Shoulder width and fit

Short answer: Shoulder width is the measurement that decides whether a top looks right. It cannot be changed later, so choose the size by it, even if the rest of your body points to something else.

The seam tells you

The seam between sleeve and body should sit exactly on the edge of the shoulder, where the bone ends. If it sits wrong, the fabric hangs crooked however the rest fits. It is easy to see in a mirror and the first thing to check when you try a new top. See the fits in men's most popular.

Shoulder too wide

If the seam sits out on the arm, the sleeve falls wrong and the T-shirt looks too big. Fabric gathers under the arms and hangs loose over the chest. Taking in the sides will not fix it, because the problem is in the shoulder. Choose a smaller size in long sleeve styles.

Shoulder too narrow

If the seam sits in on the shoulder, the fabric pulls across the back when you reach forward. The sleeve rides up, and it feels as if the top is holding your arms back. That is uncomfortable over time. Only going up a size helps here. Go up in all men's clothing.

Why the shoulder cannot be altered

A tailor can take in the sides, shorten the sleeves and take up the hem. But the shoulder seam is tied to the sleeve, the collar and the back, and moving it means almost remaking the whole top. That is costly and rarely worth it on a T-shirt, so the shoulder has to fit from the start.

How to see it in the mirror

Stand straight in front of the mirror with your arms hanging down. Check whether the seam sits exactly where the shoulder ends and the arm begins. Turn to the side and see whether the fabric hangs straight. Then reach forward. If it pulls across the back, the shoulder is too narrow.

The shoulder and other measurements

Many people have a shoulder width that fits one size and a chest that fits another. In that case, choose by the shoulder, because the rest copes better with a little more or less room. A top that is slightly loose at the stomach rarely looks wrong, but a shoulder in the wrong place does.

How to measure shoulder width

Measure from shoulder edge to shoulder edge across the back, with the tape level. It is easiest with help, because you cannot see the tape yourself. You can also lay a top that fits you well flat and measure from seam to seam. Then compare with the size guide on the item.

When the shoulder fits

Once you find the size where the shoulder seam sits right, you have found your size in that cut. If the rest does not quite fit, it is often the cut that should change, not the size. A slimmer cut in the same size keeps the shoulder and takes fabric away at the waist.

Frequently asked questions

Can a tailor alter shoulder width

Technically yes, but it is costly and rarely worth doing on a T-shirt. It is better to choose a size where the shoulder fits from the start.

What if the shoulders fit but the rest is loose

Then the cut is wrong. Try a slim fit in the same size, so you keep the shoulder and get less fabric across the chest and waist.

How do I measure shoulder width

From shoulder edge to shoulder edge across the back with the tape level. Ask someone to help, since it is hard to see the tape on your own back.