, posture can affect perceived shoulder width. Poor posture, such as rounded shoulders, can make the shoulders appear narrower, while good posture can enhance the appearance of broader shoulders.

Overall, shoulder width is a combination of skeletal structure and muscular development, making it a distinctive and varied physical trait among individuals. It's a key aspect of male body types, contributing to the V-shaped torso often considered desirable in terms of physical aesthetics.

 

Conclusion

With this standard measurement in hand, you can now invest in the proper clothing based on your exact shoulder measurements.

Finding the right body measurements, such as neck size, sleeve length, and waist measurement, will get you closer to the best fitting clothes. Blazers and shirts will look better than ever while providing you with a comfortable, precise fit.

For more on body measurements, check out our separate guides on how to measure neck size, how to measure your chest, and how to measure pants, trousers, jeans, and more.

FAQs about measuring shoulder width

What is the correct way to measure shoulder width?

To measure shoulder width accurately, follow these steps:

1. Stand Straight: Ensure you are standing up straight with your shoulders relaxed.
2. Find the Shoulder Points: Locate the bony points of your shoulders where they meet the arm. These are the acromion processes.
3. Measure Across: Use a measuring tape to measure the distance from one acromion process to the other across your back. This is your shoulder width.
4. Get a Helper: For the most accurate measurement, it's helpful to have someone assist you in measuring.

Is 20-inch shoulders wide?

A shoulder width of 20 inches is generally considered wide. Shoulder width can vary depending on body type and overall physique, but 20 inches is above average for most adults.

For context, shoulder width measurements of around 18 to 20 inches are often seen in people with broader frames or those who engage in strength training.

Are 22-inch shoulders wide?

Yes, shoulder measurements of 22 inches is considered quite wide. This measurement is significantly above average and is typically associated with individuals who have a very broad or muscular build.

Such wide shoulders can be seen in athletes, particularly those involved in strength sports.

What should be my shoulder width?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for what your shoulder width "should" be, as it largely depends on your body measurements, genetics, and overall physique goals. On average, adult male shoulder widths range from 16 to 20 inches, while female shoulder widths range from 14 to 18 inches.

If you are considering shoulder width for athletic purposes or a specific aesthetic, it's best to focus on achieving a proportionate body type and healthy physique rather than aiming for a specific measurement.

What is the average shoulder width?

The average shoulder width for men typically falls between 16 to 20 inches (40 to 51 cm), although this can vary depending on factors like body type, age, and genetics.

Generally, a broader shoulder width is often associated with athletic builds or a mesomorphic body type, while a narrower width might be seen in those with an ectomorphic or smaller frame.

For more precise measurement, you can measure directly from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other using a tape measure.

How do you tell how broad your shoulders are?

To determine how broad your shoulders are, you can simply compare your shoulder width to other body proportions. A straightforward way is to stand in front of a mirror or have someone measure the distance between the outermost points of your shoulders (where your deltoid muscles meet the upper arm). If your shoulders appear wider than your waist or hip measurements, you likely have broad shoulders. Another method is to measure your shoulder-to-waist ratio: broader shoulders relative to a smaller waist often give the appearance of a "V" shape, which is a common characteristic of broad shoulders.