How to Measure Your Neck
Learn the correct way to measure your neck circumference for dress shirts, formal shirts, and suit jackets. This measurement determines your collar size.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Stand straight with shoulders relaxed and head facing forward
2
Wrap the measuring tape around the base of your neck where your collar would naturally sit
3
The tape should rest on your collarbone in front and the base of your neck in back
4
Keep the tape snug but not tight - you should be able to slip 1-2 fingers between the tape and your neck
5
Read the measurement where the tape meets, keeping the tape level all around
6
Round up to the nearest half inch (1.3 cm) for dress shirt sizing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Measuring too high up the neck instead of at the base
- ✗Pulling the tape too tight, resulting in an uncomfortable collar
- ✗Not keeping the tape level, causing uneven measurement
- ✗Measuring over a shirt collar instead of directly on skin
Professional Tailor Tips
- ✓For dress shirts, add 1-2 fingers of space for comfort - this is your "comfort allowance"
- ✓If between sizes, always size up for dress shirts
- ✓Measure in the morning when your neck is at its normal size
- ✓Take the measurement 3 times and use the average for accuracy
Other Measurements You May Need
Ready to Get Custom Tailored?
Submit your measurements to Nathan Tailors for perfectly fitted custom clothing