How To Measure Sleeve Length [3 Easy Steps & Top Tips]

If you need to get a nice shirt tailored or a jacket tailored, then it is important to know how to measure sleeve lengths on your clothing properly.

While you can always go to a tailor shop and have them measure your sleeve length for you, knowing how to do it yourself is a valuable skill. 

If you learn how to measure your sleeve length, it means you can order clothes online based on your measurements. If your body happens to change over time, you don't have to go to a tailor to find out your measurements.

You can even help out others by measuring their sleeve length for them. 

So, if you want to learn how to measure your sleeve length, then you've come to the right place. We have all the tips and tricks to help you learn how to measure your sleeve length. 

Is Knowing Your Sleeve Length Useful?

Yes! Knowing your sleeve length is helpful because it helps you make sure that you buy clothes that fit properly. It's also very helpful when trying to determine what size of shirts to buy. 

We mentioned earlier a few reasons why knowing how to measure your sleeve length is good for you. Here are some examples when knowing your sleeve length comes in handy. 

At The Tailors

Sure, you could just get the staff at the tailor shop to measure your sleeve length. However, this can be time-consuming, especially when you are in a rush. Most of us like to be in and out of stores.

So if you know your sleeve length before going to the tailors, you've just saved valuable time. You can drop off your shirt and measurements simultaneously and come back when it is ready. 

Your Clothes Will Always Fit

One of the biggest disasters when buying clothes is when they don't fit you properly. 

Oftentimes you will see people walking around with ill-fitted shirts on. You might not think this is a big deal, but it completely changes how your outfit looks. 

One scenario where your shirt needs to fit you is at an interview. It looks unprofessional if you turn up to an interview with a shirt that is too tight on the arms or too baggy. 

So knowing your sleeve length measurements is a great way to avoid that. It means that you'll never run into the issue of your clothes not fitting perfectly. 

How Should The Sleeves Of Shirts Or Jackets Fit You?

Before we can look at how to measure your sleeve length, we need to understand how the sleeves of your shirts should fit. This is important for understanding how to take your sleeve length measurements. 

To judge whether you have the perfect sleeve fit, we need to look at two things, your shoulder and your wrist. 

The wrist might be the easiest way to determine if someone's shirt fits them when a shirt sleeve fits perfectly; the sleeve's cuffs end exactly on the end of your wrist. If you are not sure where this is, it is where your hand meets your wrist. 

The cuffs of your sleeve should not cover any part of your hand; if they do, your sleeve is too long. The ball of your wrist should not be exposed if your sleeve is too short. 

The shoulder seam should meet at the end of your shoulder when it comes to your shoulder. If it hangs over the shirt, it is too big. On the other hand, if it is stretched and rests on the top of your shoulder, then your shirt is too small. 

How To Measure The Sleeve Of Your Shirt?

Now you know how your shirt sleeve should fit, here is the step-by-step guide on how to measure your sleeve length. 

Step One 

First thing first, you need to measure the top of your shoulder. 

To do this, go to the back of the neck and find the middle of the neck. This is where your spine is. 

Once you have located this area, use your measuring tape to measure from this point in the back of your neck to the end of your shoulder at the top of your arm. You might need some help with this step. 

Step Two

Next, we need to measure your arm. To do this, keep your arm slightly bent when measuring. This is important, so you have room to move your arms when wearing the shirt. 

Take the measuring tape and put it at the end of your shoulder (the point where your shoulder meets your arm). Then measure from that point until you reach slightly past the ball of your wrist. 

The ideal place to measure up to would be where your wrist meets your hand. 

Step Three

Now that you have these two measurements, all you have to do is to add them up. Then you have your sleeve length measurement. Round it up if you find that your measurement isn't a full number. 

Top Tips

Here are some top tips to make sure these steps go smoothly. 

• Be Relaxed. It is important that you relax your body so that your shirt isn't too stiff. 
• Get Some Help. Having someone help get the measurements, by holding the tape measurer in place or reading the measurements for you will make the process easier. It will also make sure your measurements are more accurate. 
• Use A Shirt. If you are on your own and following these steps is too difficult to follow, get a shirt that fits you nicely and take the measurements of that shirt.

How To Measure Sleeve Length - Final Thoughts

So there you have it! How to measure your sleeve length has been explained in detail. It is super easy to measure your sleeve length following these steps. 

Hopefully, this article helped you understand how to measure your sleeve length. Please share this with other people who might find this guide helpful.

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