How to Measure Chest Size for Shirts and Jackets
In 10 Seconds: To know how to measure chest size, wrap a soft measuring tape under your armpits and around the widest part of your chest. Drop your arms to your sides, breathe out gently, and read the number where the tape meets.
Where to Place the Tape
Keep the tape straight and level all the way around your front and back.
Wear a Thin Shirt
Measure on bare skin or a thin t-shirt. Take off thick hoodies or jackets first.
Wrap & Check the Back
Put the tape across your nipples in front and straight across your shoulder blades in back.
Drop Arms & Read
Let your arms hang down naturally. Don't puff your chest—just breathe normally and read the tape.
Find Your Shirt & Suit Jacket Size
Enter your chest measurement below to see your exact clothing size.
Tip: If your measurement falls between two sizes, pick the larger size for comfort.
Quick Check: Right vs. Wrong Way
Do This for an Exact Fit
- •Stand sideways in front of a mirror to make sure the tape doesn't droop down your back.
- •Slip one finger under the tape so it sits snug against your body without squeezing.
- •Keep both arms relaxed at your sides after wrapping the tape around your chest.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- •Don't puff out your chest or hold your breath—it adds 1–2 inches and makes shirts fit way too loose.
- •Don't keep your arms raised while reading the number; raised arms shift your back muscles.
- •Don't confuse flat shirt width with body size—a 21" flat shirt ("pit-to-pit") equals a 42" fabric circumference, made to fit a ~38" body chest.
Standard Chest Size Chart
| Letter Size | Body Chest (Inches) | Body Chest (CM) | US/UK Suit Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 33" – 35" | 84 – 89 cm | 34R |
| Small (S) | 36" – 37" | 91 – 94 cm | 36R |
| Medium (M) | 38" – 40" | 96 – 102 cm | 38R – 40R |
| Large (L) | 41" – 43" | 104 – 109 cm | 42R – 44R |
| X-Large (XL) | 44" – 47" | 112 – 119 cm | 46R – 48R |
| 2XL (XXL) | 48" – 51" | 122 – 130 cm | 50R – 52R |
| 3XL | 52" – 55" | 132 – 140 cm | 54R |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure chest size?
Stand relaxed with arms down and wrap a soft tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your armpits and across your shoulder blades. Keep the tape level and snug but not tight, and breathe normally. Note the number in inches or centimeters.
How do I measure chest size for men?
Wear a thin T-shirt, stand straight, and have someone help keep the tape level around the fullest part of the chest. Do not flex or puff out your chest. Compare the result with the size chart in the calculator above.
How do I measure chest size for women?
For tops, measure around the fullest part of your bust while wearing a non-padded bra, keeping the tape level across the back. Brand charts differ, so always compare with the specific size chart.
What chest size is S, M, L and XL?
Common men's US shirt sizes are S 34 to 36 inches, M 38 to 40, L 42 to 44, XL 46 to 48 and XXL 50 to 52. These ranges vary by brand, so use the instant size finder above.
How do I measure chest size for a jacket or suit?
Measure around the fullest part of the chest over a thin shirt. In US and UK sizing, your jacket size is typically that chest measurement rounded to the nearest even number, for example a 39.5 inch chest is a size 40. Choose Short, Regular or Long based on your height.
How do I find chest size from a shirt I already own?
Lay the shirt flat, measure straight across from armpit to armpit (pit to pit), then double that number to get the garment's chest circumference. Compare it with your body chest measurement plus room for comfort.