How to Measure Your Body: Shoulder Width
In the world of fashion, the most important aspect is achieving proper fit - one which makes you feel comfortable and confident. The rule is the same for every type of clothing, be it a shirt, jacket, or sweater.
Even though all measurements play a crucial role in determining the overall outcome, the most important one will always be shoulder to shoulder width. This measurement shows how far your shoulders are which in turn facilitate the pattern making process and crafting a shirt that accentuate your features further.
On the other hand, if the shoulder seam doesn't coincide with your natural shoulders, it may cause several issues like restricting movement, unsightly bulges and creases across your shoulders, bad posture, and disrupting the overall silhouette of the garment.
Thus, to make you a master at shoulder width measurements, today we are going to pen down some quick tips and easy-peasy methods. Just read on so your style game always stays on point.
How to measure shoulder width?
To take accurate measurements of shoulder width, you need to either get someone to assist you or a well fitted shirt. Besides, you'd need a flexible measuring tape.
Start by standing in a relaxed and natural posture with your hands hanging by your sides. Don't flex your muscle, puff your chest, or pull your shoulder forward or backward as it may alter the measurements.
Also, you either need to take off your shirt or wear a very thin shirt as thick clothing could add unnecessary bulk.
Once done, place one end of your measuring tape at acromion point of your one shoulder and stretch it horizontally to that of the other. Acromion point is the bony edge on the top of your shoulder blade which connects shoulder to arm.
Make sure the tape stays parallel to the ground and doesn't roll or twist over. Also, the tape should not be too tight or sag across your shoulder. After setting the tape at the right position, note down the measurements. Repeat the process to achieve precision.
Measuring shoulder width yourself
If you can't find someone to assist you, then there's this method with which you can measure your shoulder length yourself. For this, you need to get one of your well fitted t-shirts and a measuring tape.
Lay the shirt on a flat surface and smooth out all the creases. Now place one end of measuring tape at the right shoulder seam and stretch it to the left shoulder seam. It's better to take measurements from the back of the shirt as well to get more accurate results.
While using this method, you need to make sure that the tape remains at the same level throughout the shoulder length. If it's lower from one side, the results may alter. Likewise, the tape should lay flat and straight throughout to discard the odd for misleading measurements.
Measuring shoulder width without measuring tape
If you don't have flexible measuring tape, you can take measurements with a piece of string, ribbon, shoelaces, or whatever type of cord you have.
For this, you need to place one end of the string at your right shoulder's acromion point and take the other end to that of the left shoulder. Mark the string from where it touches your left shoulder's acromion and lay the string flat on a table or floor.
Then get a ruler or metal tape and measure the string from its starting end to the marked point. This will be your shoulder's length.
And if you don't have a string, a flexible measuring tape, and even someone to help you, then don't worry! We got you covered.
In this case, you just have to stand straight against a wall with your shoulders back and head up. Your shoulders should be in a relaxed but good posture. Then take a pencil and make a light pencil mark on the wall, at the point where your arm meets your shoulder. You can use your alternate hands to mark each shoulder.
Once done, measure the distance between these two marks with a ruler or metal tape. Even though this method is not as accurate as when someone else measures you but still, it will give you a near idea about your shoulder width so you could buy a readymade shirt.
FAQs
People who have broad shoulders should avoid shirts featuring horizontal stripes, puffy sleeves, and details on shoulders or sleeves.
A shirt will feel and look good only when its shoulder seam sits exactly where your shoulder ends - not above or below it.
Yes, a tailor can easily make the shoulder of a shirt smaller or wider. However, the rule only applies to shirts - when it comes to readjusting the shoulder size of jackets, it can't be done so easily or only be done to a certain proportion.
