Where do I measure my neck for a dress shirt?

Measure around the base of your neck, where a shirt collar naturally sits. The tape should rest on your collarbone in front and the base of your neck in back.

How tight should a dress shirt collar be?

You should be able to comfortably fit 1-2 fingers between the tape and your neck. If you are between sizes, round up to the nearest half inch for comfort.

What is the average neck size for men?

The average male neck size is 15-16.5 inches (38-42 cm). Neck sizes range from 14 inches to 19+ inches across adult men.

Should I measure my neck in the morning or evening?

Measure in the morning when your neck is at its normal size. Neck circumference can increase slightly throughout the day due to activity and water retention.

What neck size am I for a dress shirt?

Measure around the base of your neck and round up to the nearest half inch. Common sizes: 14" = XS, 14.5" = S, 15-15.5" = M, 16-16.5" = L, 17-17.5" = XL, 18"+ = XXL. In dress shirts, the collar number IS the shirt size — when a shirt says "16/34", 16 is the collar and 34 is sleeve length.

How does collar size relate to shirt size?

Collar size and dress shirt size are the same thing. A "size 16" dress shirt has a 16-inch collar. S/M/L sizing on casual shirts corresponds roughly to: S = 14-14.5", M = 15-15.5", L = 16-16.5", XL = 17-17.5". Always use your measured neck circumference rounded up to the nearest half inch for the best fit.

Home/Measure Guide/Neck Measurement

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 guide showing how to measure neck circumference correctly for dress shirts and suits - measuring tape positioned at base of neck where collar sits

Step-by-Step Instructions

Stand straight with shoulders relaxed and head facing forward

Wrap the measuring tape around the base of your neck where your collar would naturally sit

The tape should rest on your collarbone in front and the base of your neck in back

Keep the tape snug but not tight - you should be able to slip 1-2 fingers between the tape and your neck

Read the measurement where the tape meets, keeping the tape level all around

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

What Neck Size Am I? Collar Size Quick Reference

In dress shirts, the collar size is the shirt size. When a shirt says “16/34”, the 16 is the collar (neck circumference in inches) and the 34 is the sleeve length. Round up to the nearest half inch when measuring.

Neck Measurement	Collar Size	General Size
14"	14	XS
14.5"	14.5	S
15"	15	S/M
15.5"	15.5	M
16"	16	M/L
16.5"	16.5	L
17"	17	L/XL
17.5"	17.5	XL
18"	18	XXL
18.5"+	18.5+	XXXL+

Always round up to the nearest half inch. A 15.25" neck should buy a 15.5" collar. Collar fit varies between brands — European shirts often run tighter than American cuts.

Other Measurements You May Need

Chest Measurement

How to measure chest/bust

Shoulder Width

How to measure shoulders

Sleeve Length

How to measure arm length

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