Back length and top length

Short answer: Two people of the same height can have different back lengths. That is why the same size can fit differently even when the height is the same, and why back length is the best measurement to go by.

Back length is measured from the neck

Measure from the bone at the base of your neck down to where you want the top to end. That number is more precise than your height, because it only concerns the upper body. Use a soft tape measure and ask for help so it follows your back straight down. Note it before choosing among the most popular styles for men.

Height does not tell everything

Two people of the same height can have very different proportions between legs and upper body. One has long legs and a short back, the other the reverse. So the same top can be too short on one and fit perfectly on the other. Back length is the right measurement, also when choosing a bamboo sweatshirt for women.

Compare with the chart

The size chart usually gives the length from neck to hem. Compare your own measurement with the chart, and remember that it measures the garment itself. If you want the top to reach a little below the waistband, its length should be slightly more than your measurement to the waistband. See the chart for the women's range.

Measure a top you like

If you have a top with exactly the length you want, lay it flat on a table and measure from the back neck seam down to the hem. That is often the most precise measurement, because it shows a length you already know you like. Compare it with the chart for the style you are considering.

When the top is too short

A top that is too short rides up when you reach forward or sit down. Bare back shows and you keep pulling it down. It is especially noticeable on sweatshirts, where the ribbed hem pulls the top towards the waist. With a long back, it is worth looking for styles with extra length.

When the top is too long

A top that is too long bunches over the hips and makes the upper body look shorter. It can also hang over your trouser pockets. A little extra length is rarely a problem, but if it reaches far below the hips, consider a different style or size.

Sleeve length does not always follow

A long back does not necessarily mean long arms. Sleeve length and back length are not always linked, so check both. If you have to choose, sleeves that are slightly too long are easier to live with, since they can be pushed up, than a top that does not reach the waistband.

How to check the length

Put the top on and reach your arms forward, as you would at a table. Sit down and lean forward. If your back stays covered and the hem stays over the waistband, the length is right. If it rides up, it is too short. It takes a moment but shows more than standing still.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure my back length

From the bone at the base of the neck straight down along the back to the point you want. It is easiest to have someone else hold the tape measure for you.

Can the length be changed

Shorter, yes, at a tailor, although a ribbed hem makes it more work. A top cannot be made longer, so choose slightly too long rather than too short.

Why is length more important than height

Because height includes the legs, and the legs play no part in the length of a top. Back length shows only what matters for how the top fits.