Here is how to measure a t shirt: lay the shirt flat and measure chest width one inch below the armholes, body length from the high shoulder point to the hem, and sleeve length from the shoulder seam to the cuff; compare those points of measure to the size chart and its tolerance before you approve blanks or ship decorated goods.

Rule: use the same points of measure (POM), the same flat relaxed method, and the same units every time. Write the how to measure line next to each POM so the factory, the blank distributor and your shop all get the same number.

Part of the business and pricing guides in the DAX Learning Hub. For blank buying checks that include size charts as a purchase criterion, see How to Buy Wholesale Blank T Shirts. For organizing sized inventory, see Blank Inventory and Sizing. Capture agreed sizes on the Custom Apparel Order Form. For print location after the garment is measured, see T Shirt Print Placement Guide.

Published by DAX (Decorated Apparel Expo) · Last updated: October 2026

How to Measure a T Shirt Step by Step

1. Prep the shirt. Lay it flat on a clean table, front up, smoothed by hand but not stretched. Button or zip if the style has a closure. Measure in a relaxed state.
2. Chest width (1/2 chest). Measure straight across from side seam to side seam, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the armhole. Many size charts list this flat half chest; double it only when a chart asks for full chest circumference.
3. Body length from high point of shoulder (HPS). Find HPS where the shoulder seam meets the neck rib or collar. Measure straight down, parallel to center front, to the bottom of the hem.
4. Sleeve length. From the shoulder point (where the shoulder seam meets the sleeve seam), measure along the top fold of the sleeve to the sleeve hem or cuff edge. Some charts instead measure sleeve from center back; use the method your chart names.
5. Optional points. Add shoulder width, sleeve opening, hem width and neck width when your program needs them. Record every reading with the size, color and lot.
6. Compare to the chart. Check each reading against the published spec plus the stated tolerance. Remeasure once if a point is close to the limit.

Measurement Points Explained

Building a Size Chart for Customers

A shop facing size chart for customers can start from the blank maker's point of measure table, then add a short how we measure note so customers measure a favorite tee the same way. List chest, length and sleeve for every size you sell. Keep one unit system (inches or centimetres) throughout.

This page does not republish any brand's numeric size grid. When you buy blanks, lock the maker's chart and lot rules in writing as covered in the wholesale blanks guide. When you take orders, put the agreed size run on the order form.

Tolerances and Shrinkage

A tolerance is the plus or minus window around each spec where a garment still passes. There is no single universal tolerance for every tee. Many tech packs use roughly a half inch (±) on larger points such as chest and body length, and tighter windows on necks, cuffs and other small visible points. Whatever you use must stay under half the grade step between neighboring sizes so an oversized Medium cannot measure the same as an undersized Large.

Shrinkage belongs in the wash test, not in a guessed percentage. Measure before wash, wash and dry per the care label or your shop protocol, then measure again. Follow the blank maker's care data after your own test rather than assuming one shrinkage figure for all cottons.

Measuring for Quality Checks on Bulk Orders

On incoming blanks or outbound decorated orders, sample more than one piece per size in the sizes you sell most. Use the same POM definitions as the purchase order. Record spec, tolerance, actual and difference. If readings scatter on both sides of the spec, check measuring method first, then lot consistency with the supplier.

Measure decorated goods after the print or embroidery when heat or stitching could change length or width. Keep a short measuring SOP next to the folding table so every checker uses the same landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Measuring a T Shirt (FAQ)

How do you measure a t shirt size?

Lay it flat without stretching, measure 1/2 chest below the armhole, body length from HPS to hem, and sleeve from shoulder to cuff, then compare those readings to the size chart for that style.

Where do you measure chest width?

Straight across the front from side seam to side seam, about one inch (2.5 cm) below the lowest point of the armhole, with the garment flat and relaxed.

How do you measure t shirt length?

From the high point of shoulder (where the shoulder seam meets the neck finish) straight down to the bottom of the hem.

What tolerance is normal on size charts?

It varies by brand and point of measure. Larger points often allow about ±1/2 inch in many apparel tech packs, while necks and cuffs are often tighter. Confirm the tolerance printed on your blank chart and keep it below half the grade between sizes.

Should I measure before or after washing?

Do both when shrinkage matters. Measure as received for incoming QC, then wash test samples and measure again before you approve a bulk program.

Figures and methods here are hedged starting points that vary by product; confirm every setting against the supplier or manufacturer spec sheet. Points of measure and tolerance windows vary by blank maker and buyer spec. This page teaches the measuring method; it does not publish a brand size chart.

Browse more guides in the DAX Learning Hub, and check cities and dates on the DAX show schedule when you are ready to see blank quality, sizing and order workflows with suppliers in person.