Shirt Size

Unfortunately there is no universal standard that is applied to tailoring dress shirts from your body measurements. More often the not, a tailor's interpretation as to how a shirt should fit will differ from that of the customer, particularly if the tailor is located in another country. However, this does not mean your options are limited to simple trial and error. By researching or inquiring into how much a tailor will add to your body measurements, you can make adjustments to ensure you end up with a shirt that meets your expectations. Most tailors will accept measurements taken from your body or from a well-fitting shirt. If your...

Differences arising from a tailor's interpretation

Remember that when you order a custom made shirt online, the shirt is going to be constructed by a tailor, usually located somewhere in Asia and this tailor will have his or her own way of doing things. Tailors use their discretion and apply different rules to interpret body measurements and size preferences. A 'Slim fit' shirt constructed by one tailor, may very well be the same size as a 'Regular fit' from another tailor. For example, if a tailor is asked to construct a 'Slim Fit' shirt, one tailor may add 2 inches to your chest measurements to construct the finished shirt while another tailor may add 4 inches. So, if you are keen to have a shirt tailored from your body measurements, it is worth researching the tailor's website to see if they provide any information as to how much they will add to your body measurements.

Differences arising from geographic trends

Depending on what country you live in, you may have different expectations as to how a dress shirt should fit. For example, US customers tend wear their shirts far baggier than European customers. This creates discrepancies when ordering from an international online tailor. Rather than enter into debate as to what the true size of a 'Slim Fit', 'Regular Fit' and 'Loose Fit' should be, we need to accept that these terms can be interpreted differently, and we should focus on clarifying quantitative measures of how your shirt will fit. For example, will my tailor add 3 inches or 6 inches to my chest measurement? (Yes, tailors do vary this much).

Other solutions: Measure a well-fitting shirt or send your favourite shirt be copied

Some online tailors will accept measurements taken from a well-fitting shirt or will even let you send them your favourite shirt to be copied. If you are shopping around for a custom dress shirt, chances are you are not happy with the off-the-rack shirts that you are buying and therefore you don't have good shirt to copy. However, if you have a favourite shirt which fits well and you would like to replicate, providing measurements from the shirt is a great idea. When shirt measurements are supplied, there is no use of the tailor's discretion, leaving far less room for any discrepancies. They simply follow the measurements to replicate the fit. Finally, if you are quite particular about the fit of your favourite shirt, you can send it off to be copied. In this instance, there is limited room for error as most Asian tailors are quite skilled at creating near exact replicas of garments.

All online tailors do their best to provide a shirt that will fit their customer perfectly, but there are many factors that can lead to significant inconsistencies when it comes to sizing. With a bit of research and understanding of how things work, customers can make a more informed purchase that will produce the best outcome: a shirt that fits.

Robert Bell is an expert in men's fashion, shirt sizing and the art of buying the perfect shirt online. For more information on custom made shirts check out Pickashirt.com.

Keyhole Polo Shirt $29.99 "Golf-Inspired polo shirt features keyhole detail and a small seashell button at the yoke. Ribbed collar, sleeve trim and a pretty shirred accent at center front."

Crisp and Classy Collared Shirt $19.99 "The lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabric of this classic button-front shirt has a crisp hand-feel that matches its snappy appearance. Side vents for easy movement. "

Classic Flannel Shirt and Scarf Set $49.99 "What a value! Not only the coziest, happiest flannel shirt you’ll ever wear, but a trendy scarf in the same plaid! Alone or together you’ll love the quality of this heavier all-cotton quality flannel. Turn down the thermostat and be cozy, or layer under jackets and sweaters for good-looking plus size warmth. Long-sleeve, button-cuff, button front with a femininely shaped slight shirt-tail hem."

Lite Flannel Shirt and Scarf Set $29.99 "Lighter weight, long-sleeve flannel shirt with matching fringe scarf makes a classic combo for cool weather. Angled plaid at front panels adds fun interest. Shirt rolls up to short sleves easily with buttoned sleeve plackets. "

Crinkle Cotton Floral Print Camp Shirt $49.95 "The floral print of this roomy button-front shirt is full of exquisite detail. Crinkle Cotton fabric is light and comfy for warm summer days. Side vents. "

QuikEnergy Rashguard Swim & Coverup Shirt $79.95 "Popular rashguards are perfect as beachside cover-ups for sun protection, and great for extra warmth in aqua classes. Stretchy high-content Lycra fabric has an easy on and off front zipper and chafe-free flatlock seams. 3/4 sleeve for especially nice plus size arm coverage. Mix and Match. 50 UPF UV Sun Protection. "

Ruffled Polo Shirt $29.99 "Feminine, 3/4-sleeve polo top features a narrow, ruffled trim at the neck and silver snap placket. Sleeve slits at outer arm."

