How to choose the right men's shirt collar size
Men's shirt sizing guide
How to measure your neck for a men's shirt
Neck size is an essential reference when a shirt is worn buttoned and with a tie. A correct measurement helps the collar close neatly without pressure or excessive space.
Why neck size is important
A collar that is too tight can press against the neck and become uncomfortable during the day. A collar that is too loose can look untidy and leave a visible gap between the fabric and the neck.
Shirts may use centimetres, inches or general sizes such as S, M and L. Knowing your actual neck circumference makes it easier to compare those systems with the size information provided for the individual product.
How to take the measurement
Position the tape
Place a soft tape measure around the base of the neck, where the shirt collar normally sits.
Keep it level
Check that the tape remains horizontal around the neck and rests against the skin without compressing it.
Allow natural comfort
Insert one finger vertically between the neck and the tape to confirm comfortable breathing and movement.
Read the result correctly
Read the value where the two ends of the tape meet. Do not pull the tape tight and do not add an arbitrary amount afterwards: the finger check already confirms the practical allowance.
Measure in a natural posture, with the head upright and the shoulders relaxed. Repeating the measurement once helps confirm the result.
Centimetres, inches and general sizes
Formal shirts are often labelled directly by neck measurement in centimetres. In systems based on inches, one inch corresponds to 2.54 centimetres. General sizes group several body measurements and can vary more noticeably between brands and fits.
| Neck in centimetres | Approximate inches | General reference |
|---|---|---|
| 37–38 cm | 14.5–15 in | S |
| 39–40 cm | 15.5–15.75 in | M |
| 41–42 cm | 16–16.5 in | L |
| 43–44 cm | 17–17.5 in | XL |
| 45–46 cm | 17.75–18 in | XXL |
These are general references. Always use the size chart and measurements supplied for the individual shirt as the final check.
Measure a shirt that already fits
Open the collar and lay the shirt flat. Measure in a straight line from the centre of the collar button to the far end of the opposite buttonhole. This can be useful when comparing shirts of a similar construction.
A garment measurement and a body measurement are not identical, so compare like with like and follow the method stated in the product guide.
Neck size is only one part of the fit
The collar may fit correctly while the chest, waist, shoulders or sleeves do not. Check the complete silhouette—Slim, Regular, Classic or Comfort—and compare the product measurements before making the final choice.
Frequently asked questions
Should I add extra centimetres to my neck measurement?
Do not add an arbitrary amount. Measure without compression and use the one-finger check, then compare the result with the product's own size information.
Can I use the size of a shirt I already own?
Yes, provided it fits well and you measure it using the same method described by the size guide.
Does the same neck size fit every brand?
Not always. Collar construction, fit and brand specifications can change the way a nominally equal size feels.
Choose the collar size with reliable measurements
Measure your neck, confirm the shirt's fit and use the product-specific size information before ordering.
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Use code: RESTYLE - minimum purchase 99 EUR
Use code: RESTYLE
minimum purchase 99 EUR
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