Q&A for How to Measure Chest Size

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Question

Should I measure my chest with a bra on?

David Pew
Professional Tailor
David Pew is a Professional Tailor based in Seattle, Washington. He owns his own tailoring business, Sew Generously, which he founded in 2013. With over 15 years of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products. David believes in creating garments with the finest materials that are built to last, and is a dedicated craftsman. Through Sew Generously’s website, David runs a blog, Stitching Confidential, where he writes on different topics in the tailoring, fashion, and art worlds. The business also hosts Sew Generously Galleries, quarterly art shows where they invite local artists to display their art, host workshops, and perform for the community at their shop. David received a BA in German and French from Western Washington University.

David Pew

Professional Tailor

Expert Answer

Wear whatever a typical undergarment is for you. If you typically wear a certain type of bra, wear that. If you usually go braless, don't wear one. If you're nonbinary and you typically bind, measure your chest while you're wearing your binder.

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Question

How do you measure your chest size?

David Pew
Professional Tailor
David Pew is a Professional Tailor based in Seattle, Washington. He owns his own tailoring business, Sew Generously, which he founded in 2013. With over 15 years of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products. David believes in creating garments with the finest materials that are built to last, and is a dedicated craftsman. Through Sew Generously’s website, David runs a blog, Stitching Confidential, where he writes on different topics in the tailoring, fashion, and art worlds. The business also hosts Sew Generously Galleries, quarterly art shows where they invite local artists to display their art, host workshops, and perform for the community at their shop. David received a BA in German and French from Western Washington University.

David Pew

Professional Tailor

Expert Answer

To measure the chest size of any person, you need to measure the broadest part. To do that, go over the shoulder blades and the widest part of the bust. For men, that's usually directly over the nipples. For women, that will be over the largest part of the bust, wherever that might be.

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Question

I have a spare tire or beer belly. How do I measure to accommodate for this feature?

Community Answer

Chest is a horizontal measurement across the chest at the nipples, it doesn't depend on belly size. Waist is measured at the widest part if you have a convex belly, or at the narrowest point if not. If you are asking about shirt sizing, you will usually have to buy for your biggest measurement.

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Question

How can I measure if I don't have a tape measure?

Community Answer

You could use a piece of yarn or rope as you would the tape measure, mark it off, then use a ruler to get the measurement.

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Question

How do l measure around the arms?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

You don't measure around your arms, you lift up your arms and measure around your chest.

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Question

If I measured a T-shirt to be 36" across the chest, would that be a men's medium?

Community Answer

The exact sizing will depend on the brand and style of shirt. However, a shirt that measures 36" across the chest would generally fall between an adult small and medium.

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Question

How do I measure the half-chest girth on a man?

Community Answer

Utilize a cloth-reinforced seamstress tape and measure the chest at nipple level. Have them lower their arms and take your reading with a snug tape -- too loose or tight will give you incorrect measurements. Remember, "too big" is easier than "not big enough." You can always take away material, but you can't (easily) add it back.

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