No Show Tee Shirt Bra $24.95 "Molded seamless cups. Padded straps for comfort. By Leading Lady. "

Two-Piece Camp Shirt and Tank Set $29.98 "This value-packed sporty twin set is ready for your warm weather adventures. Three options: Wear each piece alone or together. These are designed to be as cute and detailed from the back as the front. Notice the cute shoulder detailing of the tank! Sleeves are straight-edge and long sleeve, and can easily roll up to short sleeve, staying in place with button tabs. Shirt is soft and durable yarn-dyed plaid broadcloth, and the tank is a soft medium weight jersey mini rib. (Alternate color plaid can be seen in style # 448023.)"

Seashell Classic Pique Polo $29.99 "Don’t miss out on this fabulous deal! Nothing beats the crisp appeal of the classic plus size polo. It never goes out of style. Junonia’s womanly cut is also a winner. We’ve kept the plus size shape in mind with a great fit. Active or casual, the longer length means you can wear this shirt over plus size jeans or plus size leggings. Long side slits and a perfectly cut armhole mean you can play, run and laugh with the kids. Best of all is the gorgeous all-cotton pique fabric. It is a medium weight for a smooth no-cling appearance and feels great year around. Durable and breathable 100% Cotton, this shirt washes like a dream. Subtly embroidered with a Junonia seashell at the hem, your guarantee of exceptional fit and quality. If you are between sizes or prefer an oversized tunic fit, we recommend ordering a size up. "

Juno Stretch Naturals V-Neck Tee $29.95 "Luxurious cotton with spandex for ultimate stretch and comfort. Take this shirt everywhere: gym, travel, casual. Created with Junonia’s fit and long-lasting quality. This short sleeve v-neck is uniquely cut for plus size with flattering shoulders, sleeve lengths, and relaxed hips."

Biking Inspiration Long Sleeve Tee $24.95 "Look closely at this cleverly designed bicycle – it is made up of all your favorite inspirational words! Exclusively Junonia, it is the beautifully silk screened on our mid-weight, no-cling shirt in always popular basic black. On a bike or just enjoying the thought of your next outing, you’ll love this shirt."

Elegant Silk & Cotton: Ruffled Pique Polo $29.99 "Smooth, silky and breathable pique is a gorgeous blend of silk and cotton. It is the kind of gorgeous fabrics you see is top-end golf shops. We chose this fabric for both its active and casual appeal. For walking or golf this plus size shirt will be a favorite, but then go casual and enjoy it even more! We’ve added feminine ruffles and an elegant 3/4 sleeve with slit. Silver snaps trim the flattering neckline. Junonia’s excellent plus size fit beautiful skims your body, with armholes cut for comfort--and a great swing! Subtle tone on tone Junonia spirit logo embroidery at center back neck. "

QuikWik Classic Crew Neck Tee $29.95 "Our QuikWik Tees are our most popular and versatile wicking tops. The Classic Crew uses our beautiful classic-weight QuikWik non-cling matte fabric with superior stretch and superb quality construction. This shirt will last for years. Fresh and fun, these tees look great on the tennis court or over jeans. Enjoy the beautiful-fitting longer short sleeve in this special plus size top. Fast-drying and moisture wicking, your comfort is assured. 50 UPF UV Sun Protection. "

QuikWik Lite - Portrait Neck Sport Top $34.98 "The face-flattering portrait neckline is one highlight of this sporty long sleeve tee. Added flair comes from the feminine curved panels with contrast piping. Non-see-through mesh combines with QuikWik Lite wicking for a cool and comfortable top. Sporty flatlock seams prevent chafing. Walk, run, travel, fun-- this plus size shirt does it all. 50 UPF UV Sun Protection."

Center Seam Split V-Neck Smocked Tee $29.95 "Such attention to detail! This full-cut plus size shirt features a longer short sleeve and Junonia’s popular center seam detailing. The split vee neckline is made even more stunning with smocked detailing all around the neckline. Beautiful soft and smooth cotton stretch knit is the perfect non-cling weight. Let it flow! "

Seersucker Camp and Tank Set $19.95 "Short-sleeve, button-up, collared shirt is paired with a white cotton tank with seersucker binding at neckline and armholes. Angled front placket, yoke and sleeve cuffs add flair. "

Euro Jersey by Terry Bicycle $49.95 "So versatile! This short sleeve shirt has a full-front zipper, for you to layer up or down. Pack this in your panier! Bright fun CitrusZest print also have reflective trim for safety. Road and trail ready with three open stuff rear pockets and a longer tail for on-bike coverage. 100% fast-drying poly with superior sun protection. MYNX UV offers permanent sun protection up to 50 UPF rating. A.M.Y.permanently inhibits the growth of odor causing bacteria, mold, mildew and algae on fabric.Terry sizes run smaller than Junonia, so please order one size larger than usual. "

AquaSport Short Sleeve Rashguard Top $69.95 "Rash guards have become so popular! They protect from the sun, and they keep you warm in aqua class or open water. Rash guards take their name from surfers who wear them to avoid abrasions from their boards. Super sporty plus size design has contrast color at the neckline, zipper and curved body and shoulder panels. Center-front zip and chafe-free seaming allow easy on and off even when wet. The special AquaSport fabric is fast-drying and nearly impervious to chlorine. Why? This fabric builds stretch into the knitting process and uses NO spandex for maximum chlorine and fade resistance. Pack this in your bag for travel, as it dries very quickly and can also be worn simply as a shirt. Mix and Match. 50 UPF UV Sun Protection. "

Roll Edge Tank Top $9.99 "A pretty, double-layered, roll edge neckline highlights this classic casual top – just pull on the neckline for a stylish, rolled look. Easy-fitting crew neck tank is great layered under a camp shirt or worn solo. Crafted in a super-soft, lightweight jersey with a hint of Spandex. "

Bumps Be-Gone Hangers $9.95 "Enjoy the freedom of air-drying shirts and sweaters without getting those dreaded shoulder bumps that normally happen from using wire or plastic hangers. Bumps Be-Gone Extra Long Hangers are durable, waterproof and bendable to fit a variety of shirt sizes, including extra wide V-neck shirts. 4 per package."

Elegant Silk & Cotton: Sporty Colorblock Pique Polo $39.95 "This shirt is ready for serious play! Eye-catching polo is colorblocked for impact. Femininely styled with curve-flattering princess seams, contract buttons and stitching. A comfortable fit with a longer short sleeve that will enhance your swing. Fore! The elegant cotton/silk blend is a breathable, smooth pique knit you’ll love in all weather. Subtle Junonia spirit logo embroidery at center back neck. "

Super Jersey No-Cling Long-Sleeve Polo $29.95 "This relaxed polo will be your go-to weekend shirt. Easy-fitting in our heavier weight, no-cling Super Jersey, this style skims your body and never clings. Side slits, drop shoulder and a full cut for easy living. Long straight sleeve looks great pushed up. Face-framing open neckline with a three-button placket. Our Super Jersey fabric raises the question – how can something that feels so nice be so tough? We garment dye this lovely fabric so it won’t shrink. Subtly embroidered with a Junonia seashell at the hem, your guarantee of exceptional fit and quality. "

Super Jersey Long Sleeve Crewneck Tee $19.98 "This long sleeve classic tee features size vents and a slight A-line shape for full coverage and easy movement. Made of a heavier weight cotton that never clings and shaped just for the plus size woman."

QuikCool Double-Scoop Bra Top $29.95 "Looking for a plus size bra top that is soft, light and supremely comfortable? QuikCool plus size bra tops are the answer. This dual layer, fully-lined plus size bra, offers light support while the wicking fabric is smooth and sumptuous. It surrounds the body to push moisture away from the skin to keep you dry and comfortable. Wear this plus size style during yoga, under a casual tee, or even sleeping. Cut for a plus size woman, this sporty top can be worn for low-impact activities or casual wear. Tee shirts slide over the smooth fabric. You’ll love the careful Junonia cut. It is longer at the sides for full and flattering fit, and slighter higher front and back for support. The armholes are not too tight, yet have excellent coverage and the wider straps support and can cover a plus size bra for extra support. Antimicrobial and fast-drying, QuikCool dries quickly, and is perfect for travel. "

UV-Protective Stretch Nylon Half-Zip Pullover $19.95 "We designed this versatile plus size pullover to protect you from the sun. It does that beautifully with UPF 50 and the highest possible UV rating. But then we noticed how versatile it is! We cut this plus size jacket long with princess seams to give you a flattering plus size jacket over plus size leggings and even a plus size bathing suit swimsuit on the beach. The arms are cut full for air flow, and roll up with tabs, and it has side slits for easy moving. This womanly plus size jacket also serves as a wind breaker jacket and is a perfect travel companion, ready for any activity, or those casual walks on the beach. Front slit pockets, quarter zip neckline "

Superfit Seamless Bra $29.95 "Seamless perfection in a bra designed exclusively for the plus size woman. Cleverly designed with a 3-hook adjustable back for easy on and off, this smooth and stretchy, soft control bra feels delightfully light. No seams, so no chafing, and with a one inch chest band that stays put. Open cut v shaped detail at center front adds extra feminine charm. The fabric is a highly durable wicking blend that feels like washable silk. The sizing for Seamless products is different than Standard Junonia Sizing.If your body measurements are at the higher end of the size range for a given size, we recommend ordering the larger size.Please reference the Seamless size chart for our recommendation."

Superfit Seamless Brief $14.95 "The ultimate in soft and luxurious comfort. This seamless brief is cut for the plus size form with a full, stay-put design with no seams, so no chafing! The fabric is a highly durable, wicking blend that dries quickly for travel and sport, that feels like washable silk! One inch soft, knit-in waistband stays put. This brief will move with you and feel like a second skin. Wear it every day. A touch of cotton is seamlessly knit into the gusset for breath-ability. The sizing for Seamless products is different than Standard Junonia Sizing.If your body measurements are at the higher end of the size range for a given size, we recommend ordering the larger size.Please reference the Seamless size chart for our recommendation."

Juno Stretch Naturals Leggings $36.95 "Luxurious cotton with spandex for ultimate stretch and comfort. Created with Junonia’s plus size fit and long-lasting quality. Covered elastic no-chafe waist."

Juno Stretch Naturals Capris $36.95 "Luxurious cotton with spandex for ultimate stretch, and comfort. Created with Junonia’s plus size fit and long-lasting quality. Covered elastic no-chafe waist."

Packable Apple Fit Sport Pant $19.99 "These are a steal! If you love our black cotton plus size stretch pants, (and who doesn’t?) you’ll love having a pair of our best selling plus size pants in this warm and versatile cocoa brown color. Match up these woman-friendly plus size pants with your plus size tops in light blue, mango, and even black! The fabric is smooth with just the right amount of stretch for ease. Toss these in and out of the wash; they just bounce back into shape, keeping you looking your best. They not only look good, but these are incredibly comfortable. We cut these plus size pants full just for the plus size shape with a soft covered elastic waist. The legs and seat on this pant are cut for a slim appeal. Wear these for casual, for walking, and even to active pursuits like yoga class. Cling-free cotton/spandex is durable and just so comfortable. These even have side seam pockets for all our pocket-loving customers! Buy two or you’ll regret it! "

V-Neck Tank Top $19.95 "A versatile and flattering, sleeveless plus size top. In soft lightweight non-cling summer cotton, this knit pullover is just the elegant detail you’ve been looking for. Worn under a jacket for those office meetings, it also looks great over a pair of plus size jeans. This is not really an active top, but would make the perfect travel companion, sauntering over cobblestones and shopping the markets. Add jewelry and scarves for fun. You’ll love the flattering neckline that takes this well above a simple plus size tank. The womanly cut of the armholes is perfect and the length just right. At this price you’ll want one in each color!"

Super Jersey Long Sleeve V-Neck Tee $19.98 "No-cling cotton skims the body for a flattering silhouette. Comfortable and long-lasting top-quality cotton. Wash after wash, from play to casual this plus size v-neck will become a favorite. "

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